Introduction
English grammar and punctuation can be tricky, and one of the most common questions writers ask is whether to put a comma after “e.g.” The phrase “e.g.” is a Latin abbreviation meaning exempli gratia, which translates to “for example.” While it is widely used in academic, professional, and casual writing, there is often confusion about the correct punctuation that follows it.
This article will clarify whether a comma should be placed after “e.g.” and provide alternative ways to express the same idea in different contexts. We will also include examples and 10 texting-friendly alternatives to “e.g.” for quick and clear communication.
Should You Put a Comma After “e.g.”?
The short answer is yes—you should place a comma after “e.g.” in American English. However, the rules may vary depending on the style guide you follow.
American English (APA, MLA, Chicago Style)
Most American style guides, including The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), the Modern Language Association (MLA), and the American Psychological Association (APA), recommend placing a comma after “e.g.” The reason is that “e.g.” functions as an introductory phrase, just like “for example” does.
Example (Correct Usage in American English):
✔️ I love tropical fruits (e.g., mangoes, pineapples, and papayas).
British English (Oxford Style Guide, The Guardian Style Guide)
In British English, it is more common to omit the comma after “e.g.” Some British style guides do not require the comma, though it is still considered acceptable.
Example (Correct Usage in British English):
✔️ I love tropical fruits (e.g. mangoes, pineapples, and papayas).
Why Do Some People Leave Out the Comma?
The confusion often arises because some people consider “e.g.” to be a single unit, like a word rather than an abbreviation. However, since “e.g.” is a stand-in for “for example,” placing a comma after it helps mimic natural speech patterns.
Comparing with “i.e.”
Another common Latin abbreviation, “i.e.” (id est or “that is”), follows the same comma rule in American English.
✔️ The event is scheduled for the summer (i.e., June or July).
✔️ The event is scheduled for the summer (i.e. June or July). (British English – comma optional)
Both “e.g.” and “i.e.” introduce additional information, so using a comma helps clarify their role in a sentence.
Common Alternatives to “e.g.” in Writing
If you want to avoid using “e.g.” in your writing, there are plenty of alternatives that can make your text more readable and natural. Here are some formal, semi-formal, and casual alternatives:
1. “For example” (Formal & Professional)
✔️ You should eat more nutritious foods, for example, leafy greens and whole grains.
2. “Such as” (Neutral & Professional)
✔️ Certain vegetables, such as carrots and spinach, are high in vitamins.
3. “Like” (Casual & Conversational)
✔️ I enjoy desserts like ice cream and brownies.
4. “Namely” (Formal & Specific)
✔️ The company will focus on three markets, namely North America, Europe, and Asia.
5. “Including” (Neutral & Common)
✔️ Many students struggle with subjects including math, science, and history.
6. “To illustrate” (Academic & Explanatory)
✔️ The ecosystem is complex. To illustrate, consider the balance between predators and prey.
7. “As an example” (Polite & Professional)
✔️ Digital marketing is essential. As an example, social media campaigns boost engagement.
8. “By way of example” (Very Formal)
✔️ Various strategies exist to improve efficiency, by way of example, automation and AI tools.
9. “Consider” (Direct & Academic)
✔️ Some cities have severe pollution issues. Consider Beijing and New Delhi.
10. “Case in point” (Conversational & Assertive)
✔️ Many artists struggle financially. Case in point: Vincent van Gogh.
10 Texting Alternatives for “e.g.”
Texting and informal messaging often require shorter phrases to keep conversations clear and concise. Here are 10 user-friendly texting alternatives to “e.g.”:
- “Ex.” – Quick and easy (e.g., becomes Ex.: Pizza, burgers, tacos)
- “For ex.” – A slight variation of “ex.”
- “Eg.” – A simplified, casual version of “e.g.”
- “Such as” – Works naturally in a sentence (e.g., I love movies such as comedies and thrillers.)
- “Like” – Short and casual (e.g., I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking.)
- “Say” – More conversational (e.g., Try something new, say, a different hairstyle.)
- “Think” – Used to introduce an example (e.g., We need a new approach—think remote work options.)
- “For instance” – A little longer but still easy to understand.
- “Incl.” – Abbreviation for “including” (e.g., We have snacks incl. chips and popcorn.)
- “To name a few” – More natural and friendly (e.g., I love different types of music, to name a few: jazz, rock, and blues.)
When to Use “e.g.” vs. Alternatives?
Choosing between “e.g.” and its alternatives depends on the tone and formality of your writing.
- Use “e.g.” in academic, technical, or professional writing when conciseness matters.
- Use “for example” in formal writing where clarity is needed.
- Use “like” or “such as” in casual conversations and social media.
- Use “including” when listing specific items without implying exclusivity.
Example Sentences for Different Contexts
✔️ Formal: You need more fiber in your diet, for example, whole grains and legumes.
✔️ Semi-formal: Consider changing your workout routine, such as adding more cardio.
✔️ Casual: I love action movies like Die Hard and The Dark Knight.
✔️ Academic: Various solutions exist for climate change, to illustrate, renewable energy sources.
✔️ Texting: Let’s grab some food—ex. sushi or burgers?
Final Thoughts
While using “e.g.” correctly is important for formal writing, there are many ways to express the same idea. In American English, a comma should follow “e.g.,” but British English does not require it. Depending on the context, alternatives like “for example,” “such as,” and “like” may be more suitable.
For texting or informal communication, shorter options like “ex.” or “like” work well. The key is to choose the right phrase based on your audience and the formality of your writing.
