Written English uses a number of abbreviations – that is, shortened versions of words or phrases. These are very useful to know and understand, but are often confused or used incorrectly. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common ones:
“e.g. ” is used to introduce examples.
“Scotland has several mountain ranges, e.g. the Trossachs and Cairngorms.”
“e.g." can be replaced with “for example ” or “such as ”.
So another way to say this would be
“Scotland has several mountain ranges, for example the Trossachs and Cairngorms.”
“e.g.” should not be used to introduce an all-inclusive list, since this would not be a list of examples!
“i.e.” means “that is” and is used to introduce explanations.
“She spends a lot of time in her favourite place, i.e. the cinema.”
“i.e.” should not be used to mean “for example”, or to mean “because”.
“etc.” means “and other things”, or “and so on”.
“Several beverages – cola, coffee, tea etc. – contain caffeine.”
Another way to say this would be “Several beverages – cola, coffee, tea and so on – contain caffeine.”
“c.” or “ca.” stands for “circa” and means “around” or “roughly”.
“The book was written c. 600 years ago.”
Another way to say this would be
“The book was written around 600 years ago.” Or “The book was written roughly 600 years ago.”
Depending on what you’re writing, it’s sometimes better to avoid these abbreviations altogether. They’re fine in an informal email, but should be avoided in journalistic writing and love letters.