The standard example abbreviation in English is e.g., which stands for the Latin phrase exempli gratia, meaning "for the sake of example" or simply "for example." Writers use it to bring in one or more samples from a larger group, as in "Pack light snacks (e.g., crackers or fruit)."
Two smaller short forms also show up. Teachers and editors sometimes write ex. for a single example in notes or worksheets, and British writing often drops the periods to give eg. In formal American text, e.g. with two periods is the safe choice.
Quick facts
Stands for
Exempli gratia (Latin), for exampleStandard form
e.g., lowercase with two periodsOther forms
ex. in notes, eg in British writingHow to say it
"E G" or just read it as "for example"Punctuation
A comma after it in American usageNot to be confused with
i.e., which means "that is"
What does e.g. stand for?
The letters come from two Latin words, and each period marks a word that was cut short.
| Letter | Latin word | Rough English |
|---|---|---|
| e. | exempli | of example |
| g. | gratia | for the sake of |
So whether you write it with periods or without, eg stands for the same idea, and the abbreviation literally means "for the sake of example." English kept the Latin letters even though most readers now think of it as a plain English tool. Because the letters stand for words rather than forming a new word, e.g. is an abbreviation, not an acronym. Our acronym vs abbreviation guide shows where the line between those labels falls.
Which example abbreviation should you use?
There are three choices, and each fits a different setting:
- e.g. is right for essays, reports, emails, manuals and most published writing in the United States.
- ex. works in quick notes, answer keys and labels such as "Ex. 3" on a math sheet, where it may also mean exercise. It is less formal and can be unclear.
- eg without periods is common in British and Australian style. Many American readers will still understand it, but US style guides prefer the periods.
If you are not sure, write out "for example." Full words are never wrong, and many editors prefer them in the main flow of a sentence, saving e.g. for parentheses and lists.
Punctuating e.g. in a sentence
American style puts a comma after e.g. and usually places the whole phrase inside parentheses or after a comma.
A school supply list: "Bring a few dry erase items (e.g., markers, an eraser, a small board)." The parents know these are samples and that other dry erase gear is fine too.
- Keep it lowercase, even at the start of a parenthesis.
- Do not start a sentence with e.g. Write "For example" instead.
- Skip "etc." at the end of an e.g. list. The abbreviation already tells the reader the list is not complete, so "etc." repeats the idea. See the abbreviation for etcetera for when that one belongs.
- If e.g. ends a sentence, the period of the abbreviation also ends the sentence. Do not add a second one.
e.g. vs i.e.: the mix up everyone makes
These two look alike and both sit inside parentheses, but they do different jobs. i.e. stands for id est, "that is," and it restates or narrows something to one exact meaning. e.g. offers samples and leaves the door open.
| Short form | Means | Sample sentence |
|---|---|---|
| e.g. | for example | "Wear bright colors (e.g., orange or yellow)." |
| i.e. | that is | "Meet at the usual spot (i.e., the north gate)." |
A memory trick many teachers use: e.g. sounds like "example given," and i.e. sounds like "in essence." Those phrases are not the real Latin, but they point you to the right choice.
Sentences that use the abbreviation for example
- "Choose a citrus fruit (e.g., lemon or lime) for the dressing."
- "Some jobs, e.g., nursing and trucking, have steady demand in most states."
- "Bring one form of photo ID (e.g., a driver's license)."
- "Use a strong password with mixed characters (e.g., numbers and symbols)."
- "Rainy day games, e.g., charades, need no supplies."
Notice that every list could go on. That open feeling is the clue that e.g. is the right pick.
Quick tips for forms and school work
On forms you will often see a sample answer marked with e.g., such as a field that reads "Phone (e.g., 555 0100)." It shows the pattern to follow, not a number to copy. In school writing, teachers may ask you to spell out "for example" in the body of an essay and keep the short form for notes. For more everyday short forms, browse the common abbreviations section.
Questions people ask
What does eg stand for?
It stands for exempli gratia, Latin for "for example." With periods (e.g.) it is the usual American spelling, and without periods (eg) it is common in British writing.
What is the abbreviation for for example in a resume or email?
Use e.g. followed by a comma, ideally inside parentheses. In a short email, writing "for example" in full reads just as well and avoids any doubt.
Is ex. a correct abbreviation of example?
It is accepted in informal notes, worksheets and labels. It is not the standard in formal writing, where e.g. or the full words are better.
Is e.g. an acronym?
No. It is an abbreviation of two Latin words, and people read it as separate letters or say "for example" aloud. Some people loosely call it an example acronym, but that label is not accurate.
Do you put a comma after e.g.?
In American usage, yes: "(e.g., apples)." British style often leaves the comma out. Whatever you choose, use it the same way throughout one document.