Common Latin Abbreviations Used in English (with Clear Examples)

Latin abbreviations used in English appear in emails, academic writing, exams, and everyday texts. Expressions such as e.g., i.e., etc., and et al. are extremely common, yet many learners are unsure how to use them correctly. In this guide, you will learn the meaning, differences, and proper usage of the most common Latin abbreviations in modern English.

Let’s take a closer look.

e.g. (exempli gratia)

Meaning: For example.

We use e.g. when we want to give one or more specific examples of something.

It introduces examples, not a full explanation.

Examples:

• I feel like eating something sweet, e.g. ice cream or chocolate cake.
• You should try relaxing activities, e.g. yoga or meditation.
• Some European cities, e.g. Paris and Rome, attract millions of tourists every year.

Tip: After e.g., we usually add a comma in British English.

i.e. (id est)

Meaning: That is or in other words.

We use i.e. when we want to clarify, restate, or explain something more precisely.

Unlike e.g., which gives examples, i.e. gives a more exact explanation.

Examples:

• Schools usually close in the summertime, i.e. in July and August.
• He works full-time, i.e. 40 hours a week.
• The meeting has been postponed indefinitely, i.e. no new date has been set.

Think of it this way:

• e.g. = for example
• i.e. = in other words

P.S. (post scriptum)

Meaning: Written after.

P.S. appears at the end of a letter or email when you want to add something extra after your signature.

It’s still commonly used in both informal and semi-formal writing.

Examples:

• P.S. Best wishes to your family.
• P.S. Don’t forget to bring the documents tomorrow.
• P.S. I loved your presentation!

Interestingly, “post scriptum” literally means “written after.”

vs. (versus)

Meaning: Against.

1. is used to show opposition, contrast, or competition between two things.

You’ll often see it in sports, legal cases, debates, and comparisons.

Examples:

• The New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls
• Online learning vs. traditional classroom teaching
• Nature vs. nurture

In British English, you may see both vs. and vs (without a full stop).

cf. (confer)

Meaning: Compare or refer to.

You will mostly find cf. in academic writing, textbooks, and research articles. It directs the reader to compare something with another source.

Examples:

• Summer is ideal for outdoor activities (cf. Smith, 2020).
• The results were unexpected (cf. earlier research on the topic).

This abbreviation is rarely used in everyday conversation — it belongs mainly to formal or academic writing.

etc. (et cetera)

Meaning: And other things.

We use etc. at the end of a list to show that there are more items that are not mentioned.

Examples:

• We saw birds, insects, snails, etc. in the garden.
• Please bring pens, paper, notebooks, etc.

Important rules:

• Don’t use etc. after “for example” or “such as.”
• Don’t use it in formal academic writing unless absolutely necessary.
• Avoid writing “and etc.” (this is incorrect — etc. already means “and the rest”).

et al. (et alia)

Meaning: And others.

This abbreviation is used in academic and professional writing when there are multiple authors.

Instead of listing many names, we use et al. after the first name.

Examples:

• The method was described by Johnson et al.
• According to Brown et al. (2019), the results were significant.

Notice that there is usually a full stop after al. because it is an abbreviation.

N.B. (nota bene)

Meaning: Note well (pay special attention).

Example: N.B. Students must submit the form by Friday.

a.m. / p.m. (ante meridiem / post meridiem)

Meaning: Before noon / After noon.

Example: The meeting starts at 9 a.m.

per se

Meaning: In itself.

Example: The idea isn’t wrong per se, but it needs improvement.

Common Mistakes Learners Make

• ❌ Confusing e.g. and i.e.
• ❌ Writing “and etc.”
• ❌ Overusing etc. in formal essays
• ❌ Forgetting punctuation after abbreviations

Understanding the difference between these small expressions can make your writing clearer, more precise, and more professional — especially in exam tasks like essays, reports, and academic writing.

Final Thoughts

Latin abbreviations may look formal or old-fashioned, but they are still very much alive in modern English. You’ll see them in emails, textbooks, research papers, newspapers, and even text messages.

If you’re preparing for B2 First or C1 Advanced, knowing how to use abbreviations like e.g., i.e., and etc. correctly can make your writing more accurate and natural.

Small details often make a big difference.

And now that you understand them better, you’ll start noticing them everywhere.

FAQ 

What is the difference between e.g. and i.e.?
e.g. introduces examples, while i.e. introduces clarification.

What does etc. mean?
It means “and other things” and is used at the end of a list.

Is et al. formal?
Yes, it is mainly used in academic and research writing.

Related posts:

How to Write an Essay for B2 First

Writing a B2 First Discussion Essay

How to Write an Essay for C1 Advanced

100 Formal and Informal Pairs

Collocations for C1 Advanced

Linking Words and Phrases

Common Mistakes to Avoid at B2 First

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