Often in writing, you will see these words and phrases either before or after a list of items.
for example
such as
like
e.g.
i.e.
etc.
So what is the difference?
The first four (for example, such as, like, and e.g.) are used to give examples.
For example: used for expressing ONE of the people, place, or thing.
My students are very talented. Will, for example, plays 3 instruments.
My students are very talented. For example, Will plays 3 instruments.
Such as / like: used for expressing MORE THAN one example, but not a complete list
Many animals, such as cats, sheep or cows, live on the farm.
Many animals, like cats, sheep or cows, live on the farm.
e.g. is used for expressing 1, 2, or more examples
I love all kinds of sports, e.g., basketball, volleyball, and soccer.
My colleagues are all from different countries, e.g., America, Singapore, and Japan.
e.g. VS i.e.
i.e. means "in other words" or "that is". It is used to clarify something and to provide more specific information.
I do not like eating raw fish, i.e., sushi. (i.e. = that is)
I am a vegetarian, i.e., I do not eat any meat. (i.e. = in other words)
e.g. opens up more options; i.e. narrows them down
Every evening, I'll head over to the downtown area, i.e., East district.
Every evening, I'll head over to the downtown area, e.g., East district or Xinyi district.
etc. means "and so on". It is used when making a list that is incomplete and showing there are other items on the list not mentioned; added at the end of the sentence.
I can bake cupcakes, cookies, etc.
Common mistake: Don't use it with "such as / like / e.g. " because such as implies that you are not talking about a complete list
(O) The accident happened in July, i.e., four months ago.
(X) The accident happened in July, e.g., four months ago.
(O) I love sports, e.g., basketball, baseball and tennis.
(X) I love sports, i.e., basketball, baseball and tennis.
(X) Bring items such as soda, chips, ice cream, etc. to the sleepover.
(X) Bring items e.g. soda, chips, ice cream, etc. to the sleepover.
(O) Bring items such as soda, chips, and ice cream to the sleepover.
(O) Bring soda, chips, ice cream, etc. to the sleepover.
Practice question:
1. Not all mammals live on land, _________, some mammals live in the water. A. such as B. like C. e.g. D. i.e. E. for example . 2. Not all mammals live on land, some mammals, _______ dolphins and whales, live in the water. A. such as B. like C. e.g. D. i.e. E. for example ↘ Did you get the answers right? Comment below!↙
E
D