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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] If you’re unsure about how to use “i.e.” in your writing, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll go over what “i.e.” means, how to type it correctly, and how to use it in a sentence like a pro. We’ll also cover when to use the similar abbreviation “e.g.” instead of "i.e.", so keep reading!
What is the correct way to use “i.e.”?
Use “i.e.” when you want to restate or clarify something you’ve just written. For example: “I’m a vegetarian, i.e., I don’t eat meat.” “I.e.” is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase id est, which means “that is” or “in other words.” As a result, you can usually replace either phrase with “i.e.” in a sentence.
Steps
Example Sentences
Community Q&A
- 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."
- 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://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/ie
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/latin-terms-and-abbreviations/
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/latin-terms-and-abbreviations/
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/latin-terms-and-abbreviations/
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/latin-terms-and-abbreviations/
- ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/eg
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/latin-terms-and-abbreviations/
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/latin-terms-and-abbreviations/
- ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/latin-terms-and-abbreviations/
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!
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