What’s the Difference between E.G. vs I.E.?
I.E. vs E.G.
E.g. is used to give one or more possible examples. It’s a signal that you’re seeing one or a few of multiple possibilities.
I.e., on the other hand, clarifies; you are providing more precise information.
Using I.E.
I.e.’s Latin origin is the phrase id est, which translates to English as “that is to say” or “in other words.”
Remember that i.e. means “that is” or “in essence” or “in other words,” so, when we use it, we are going further in depth on something that was previously mentioned. We are elaborating on a topic.
Examples:
- The hotel is closed during low season, i.e. from October to March.
- The film is only open to adults, i.e. people over 18.
- The width of the comfort zone can then be taken as 4 degrees, i.e., from-2 to.
- Please inform us of your travel plans, i.e. arrival time, carrier, etc.
- He possesses one form of statutory control, i.e. unreasonableness.
Using E.G.
E.g. is short for exempli gratia, a Latin phrase that means “for the sake of example.”
E.g. means “for example,” so, when we use this, we are introducing specific examples to our sentence.
Examples:
- The names of political parties are always capitalized, e.g. the Green Party
- Vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, radishes) are good for you.
- Does the patient receive any services, e.g. district nurse; home help.
- They keep animals, e.g. goats and cattle.
- I like citrus fruits (e.g., oranges, lemons, grapefruits).
Note:
- Put periods after each letter to indicate that they are abbreviations.
- Place a comma after the abbreviation.
- Do not italicize the abbreviations.
- Keep your formatting in mind for your audience.
