JS Tip 620: i.e. and e.g. (What?)
From the Writing Workshops: i.e. and e.g.
We haven’t talked about this in years. We’re due for another visit.
What Do They Mean?
The abbreviations i.e. and e.g. represent the Latin words, id est (“that is”) and exempli gratia (“for example”).
Some people use i.e. (“that is”) when they want to narrow what they’re writing: “Your hearing, i.e., your preliminary hearing, is next Monday.”
We suggest it would be easier—and more concise—to write, “Your preliminary hearing is next Monday.” Yes. Nine words down to six.
Some writers use e.g. (“for example”) when they want to list the parts of a whole: “The doctor has the laboratory equipment he needs, e.g., the lightning rod, the neck bolts, and the table with the straps.”
We suggest it would be easier—and more concise—to write, “The doctor has the equipment he needs: the lightning rod, the neck bolts, and the table with the straps.” Yes. Less confusion.
When Should We Use Them?
We suggest you don’t use them.
The problem is two-fold:
Your reader has to recognize and understand the Latin abbreviation. “Oh. That means exempli gratia.” (Absolutely. That’s gonna happen.)
Your reader has to translate the Latin into English. “Oh. That means, “for example.”
Don’t put your reader through the hassle.
We’re grateful to Jackie Mattila. She asked us about this ten years ago.
If you have questions, let us know. We love this stuff.