i.e. vs e.g.: What Is the Difference?

e.g. means "for example" (Latin exempli gratia) and introduces one or more examples from a larger set. i.e. means "that is" (Latin id est) and restates or clarifies exactly what you mean.

Build your outline free Jump to FAQ

Updated 21 October 2026 · EssayWriting.com editorial team

Key takeaways

e.g. means for example; i.e. means that is.
APA and MLA use them inside parentheses only.
Both take two full stops; American styles add a comma after.

i.e. vs e.g.: the difference at a glance

Abbreviation	Latin	Means	Example
e.g.	exempli gratia	for example	Bring a citation manager (e.g., Zotero or Mendeley).
i.e.	id est	that is / in other words	Use the current edition (i.e., APA 7).

How to use e.g.

Use e.g. when the list is incomplete. Do not add etc. after it, because "for example" already signals that more exist.

Some citation styles (e.g., MLA) use author-page citations.
Use primary sources (e.g., letters, diaries, speeches).

How to use i.e.

Use i.e. when what follows is the only meaning or a precise restatement.

Submit by the deadline (i.e., 5 p.m. Friday).
The sample was small (i.e., 12 participants).

How to remember the difference

e.g. = example given. i.e. = in essence (or "in other words").

Tricky cases and exceptions

Punctuation. American style guides, including APA and Chicago, put a comma after both: "e.g.," and "i.e.,". British usage often omits the comma. Always include both full stops.

APA rule. APA 7 uses e.g. and i.e. only inside parentheses; in running text, write "for example" and "that is".

MLA also prefers the abbreviations inside parentheses and the English phrases in prose.

Not italicised. Although Latin, these abbreviations are so common that they are written in roman type.

i.e. vs e.g. in academic writing

In essays, both abbreviations belong mostly in parentheses. In the main text, "for example" and "that is" read more smoothly. Never write "e.g." when you mean the only case, a common error that changes meaning: "use a peer-reviewed source (e.g., a journal article)" allows other peer-reviewed types; "(i.e., a journal article)" says only journal articles count.

Practice quiz

Choose the correct option, then open each answer to check your reasoning.

1. Use a reputable database (___ JSTOR or PubMed). (e.g. / i.e.)

e.g.: examples from a larger set.

2. The capital of France (___ Paris) hosted the summit. (e.g. / i.e.)

i.e.: the only one.

3. Bring fruit (___ apples, bananas). (e.g. / i.e.)

e.g.: examples.

4. Write in the third person (___ avoid I and you). (e.g. / i.e.)

i.e.: a restatement.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a comma after e.g.?

In American style (APA, Chicago), yes: e.g., In British usage the comma is often omitted.

Should I use e.g. in an essay?

Inside parentheses, yes. In running text, many styles prefer "for example".

Do I need etc. after e.g.?

No.

Helpful tools for this task

Independent picks chosen for usefulness. Links open in a new tab.

Want feedback on your draft? Talk to a tutor.