"eg" or "ie"?

"Eg" means "for example" (from the Latin exempli gratia ).

). "Ie" means "in other words" or "that is" (from the Latin id est).





Got it? Take a quick test. Got it? Take a quick test.

More about "eg" and "ie"

Infographic explaining "eg" and "ie"







eg

Example Sentences with "eg"

You can choose any of the first three letters of the alphabet (eg, B).

(Remember that "eg" just gives an example.) The buffet provided excellent variety, eg, vegetarian and non-vegetarian soups, Italian and French breads, and numerous sweets.

He was the school champion of many activities (eg, chess, badminton, 110m hurdles, and high jump).

i.e.

Example Sentences with "ie"

You can choose any of the first three letters of the alphabet (ie, A, B, or C).

(Remember that "ie" restates the information. It doesn't offer an example.) It happened in August, i.e., two months ago.

It happened in August, e.g., two months ago.

(Remember that "eg" means for example.) Service charge is included in all prices; ie, you don't have to leave a tip.

Getting Them Wrong

All amphibians are thriving in the new pond; eg, the two bullfrogs were being very active yesterday.

(This sentence is fine grammatically. From it, we infer that there are more amphibians than two bullfrogs in the pond.) All amphibians are thriving in the new pond; ie, the two bullfrogs were being very active yesterday. (This sentence is fine grammatically. We infer that the only amphibians in the pond are the two bullfrogs.)

Remembering "eg" and "ie"

eg = "example given"

ie = "in effect"

Formatting "eg" and "ie"

He directs a variety of genres, eg, crime, disaster, drama, fantasy. (Note: If you use a comma before, then the text that follows should not be a standalone sentence. If it is a standalone sentence, you will have created a run-on error. You can avoid this by using a semicolon or starting a new sentence.)

He directs a variety of genres; eg, he directs crime, disaster, drama, and fantasy. (Note: A semicolon is appropriate when the text that follows is a standalone sentence.)

He directs a variety of genres (eg, crime, disaster, drama, fantasy).

He directs a variety of genres. Eg, he directs crime, disaster, drama and fantasy.

The Comma after "eg" and "ie".

e.g./i.e. or eg/ie?

Don't use "etc." after "eg"

Mark needs gloves to handle live fishing bait (eg, rag worm, lug worm, crab, etc. ). (The use of "eg" is correct, but the use of "etc." is unnecessary.)

A Video Summary

What is the difference between "eg" and "ie"?If you're unsure whether to use "eg" or "ie," use "for example" (to test for "eg") or "in other words" (to test for "ie"), and you will naturally choose the right one. Remember that "eg" just gives an example or some examples, but "ie" restates the point or spells out the whole list (not just an example).The abbreviations "eg" (often written "e.g.") comes from the Latin) and "ie" (often written "i.e.") comes from the Latin. Confusion arises between these words because they are both used to clarify something previously mentioned in a sentence. However, they are not the same.Here is an infographic explaining "eg" and "ie":The abbreviation "eg" is used to provide an example.The abbreviation "ie" is used to restate an idea more clearly or offer more information. (It can usually be substituted with.)If you confuse "eg" and "ie," your sentence will still likely be grammatically correct. However, getting them wrong will change the meaning of your sentence. For example:This may assist in remembering:There is a wide range of acceptable formats with "eg" and "ie"In the US, it is usual to follow "eg" or "ie" with a comma. It is less common in the UK. There is leniency in all conventions. The golden rule isIt is usual to see periods (full stops) with "eg" and "ie." However, you can write them without (as we have done on this page). The golden rule isIt is inappropriate to use "etc." after "eg" since it is understood that you are only offering a partial list by way of example. For example:Here is a short video summarizing the difference between "ie" and "e.g."

Interactive Exercise Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students. Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students.



