Do You Know The Difference Betwee e.g. and i.e.?

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This entry is part 7 of 40 in the series Deep Questions

English is a complex language full of rules, exceptions, and exceptions to those exceptions. Simple ways to keep track are as rare as the rules are many. Remembering that your principal is your pal and that you can’t get “there” without “here” are handy, but what about the oft-confused i.e. and e.g.? Read on for a simple way to remember the difference.

While they certainly look similar, their meanings are distinct. Basically, i.e. means “in other words” and e.g. means “for example.” You can use i.e. to clarify and simplify: “We hope you read Deep Something! because it’s an entertaining way to learn new things (i.e., it’s fun).” E.g. comes in handy to back up statements with examples: “There are a lot of fun things you can do on the Web (e.g., read Deep Something.).”

As for tricks to remember which one to use when you’re in the middle of a speech and have to think fast, think of e.g. as shorthand for “example given” and, as this page suggests, i.e. for “in effect.” Of course, if you’re still not sure, you can simply avoid using them altogether.

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B. John

Records and Content Management consultant who enjoys good stories and good discussion. I have a great deal of interest in politics, religion, technology, gadgets, food and movies, but I enjoy most any topic. I grew up in Kings Mountain, a small N.C. town, graduated from Appalachian State University and have lived in Atlanta, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Dayton and Tampa since then.

One thought on “Do You Know The Difference Betwee e.g. and i.e.?

  • August 11, 2005 at 12:31 pm
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    just to say hello…dont talk to u enuf….thanks for all u did in my time of hard times

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