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 … Read more

How to use “advise” and “inform”

“Dispatch advises that the suspect is still on the scene.” So goes a familiar line from a popular TV show. While advise may be used in this manner, it means primarily to offer advice; that is, recommend or suggest a course of action. Our attorney advised us to rewrite our employee handbook. (Incidentally, watch your … Read more

Minimize jargon to ensure a clearer message

Do you know what UCOM, CAAT, and End Evening Civil Twilight mean? Unless you have the proper experience, you might not recognize these. Each is an example of jargon specific to a given industry or organization. Respectively, they refer to Unified Command, Computer Assisted Audit Techniques, and that time of night when it’s too dark … Read more