E.G. and I.E. Abbreviations: What’s the Difference?


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In written English articles, books, internet posts, etc. you will quite often see two abbreviations, E.G. and I.E. The meanings and use of these initialisms are often confused by both native and non-native speakers alike. What does it mean when these initials are used?

Both E.G. and I.E. are abbreviations of Latin terms borrowed into English without being changed:

E.G. stands for exempli gratia.

I.E. stands for id est.

Meaning of E.G. in English

E.G. or exempli gratia means ‘for the sake of example.’ We can think of it as meaning simply ‘for example.’

We use e.g. to introduce one or more examples.

By using e.g. we are making it clear that we are only naming a few possible examples among many.

Many sports-related idioms in English, e.g. on the ball and right off the bat, have to do with baseball.

Meaning of I.E.

I.E. is often used when e.g. would be appropriate but it is not about examples. I.E. or id est means in English ‘that is to say.’

That is to say means something like ‘in other words.’ When we say this in English, we wish to clarify what was just said in order to be more clear.

Idioms, i.e., metaphorical and figurative expressions, are abundant in all languages and understanding them is essential to comprehension.

What you may notice is that their purpose is almost opposite. E.g. stands to open up more options while i.e. narrows things down to one.

Using E.G. and I.E.

It is always recommended to use periods in these abbreviations. As well, pretty much all English writing style guides recommend inserting a comma after the abbreviation and before the additional text. If you feel the need, you can set off this part of the sentence in parenthesis.

Any form of exercise (e.g., walking, jogging, riding a bike) is helpful and beneficial to your health.

Unless you are writing something formal you do not always need to use these abbreviations.

It is always perfectly fine to write out ‘for example’ or ‘that is.’

Examples of E.G. and I.E. in Sentences

“I found a show I want to watch on Netflix, i.e., Dark, but I’ll have to wait until the weekend so I can binge it.

“I found some shows I’d like to watch on Netflix, e.g., Dark, Stranger Things, and Lost in Space, but I’ll have to wait until the weekend so I can binge them.”

“I only really enjoy watching one sport in the Summer Olympics, i.e., gymnastics.”

“I enjoy watching the Summer Olympics, i.e., gymnastics, track and field, swimming, but I don’t really watch the Winter Olympics.”

Test Yourself! Is the Sentence Correct?

1. “During the pandemic, avoid exercising in confined spaces with other people (e.g., indoors).”

2. “I am not a fan of fast food, e.g., McDonalds and Wendy’s, and I prefer to cook my own meals.”

3. “I like a pizza with all meat toppings, i.e. pepperoni.”

4. “Hawaiian pizza, i.e. pineapples and ham, is not my favorite by a long shot.”

Sentence one is incorrect, it should be i.e.

Sentence two is correct and e.g. is used appropriately.

Sentence three is incorrect.

Sentence four is correct.

More Vocabulary

More Abbreviations