What does 'e.g.' stand for?

The abbreviation 'e.g.' stands for 'exempli gratia,' which is a Latin phrase meaning "for example." This term is used in writing to introduce one or more examples that illustrate a point or a subject being discussed. By using 'e.g.,' the writer indicates that what follows are just examples, and there may be more elements not listed. This provides clarity and specificity, helping the reader understand the context better without implying that those examples are exhaustive.

In contrast, other options represent different phrases: 'et al.' translates to "and others," typically used in citations to refer to multiple authors. 'Et cetera' means "and so on," used to indicate that additional items could follow in a list without needing to specify them all. 'Ex gratia' refers to something done out of goodwill or mercy, often in legal contexts rather than illustrative writing. Each of these alternatives serves a different purpose, emphasizing why 'e.g.' specifically guides readers to examples.