When and How to Use I.e. Versus E.g.?

One of the most common questions we receive from clients is: "Are the abbreviations i.e. and e.g. interchangeable?" 

They are not. Each has a specific meaning and use.

This brief article explains how to decide which abbreviation to use, and how to use both correctly. This may seem like a minor topic, but being able to distinguish between i.e. and e.g. demonstrates a high level of professional polish in your writing.

Meanings of i.e. and e.g.

There are standard abbreviations to use when writing a business document (e.g., an email, memo, or text message) and you need to add clarifying information (i.e., grammar rules and tips):

• i.e. is the customary abbreviation for "that is." It is derived from the Latin term "id est."
• e.g. is the customary abbreviation for "for example." It is derived from the Latin phrase "exempli gratia."

So I don't have to worry about remembering the Latin derivations, I simply remember that example and e.g. both start with the letter e. E=example=e.g. Therefore, examples use e.g. while clarifications use i.e..

What is the Difference Between e.g. vs i.e?

Think of it this way: the difference between e.g. and i.e. is that one provides examples related to the previous statement (e.g.), while the other further explains the previous statement (i.e.).

Here is the same base scenario using both abbreviations:

1. Our team should focus on improving key operational metrics, e.g., turnaround time, customer satisfaction, and error rates.
2. Our team should focus on improving our core operational metric, i.e., the measure that reflects overall process efficiency.

Do you see the difference between these two examples? The words following i.e. and e.g. relate to and clarify the previous part of the sentence, but in different ways.

e.g. in an example sentence

If you are looking to learn about other important business grammar topics, review our Proofreading and/or Grammar Workshops.

e.g. vs i.e FAQs

1. What does i.e. mean in writing?

i.e. is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase id est, meaning “that is” or “in other words.” It’s used to clarify, restate, or define something more precisely.

2. How do you use i.e. and e.g.?

i.e. is used to clarify or restate a point: “that is,” “in other words.”
e.g. is used to give examples: “for example.”
They are not interchangeable.

3. Is it okay to use e.g. in formal writing?

Yes. Using e.g. is perfectly acceptable in formal and professional writing, as long as it’s used correctly and sparingly. In very formal contexts, writers sometimes substitute with “for example.”

4. What is the grammar rule for i.e.?

i.e. should be followed by a clarification or a more precise explanation of the preceding phrase. It should not introduce examples. In American English, it is often followed by a comma (i.e., like this), while in British English the comma is optional.

5. Is using “i.e.” considered pretentious?

Generally no. i.e. is widely understood in business, academic, and professional writing. It only appears pretentious if overused or used incorrectly; moderation and clarity keep it appropriate.

6. Is it professional to use e.g.?

Yes. e.g. is standard in professional communication. As with i.e., use it correctly and in moderation. If the audience is unfamiliar with these abbreviations, spelling out “for example” may improve readability.