How to use i.e. and e.g. properly

Writers tend to confuse these two, using i.e. when they should use e.g.

I.e., an abbreviation for id est, means that is, and is used when you need to clarify a point or provide additional information.

Perform a complete decommissioning procedure (i.e. delete software, remove sensitive parts, thoroughly shred the rest) before signing the manifest.

Some people aren’t sure what ‘i.e.’ means. You could eliminate the abbreviation without losing any valuable information.

E.g., exempli gratia, means for example, and usually is what the writer intends.

In a similar manner, readers aren’t as familiar with e.g. It’s best to avoid the abbreviation entirely. Use other wording:

for example, A, B and C

OR

…such as, A, B and C

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Tom Fuszard, content writer, blog writing, pr writing, web copy

 

 

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