ANSWER: Discussing the difference between i.e. and e.g.

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What is the difference between i.e. and e.g.

With examples from Stargate SG-1


The difference between these two abbreviations can be confusing at first, mainly because they both are used to clarify a statement, but as it turns out, it's not really too bad after all. In order to get it all straightened out, let's start with the definitions.

i.e. is the abbreviated form of the Latin term, id est, which means "that is." It is primarily used to explain or rephrase a sentence.

"The ship isn't ready to go," Sam told her companions. "i.e., it needs more work before we can send it up."

e.g. is the abbreviated form of the Latin term, exempli gratia, which means "for the sake of example" or more simplified, "for example." This abbreviation is used when giving examples to clarify what was said.

The interior of the room was dim, but Daniel could still make out the shadowy lumps of items they could possibly use to make a fire, e.g., the chairs, the table, even the books in the bookcase.

There are some rules when using these abbreviations:

• Always use periods between the letters with a comma at the end to indicate the beginning of a list;
• Always use lowercase letters, even at the beginning of a sentence;
• The abbreviations should not be italicized;
• The abbreviations along with their objects can be written as a parenthesis (i.e., a parenthetical phrase) or not; and
• It's not a good idea to use etc. (another Latin abbreviation which translates to "and others" or "and so forth") along with the e.g. abbreviation as both indicates using a subset, which makes one a redundant addition to the other.

There are also a few helpful hints to help remember which one to use. Grammar Girl suggests remembering that the "I" in i.e. could stand for "in other words", and the "E" in e.g. stands for "example" or to be more precise, "I = in other words and E = example."

A better way to remember it, at least in my opinion, is to associate e.g. with "egg xamples" and if you're not providing examples, use i.e.

References
Grammar Girl
Dictionary.com
Daily Writing Tips
Sesquiotica
The Oatmeal.com