Meaning and usage guide
e.g. vs i.e.
Meaning, usage, and examples
E.g. means “for example” and introduces one or more possibilities. I.e. means “that is” and restates or clarifies the exact meaning.
How to choose
Ask whether you are sampling or restating
The abbreviations are not interchangeable: one opens a set of examples, while the other narrows the statement to its precise meaning.
E.g. = for example
Use e.g. before representative examples when other possibilities could also fit.
Bring a warm layer, e.g., a sweater or jacket.
I.e. = that is
Use i.e. to rename, define, or make the preceding idea more exact.
Meet at the main entrance, i.e., the doors beside reception.
Punctuation and speech
Many US styles place a comma after the abbreviation. When reading aloud, say the English phrase for clarity.
Read “e.g.” as “for example” and “i.e.” as “that is.”
Direct answer
What is the difference?
Use e.g. when the items that follow are examples rather than a complete list. Use i.e. when the words that follow identify, define, or restate exactly what came before. In speech, readers commonly say “for example” and “that is”; spelling out the English meaning is usually clearer than saying the letter names.
Optional listening · American English
Hear every term
Each term has female and male playback at natural speed. Listen without looking, then compare the recordings with the IPA.
Word 1
e.g.
Latin abbreviation
For example; from Latin exempli gratia.
US pronunciation
/ˌiːˈdʒiː/
UK IPA
/ˌiːˈdʒiː/
Hear two natural voices
Word 2
i.e.
Latin abbreviation
That is; from Latin id est.
US pronunciation
/ˌaɪˈiː/
UK IPA
/ˌaɪˈiː/
Hear two natural voices
Listen in context
6 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
e.g.
- Choose a citrus fruit, e.g., an orange or lemon.
- Some devices, e.g., phones and tablets, need an adapter.
- Use a secure channel, e.g., the encrypted support portal.
Examples with
i.e.
- The deadline is tomorrow, i.e., Friday at five.
- Use the primary account, i.e., the one marked as default.
- Only one route is open, i.e., the road through the valley.
Related search questions
Common follow-up questions
- How do you pronounce e.g. and i.e.?
- You can say the letter names “E G” and “I E,” but in a sentence it is often clearer to read them as “for example” and “that is.”