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e.g./i.e. |
When you mean “for example,” use e.g. It is an abbreviation for the
Latin phrase exempli gratia. When you mean “that is,” use “i.e.” It is
an abbreviation for the Latin phrase id est. Either can be used to
clarify a preceding statement, the first by example, the second by
restating the idea more clearly or expanding upon it. Because these uses
are so similar, the two abbreviations are easily confused. If you just
stick with good old English “for example” and “that is” you won’t give
anyone a chance to sneer at you. If you insist on using the
abbreviation, perhaps “example given” will remind you to use “e.g.,”
while “in effect” suggests “i.e.”
Since e.g. indicates a partial list, it is redundant to add “etc.” at the end of a list introduced by this abbreviation.
