Also known as: e.g. · eg · ex. gr. · for example · for instance
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A Latin phrase meaning for example or for instance. It introduces a specific illustrative instance supporting a broader legal proposition or rule.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Elise Everly contracts to sell land to Ewan Eckhart. Title search reveals an unreleased mortgage lien from a prior owner. Ewan refuses to close because the lien creates reasonable doubt that a prudent purchaser would accept.
Evelyn Ellison and Edgar Evers separate after ten years of marriage. Evelyn has no income while Edgar earns a substantial salary. She petitions the court for alimony based on her need and his ability to pay.
Emma Erickson, domiciled in state X, brings an action in state Y concerning title to land located in state Z. The court applies the whole law of state Z, including its choice-of-law rules, to reach the same result a Z court would reach.
Everest Holdings contracts to convey property to Edgewater Capital. A gap appears in the recorded chain of title. Edgewater rescinds because the defect renders title unmarketable and the seller cannot cure before closing.
Emanuel Escobar signs a binding contract to purchase land from Emma Erickson. Before closing a fire destroys the house. Emanuel remains obligated to pay the full purchase price because risk of loss passed at contract formation.
Evelyn Ellison contracts to sell land to Ewan Eckhart. After formation Evelyn continues to hold legal title. Equity treats her as trustee for Ewan, so any rents collected during the executory period belong to the buyer.
It is the Latin phrase for for example or for instance. Writers use it to introduce a concrete illustration of a stated rule or principle.
Yes. Drafting guides advise substituting the plain English phrase for example unless the Latin form is required by a specific citation convention.
It is most commonly abbreviated e.g. The abbreviation appears in parenthetical examples and string citations to signal illustrative authority.
…legal rights to the unborn except in narrowly defined situations and except when the rights are contingent upon live birth. For example, the traditional rule of tort law denied recovery for prenatal injuries even though the child was born alive.[^maj-63] That rule has been changed in almost every jurisdiction. In most…