I.e vs. E.g. (short refresher course with test)

wordcounter.io ^ | Riley Thompson Manning

[RoosterRedux]

Ready to learn a little Latin? The abbreviations i.e. and e.g. are two of the most mistakenly-used words in the writing world. Even highly-educated professionals mix up i.e. and e.g. in their technical writing all the time. (I wonder what “no brainer” is in Latin?)

The short version

I.e. stands for “id est,” which means “in other words.”

Use i.e. when taking a complex idea and restating it to make it easier to understand. It can also be used to signify a clarification or making something more specific.

E.g. stands for “exempli gratia,” which means “for example.”

Use e.g. to follow an idea with scenarios that illustrate that idea. It is a presentation of that idea in action, not a clarification of it, as with i.e.

As usual, there is a little more than meets the eye with these two abbreviations, so let’s take a closer look.

When to use I.e.

Have you ever had someone explain something in very technical terminology, terminology that went over your head entirely? Perhaps you responded by saying, “In English, please?” That’s how you can remember the meaning of i.e. This abbreviation says, “Let me make it clearer for you.”

[RoosterRedux]

I have a very long memory.

I will remember you.

[firebrand]

Similar to caveats by Fowler. Who also says if you’re going to show off and use a foreign language, you’d better use it right.

Also, Anglo-Saxon words have more punch than latinate words. They have to be used by ear, but never, never change an Anglo-Saxon word to a latinate one without good reason.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

I will remember you.

I am honored. Yet, a great many Freepers do remember me...having been here for over 17 years.

[NonValueAdded]

Will this be on the final?

[mabarker1]

The Designated Decoy.

[tinyowl]

I.e. stands for “id est,” which means “in other words.”

Actually 'id est' means 'that is.'

It's similar in meaning to 'in other words', except that, literally, it means 'that is'.

[tinyowl]

Alas, this reminds me of Latin with Mr. Bernaur, translating Marshal epigrams, and my favorite one:

Linus, You ask me how my farm can pay,
Since little it will bear;

It pays me thus. — ’Tis far away
And you are never there.

[RoosterRedux]

:-)

[MayflowerMadam]

How hard is that? That is. For example. Good grief.