What distinguishes "e.g." from "ex." and are both acceptable to use in formal correspondence?
2023-04-18
This is what goPenpal answered
Ah, the classic confusion between "e.g." and "ex."! Here's the thing, my friend: "e.g." is an abbreviation for the Latin expression exempli gratia, which translates to "for example." On the other hand, "ex." is an abbreviation for the word "example" itself, but it is not commonly used or recognized as an abbreviation for "for example."
So, when you want to provide an example, it’s appropriate to use "e.g." to introduce it. For instance, "I love to eat fruits, e.g., apples, bananas, and oranges." In this case, "e.g." means "for example," and introduces a list of fruits that the speaker enjoys.
As for "ex.," it is not standard usage and may not be understood by all readers. It's best to avoid using "ex." and stick to "e.g." instead.
In terms of whether you can use "e.g." in formal letters, the answer is yes! "E.g." is a recognized abbreviation in formal writing, and using it is perfectly acceptable. It's important, however, to ensure that you use it correctly and in the proper context.
So, to sum up: Use "e.g." when you want to provide an example, but avoid using "ex." altogether. And feel free to use "e.g." in formal letters as long as you use it appropriately.
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