Sometimes we use words or phrases, especially idioms, that we don’t fully understand. We just roll with it, and no one corrects us, so we carry on. This is so true for using i.e. and e.g. in sentences. When I was teaching, I didn’t have much occasion to use either because honestly in English class I could just use the word example. But I know that in other subjects, like Math and Science, i.e. and e.g. are used often. But are they used properly??
Quiz your knowledge
To determine whether or not you are aware of the differences between i.e. and e.g., take this quiz. Decide, is the term used properly or not. Good luck!
- We have a lot in common, i.e., our taste in music.
- I love collecting wild flowers, e.g., the Alberta Wild Rose.
- The deer herd had a natural increase (e.g., more births than deaths).
- He has a unique style (e.g., his bedazzled cowboy boots).
Those aren’t easy if you don’t know what the terms mean. They could all be right (but they’re not). So what do the terms actually mean?
e.g.: e.g. is Latin for exempli gratia, which means “for example.” Use it before a list or an item that is an example of what you just stated.
i.e.: i.e. is also Latin (id est), and means “that is.” Use i.e. when you restate something, or offer more explanation to clarify.
Quiz Results
Let’s go over the answers and see how you did! (And once you know, it’s a bit easy to take the quiz again.)
- We have a lot in common, i.e., our taste in music. Wrong.
- I love collecting wild flowers, e.g., the Alberta Wild Rose. Right.
- The deer herd had a natural increase (e.g., more births than deaths). Wrong.
- He has a unique style (i.e., his bedazzled cowboy boots). Wrong.
- We have a lot in common. For example, our taste in music. (Use e.g.)
- I love collecting wild flowers. For example, the Alberta Wild Rose. (Use e.g.)
- The deer herd had a natural increase. That is, more births than deaths. (Use i.e.)
- He has a unique style. For example, his bedazzled cowboy boots. (Use e.g.)
Tip: Rewrite your sentence to avoid the terms if you’re not certain.
As you can tell, if you’re not sure which term to use, rewrite your sentence to avoid embarrassment. Because those who know the difference will notice if you don’t use the right term.
So why use e.g. or i.e.? It saves space. That’s why it’s great to use in Math or Science. In English or Social Studies, teachers mostly use for example. Also, why not? Both terms are considered formal (I’m guessing because they are Latin, similar to how we would used etc.), and show up in academic works. If you can remember the difference and use the terms correctly, why not show off a little bit of your Latin knowledge!
Using e.g. and i.e.
As with most confusing grammar items, there are rules for using e.g. and i.e. in your writing. The main rule is about punctuation. You must have commas before and after the terms (but not if there are parenthesis or dashes before the term).
For example:
- Karen and Alec were a great pair, i.e., their skills were at the same level.
- Hiring people is hard work, e.g., it requires a lot of vetting and interviewing.
- The twins had one major difference—i.e., their height.
- Campers only need the essential items (e.g., a tent, sleeping bag, water bottle, and extra socks).
Although these terms are fun to use, especially once you get the hang of them, be sure to use them properly in your writing. As we have seen, they definitely do not mean the same thing. Remember, e.g. is for example and i.e. is in essence, or that is. If you are providing some examples for your readers, it’s easy to remember to use e.g. (examples). If you want to add some clarification for your readers and make sure that you restate your idea, then use i.e.
So go ahead and impress your friends and family, or your readers, with your use of Latin. Or, you could just rewrite the sentence. Happy writing!
Photo by eleni koureas on Unsplash