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This article was reviewed by Gerald Posner. Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing.
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The abbreviation “i.e.” stands for the Latin phrase id est, which means “ in other words” or “that is to say.”[1] You may be unsure how to use “i.e.” when you are writing an essay for a class or a brief for a business proposal. Start by deciding if “i.e.” will be effective in the sentence. Then, put “i.e.” in a sentence properly using commas so it is grammatically correct. With a few basic steps, you can use “i.e.” like a pro in no time.
Steps
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Use "i.e." to say “that is” or “in other words.” Use the abbreviation "i.e.” when you want to add on to the first part of a sentence and give the reader more information. The information should explain the first part of the sentence in more detail so the reader understands it better.[2]
- For example, you may write, “I am a vegan, i.e., I do not eat any animal-based products” or “He works the morning shift, i.e., from 6 am to 1 pm.”
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Do not use "i.e." to say “for example” or “such as.” The abbreviation “i.e.” should not be used if you want to provide an example or illustration of what you mean for readers. If this is the case, you should use “e.g.” instead of “i.e.” “E.g.” stands for the Latin phrase “for the sake of example.”[3]
- For example, you would write, “I do not like eating raw fish, i.e., sushi.” and “I don't like Japanese food, e.g., sushi or ramen."
- Or you may write, “She likes poetry about love, i.e., poems that explore matters of the heart” and “She likes poetry about love, e.g., poems by the New Romantics.”
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Use this abbreviation in informal documents or as shorthand. You may put “i.e.” in a sentence if you are writing an email or a letter to a friend, an informal piece of writing for a class, or a quick business note. If you are writing a formal business document or an academic paper, consider using “that is” or “in other words” instead.[4]
- In some cases, using “i.e.” in a news article, an essay, or an academic paper may be okay. Double check with your instructor to make sure it is appropriate for you to use this abbreviation in a paper or essay.
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Lowercase it and use periods. The abbreviation “i.e.” should always appear with a lowercase “i” and a lowercase “e” in a sentence, with a period between both letters.[5]
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Place a comma before and after “i.e.” This will help the abbreviation stand out and let the reader know you are providing additional information after “i.e.”[7]
- For example, you may write, “He prefers native plants in the garden, i.e., plants that naturally grow in the area” or “I have a soft spot for holiday music, i.e., songs that are about Christmas or Halloween.”
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Put "i.e." in the middle of a sentence, never at the beginning or end. The abbreviation “i.e.” should always appear after the first section of the sentence, in the middle, so it is grammatically correct.[8]
- For example, the sentence, “I.e. he likes super heroes” or the sentence, “He likes super heroes, i.e.” are incorrect. The correct sentence would be, “He likes super heroes, i.e., social misfits who save the world.”
Example Sentences
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat does i.e. stand for?
DonaganTop AnswererIt stands for the Latin phrase "id est," which means "that is" or "in other words." -
QuestionSo does i.e. also stand for "example of"?
DonaganTop Answerer"i.e." means "that is" or "in other words." "For example" is "e.g."
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QuestionHow is "i.e." pronounced when reading?
DonaganTop AnswererSay "I-E" ("igh-ee") or your could say "that is" or "in other words."
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/know-your-latin-i-e-vs-e-g/
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/latin-terms-and-abbreviations/
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/latin-terms-and-abbreviations/
- ↑ https://libguides.hull.ac.uk/writing/abbreviations
- ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/know-your-latin-i-e-vs-e-g/
- ↑ https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar/style-and-usage/how-to-use-i-e-and-e-g.html
- ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/know-your-latin-i-e-vs-e-g/
- ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/know-your-latin-i-e-vs-e-g/
About This Article
When you use "i.e." in a sentence, you're using it in place of a phrase like “that is” or “in other words.” For example, instead of writing "She likes superheroes, that is, social misfits who save the world," you'd write "She likes superheroes, i.e., social misfits who save the world." Make sure you offset “i.e.” with commas before and after, and use lowercase letters with a period after each letter. Also, keep “i.e.” in regular type rather than bolding or italicizing it. To learn how and when to use “i.e.” in informal documents or business correspondence, read on!
Reader Success Stories
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"The illustrations make it so easy for me to understand, as I often use i.e. Forget all the junk explained by others."..." more
