What is the difference between i.e. and e.g.?

Question

When should I use the abbreviation i.e. versus when should I use e.g.?

Answer 1

The latin abbreviation i.e. stands for "id est" while e.g. stands for "exempli gratia." i.e. is used for lists of examples that are complete, while e.g. is used for a list of examples that is not necessarily exhaustive. Additionally, i.e. is more commonly used for rephrasing/providing details about something in a sentence, while e.g. is used for making lists.

For example:

As a classical languages major, I am required to learn certain ancient languages, i.e. Latin and Greek.

The term "classical languages" can include many languages other than Latin and Greek, e.g. Arabic and Sanskrit.