e.g.,

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E.g., is the abbreviation for the Latin phrase exempli gratia, meaning "for the sake of example."

In formal legal writing, e.g. is a signal indicating that the following source represents one supporting example out of a number that could be given. According to the Bluebook, e.g., indicates two things:

  • First, it is followed by one or more sources that directly support the proposition, in this respect, e.g. functions like no signal
  • Second, e.g., indicates that the source is merely one of several that support this argument.
    • Note that e.g., should be followed by a comma, and that it can be preceded by other signals. 
    • Examples include: See, e.g., ____  and But see, e.g., ____.

In general writing, this signal can be used to give examples that illuminate or support the preceding statement.  In this type of writing, the examples given in support are more often generic words than specific sources.  Thus, someone selling clothes might write, "Winter clothes on sale (e.g., coats, gloves, hats).  Get them while they last!"

[Last updated in October of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]