E.g. vs. I.e.

acronyms synonyms

I, myself, have always wondered what these two were short for. Well, now I wanna teach everything I learned myself to you.

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both of these are abbreviations. However, 'e.g.' is used to list examples, whereas, 'i.e.' is used when we want to say what we previously said in other words.

Differences

Basically, 'e.g.' is used when we want to provide examples. Check out the examples:

Some personality types, e.g., 'INFP' and 'INITP' are more emotional than others.

Books like '1948, e.g., 'Brave New World' and 'Homage to California' are also useful choices.

'I.e.' is used when we want to say what we just said in other words, usually in more simple terms. Look at the following examples:

Georgia told me she had bought something extraordinary, i.e., an expensive gown for herself.

The TV only shows what they, i.e., the government want us to know.

Similarities

They are similar in that they are both abbreviations. Look below:

Jonathan has not checked his social media, i.e., instagram for days.

Improper behavior, e.g., bullying, disrespect and lying will result in detention.

Are They Interchangeable?

Although they are both abbreviations, they cannot be used interchangeably because 'e.g.' lists examples whereas, 'i.e.' is used to say something in other words. Compare:

✓ Among the words you understand, e.g., 'liquor' is new.

X Among the words you understand, i.e., 'liquor' is new.