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Understanding the difference between commonly confused words will help you avoid making errors in English usage. Let’s examine the difference between the following:
e.g.
The abbreviation e.g. is short for exempli gratia, which is Latin for “for the sake of an example,” or simply, “for example.” It should be followed by a partial or representative list illustrating what you’ve just referred to. A full list is not necessary, since you’re only giving a few examples. If you start a list with e.g., don’t end it with etc.
Tabitha enjoyed reading classic novels by British authors; e.g., Pride and Prejudice and Great Expectations.
i.e.
The abbreviation i.e. is short for id est, which is Latin for “that is,” or “in other words.” It’s used when adding extra information to help explain or clarify something, or to rephrase your point to be more specific.
Sylvia devoted part of her garden to growing brassicas; i.e., vegetables in the cabbage family.
☛ To help you differentiate the two, remember that e.g. starts with e for example and i.e. starts with i for in other words. Another handy mnemonic device is to think of e.g. as standing for example given, and i.e. for in essence. If you’re unsure which abbreviation to use, try mentally substituting “that is” or “for example” to help you choose the appropriate one.
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