As some of you know, a large part of my job involves improving nonwriters' writing. Now, I usually try to avoid acting like a member of the Grammar Gestapo (cause I ain't perfect neither), but I tend to notice grammar and usage mistakes more often than the average person because, well, it's my job.
One thing I've noticed is that many people don't know the difference between the abbreviations i.e. and e.g. Or, if they do know the difference, they don't use them correctly. To help remedy this problem, I present Language Lesson #1.
I.e. stands for the Latin phrase id est, which means "that is." So, use i.e. when you're clarifying or rewording a preceding piece of text. For example: I like pens with a verdant hue (i.e., green pens). If you're not sure whether i.e. is appropriate, replace it with "in other words" and see if it makes sense.
E.g. stands for exempli gratia, which means "for example." Use it when you're listing examples of the thing/action/phrase that precedes it. For example: I like fruity drinks, e.g., Juicy Juice, Cosmopolitans, and lemonade.
There you go, kids. Remember... Knowing is half the battle!
Posted by thevieve at March 13, 2003 5:00 PM | TrackBackIf your posts continue in the direction you're going then I'm going to thoroughly enjoy every post! I'm not sure why I get such a kick out of grammar and such. Fun, fun!
Posted by: ethan on March 13, 2003 8:34 PMLiving near Brooklin must have generated some E.B White vibes! Can sentence diagrams be far behind?
Posted by: Mom on March 15, 2003 8:00 AMOh my. What have we wrought!
Posted by: duh on March 16, 2003 9:27 AMI had the same problem a few months ago with the ie/ eg thing. a bunch of people whose stuff i edit love to use ie and eg and they always use them the wrong way. i had to look up the definitions and print it out so my group would get it straight...
Posted by: Ted on March 27, 2003 6:37 PM