Grammar (sort of) lesson of the day: e.g. vs i.e.

Discussion in 'General Discussion / Real life stuff' started by cookiefonster, Oct 23, 2014.

  1. cookiefonster

    cookiefonster Formerly known as WikiRigbyDude

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    ZILLIONS UPON ZILLIONS OF PEOPLE use i.e. to mean for example, and that usage is incorrect. I.e. does NOT mean for example. So what does it mean?

    e.g. stands for the Latin phrase "exempli gratia", meaning for example. That means, when you want to use an abbreviation for "for example", use e.g. To remember what e.g. means, think "for egsample".

    So what does i.e. mean? It does NOT mean "for example". It comes from the Latin phrase "id est", meaning "that means" or "in other words". So if you use i.e., you need to use it to mean "in other words" and NOT "for example". To remember what i.e. means, think "in essence".

    EXAMPLE:

    Correct: There are many countries in the world, e.g. China, Russia, and Germany.

    That sentence means "There are many countries in the world, for example, China, Russia, and Germany", which is a valid sentence.

    Incorrect: There are many countries in the world, i.e. China, Russia, and Germany.

    That sentence means "there are many countries in the world, in other words, China, Russia, and Germany", which is an incorrect sentence.

    Correct: He lives in the most populous country in the world, i.e. China.

    This sentence is a valid usage of i.e. which means "in other words".

    Incorrect: He lives in the most populous country in the world, e.g. China.

    Even though nobody seems to use e.g. to mean "in other words", this sentence is still here to give an example of incorrect usage.

    So please, know when to use e.g. and when to use i.e. and DO NOT use i.e. to mean "for example" - that's why you have e.g..
     
    cookiefonster, Oct 23, 2014
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  2. Oreo_Pug

    Oreo_Pug

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    Ugh.
     
    Oreo_Pug, Oct 23, 2014
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  3. ANumber2Pencil

    ANumber2Pencil Resigned ______________________________________ Donator

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    Well thanks for the info but after school I kinda turn my brain off and stop learning sorry
     
    ANumber2Pencil, Oct 23, 2014
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  4. teitan

    teitan ‏‏‎ Donator

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    Yes.

    Just yes.
     
    teitan, Oct 23, 2014
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  5. Boozington

    Boozington connoisseur of leave without notice

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    This was pretty helpful, i.e. thank you.

    ha I have to be that scumbag that always does that kind of thing. you're welcome
     
    Boozington, Oct 23, 2014
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  6. Katy_

    Katy_ Donator

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    I would've just said
    "Attention people... if you're not POSITIVE about what something means, just don't say it then"
     
    Katy_, Oct 23, 2014
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  7. LaColeman

    LaColeman Leaving (INAL)

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    Sorry for quoting but thats probably the most truthful joke I have heard all this last month. XD
     
    LaColeman, Oct 23, 2014
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  8. cookiefonster

    cookiefonster Formerly known as WikiRigbyDude

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    ftfy
     
    cookiefonster, Oct 23, 2014
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