e.g
Definition
Adverb (abbreviation for the Latin phrase exempli gratia, meaning "for the sake of example"): - For example: Used to introduce one or more examples that illustrate a point or statement made previously.
Usage Examples
- (The examples of oranges, strawberries, and kiwis illustrate the category of fruits.)
- (The list provides specific examples of what to bring.)
Advanced Usage
- Punctuation and style: In formal writing, "e.g." is typically followed by a comma and should not be used to introduce a complete list of all possibilities, but rather a few representative examples.
- The course covers several languages, e.g., French, Spanish, and German. (Correct: only a few examples are given.)
- The course covers three languages, i.e., French, Spanish, and German. (Incorrect use of "e.g."; "i.e." (id est, "that is") would be correct here because the full list is given.)
Variants and Related Words
- exempli gratia (Latin phrase): The full form from which "e.g." is derived.
- The abbreviation "e.g." comes from the Latin "exempli gratia".
Synonyms
- For example: A common English phrase used in the same way.
- Many animals hibernate, for example, bears and groundhogs.
- For instance: Another synonymous phrase.
- Some inventions changed history, for instance, the printing press.
Related Idioms
- To give an example: An idiomatic phrase used to introduce an illustration.
- Let me give an example: e.g., the use of solar panels reduces energy costs.