Why Do We Write “e.g.” Instead of “ex.”? And What Does “i.e.” Really Mean?

 If you've ever wondered why “example” is shortened as e.g. instead of ex. or found yourself unsure what i.e. even stands for — you're not alone. These Latin abbreviations are still commonly used in English writing, and understanding them can sharpen your grammar and clarity. --- Why Is “Example” Written as e.g. Instead of ex.? At first glance, it makes sense to think that “example” would be abbreviated as ex. But that’s actually not where e.g. comes from. The abbreviation e.g. stands for the Latin phrase exempli gratia, which means “for the sake of example.” Here’s the breakdown: Exempli = of an example Gratia = for the sake of So when you write e.g., you’re literally saying, “ for the sake of example ,” not just “ example .” That’s why e.g. is the correct and traditional abbreviation in formal writing — not ex. > Example: I enjoy tropical fruits, e.g., mangoes, pineapples, and papayas. (These are a few examples, not a complete list.) Also, ex. is commonly used for other th...