E.g. is short for the Latin exempli gratia and means “for example”. It goes before one or more examples: citrus fruits, e.g. lemons and limes. Out loud, people say for example or read out the letters: “ee-jee”. E.g. already signals that only part of a list is given, so etc. is not usually added at the end. In an IELTS essay, it's better to write it out in full: for example or such as.
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noun, e.g. + example(s); (e.g. + example, example); BrE: eg; essays: for example / such as
- Bring something to eat on the coach, e.g. sandwiches or fruit.
- Some jobs (e.g. nursing and teaching) are hard to do from home.
- Avoid heavy topics at the first meeting, e.g. politics or salaries.
What changed
First versionBring something warm, f.e. a jumper or a light jacket.
RevisionBring something warm, e.g. a jumper or a light jacket.
It's tempting to shorten for example by taking the first letter of each word, which gives f.e. But English has no such abbreviation, and a native speaker may not understand it. Examples are introduced with e.g., so that's what went in.
I.e. means “that is”: it doesn't give an example but says the same thing more precisely. Bring a hot drink, e.g. tea: any hot drink will do. Meet me at the main entrance, i.e. the one facing the park: only one entrance is meant. In British texts, e.g. is often written without full stops: eg.
Your turn
Many European capitals, ___ Paris and Rome, are crowded with tourists in summer.
Show the answer
e.g. — There are many European capitals, and Paris and Rome are just two examples of them. Examples are introduced with e.g. With i.e. (“that is”), it would sound as if the many capitals were exactly Paris and Rome.
Write a message to colleagues about a picnic or office party: say what to bring and give two examples with e.g.
For Friday's picnic, please bring something to share, e.g. homemade cake or a salad.
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