It is known that Latin expressions are widely used in legal texts, and in most cases they are left untranslated, i.e., as originally worded in Latin. Some of these expressions include, e.g., a posteriori (from the latter), ab initio (from the beginning), ad hoc (to this), among others. A comprehensive list of Latin phrases including the English translation thereof may be handy for those who are not familiar with Latin expressions and their meanings.

The two Latin abbreviations in bold in the preceding paragraph are not an exception. They appear in almost all legal documents. Both are originated from Latin, but have different meanings, and must NOT be confused. While e.g. means “for example” (from the Latin expression exempli gratia), the abbreviation i.e. means “that is” (from the Latin expression id est).

  • The abbreviation “e.g.” must be used to list a few examples of one thing mentioned: I have the documents, e.g., powers of attorney, affidavits, and assignments, that you requested . A list started with e.g. should not be ended with etc.
  • The abbreviation “i.e.” must be used to give a more precise description of one thing mentioned: The hearing, i.e., the preliminary hearing, is set for tomorrow afternoon.

Use two periods to punctuate e.g. and i.e. in U.S. English. In British English, however, they may be unpunctuated. Punctuated or unpunctuated, they must be surrounded with commas.

Their translations into Portuguese are “por exemplo,” and “, ou seja,”, accordingly.

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