For Example Abbreviation (e.g.) | Usage & Examples

For example is a common phrase used to indicate an example or illustration to support a statement. In writing, it is often abbreviated as e.g. and used to introduce an example or series of examples.

This Latin abbreviation stands for ‘exempli gratia’, which translates to ‘for the sake of example’. The abbreviation should be written with lowercase letters, with a period after each letter, and followed by a comma.

For example abbreviation in a sentence
The use of informal language should be avoided in academic texts (e.g., theses, research papers, and essays).

I enjoy many outdoor activities, e.g., hiking, camping, and fishing.

During the experiment, participants weren’t allowed to use gadgets (e.g., smartphones, laptops, or smartwatches).

Note
E.g. is often used in parentheses. In academic writing, we recommend using it only in parentheses and writing out ‘for example’ in full in the main part of a sentence. Overuse of abbreviations, although it saves space, can make your sentences look messy.

E.g. vs i.e.

‘E.g.’ and ‘i.e.’ are sometimes confused, but they have different meanings and shouldn’t be used interchangeably:

  • E.g. stands for ‘exempli gratia’, meaning ‘for example’, and is used to provide specific examples that fall under a more general category.
  • I.e. stands for ‘id est’, meaning ‘that is’, and is used to clarify or rephrase a statement to make it more precise or specific.
Example: E.g. vs i.e.
The company provides a number of benefits (e.g., yearly bonuses and generous sick pay) that make it an attractive place to work.

Please contact us during normal working hours (i.e., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on a weekday).

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Frequently asked questions

What is the latin abbreviation for “for example”?

The latin abbreviation for “for example” is e.g., which stands for “exempli gratia.” This translates to “for the sake of example.”

It is used to introduce an example or a list of examples, as in the following sentence: “Many interesting species of animals (e.g., koalas, emus, and kangaroos) are native to Australia.”

Is “ex” the abbreviation for “for example”?

The correct abbreviation for “for example” is e.g., not “ex.” “Ex” is sometimes used in informal language, but it’s best to avoid it, since this abbreviation can be confused with other uses of “ex,” such as its use to mean “former” in a term like “ex-boyfriend.”

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Merkus, J. (2023, March 13). For Example Abbreviation (e.g.) | Usage & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 8 October 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/definition/abbreviation-for-example/

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Julia Merkus

Julia has a bachelor in Dutch language and culture and two masters in Linguistics and Language and speech pathology. After a few years as an editor, researcher, and teacher, she now writes articles about her specialist topics: grammar, linguistics, methodology, and statistics.