About a month ago, my friend Crystal challenged her Facebook friends with a link to an on-line grammar test. I did well, earning the title of “Grammar Queen” or something like that, but one question stumped me: I didn’t know the difference between i.e. and e.g.
They both mean, “for example,” right?
Not exactly. And because I’m such a nerd, I did some research so you won’t have to.
(Thank you to Writer’s Digest Grammatically Correct for helping me figure this out!)
The Grammar Nazi Info
Both of these abbreviations give more information about a prior statement, but there is an important distinction between the two.
- i.e. comes from the Latin phrase id est, which means, “that is.” It restates what has already been said, implying that no other options are possible.
I can meet you early next week, i.e. Monday or Tuesday.
With this example, it should be clear that Monday and Tuesday are the only days I’m available.
- e.g. comes from the Latin exempli gratia, which means “for example”. It offers an illustration of what was previously said, but implies that other options are possible.
The Sweetheart Dance is next week! I need to find an outfit, e.g. dress, shoes, jewelry.
The “e.g.” implies that the list of items I include for the “outfit” isn’t comprehensive. What about hair accessories?!
Also, please note that since the abbreviations are both for two-word Latin phrases, there should be two periods, one for each word.
Yes: i.e. No: ie.
Word Nerd Workout
The only good way to learn is TO DO. Give it a try, even if it feels a little like homework. In the comments, let me know if I’ve used the Latin abbreviation appropriately in the following sentences. If not, tell me why and fix it.
- We stopped at Food Lion to pick up everything we needed to bake a chocolate cake, i.e. milk, flour, butter.
- I was worried because Eric had several flu symptoms, eg. congestion and fever.
Can anyone add to my illustration? What other grammar points give you trouble?
Special Word Nerd request: I know that Augustus Waters uses either i.e. or e.g. at some point when he is speaking to Hazel in The Fault in Our Stars. I wanted so badly to use that excerpt to analyze Gus’s grammar knowledge, but I can’t find it! Any help out there?
Thanks for stopping by!
Julia
