e.g. means “for example.” i.e. means “that is.” Use e.g. to offer a sample and i.e. to restate or specify what you mean. The abbreviations come from the Latin exempli gratia and id est, respectively.
One sentence, two meanings
“Bring a form of photo ID (e.g., a driver’s license or a passport).” The two documents are examples. Another qualifying photo ID could work.
“Bring a form of photo ID (i.e., a driver’s license or a passport).” For this instruction, the two documents are the full list of accepted options.
How to punctuate e.g. and i.e.
Read the sentence aloud with “for example” or “that is” before you choose an abbreviation. In MLA style, include the two periods and add a comma after the abbreviation. MLA generally uses the abbreviations in parentheses and spells out the phrases in running text. Follow your house style for punctuation and placement. See the MLA Style Center’s guidance.
Try it
Only Saturday and Sunday are allowed. Which abbreviation belongs here? “Book a weekend slot (___, Saturday or Sunday).”
Show the answer
Use i.e. The parenthesis names the full set of days available.
For other ways to punctuate examples in a sentence, see the guide to comma rules.
