i.e. versus e.g.

Wordy Wednesday

You've seen i.e. and e.g. used all over the place, but do you know what they really mean and how to use them yourself?

Both are abbreviations for Latin terms: i.e. stands for id est, roughly meaning "that is;" e.g. stands for exempli gratia, meaning "for example."

But you're probably wondering how you could possibly remember that. It's easy! I.e. starts with i, as does in other words. And e.g. starts with e, as does the second word in for example.

i.e. = in other words
e.g. = for example

If you're still confused, forget the Latin abbreviations and just write out "in other words" or "for example." Save your brain the trouble. :)