SmithWriting Blog

As a copy editor, I often find myself correcting the misuse of the terms i.e. and e.g.

These seemingly harmless letter combinations can actually do a lot of damage when used improperly: Not only can they change the meaning of your work, they can also make you look stupid—and no one wants that. So here’s a quick lesson on their proper usage:

i.e.

an abbreviation for the Latin term id est, meaning “that is” or “in other words”
Use i.e. to provide clarification:
Many writers become flummoxed, i.e., frustrated and confused, over the use of i.e. versus e.g.

e.g.

an abbreviation for the Latin term exempli gratia, meaning “for example”
Use e.g. to provide examples:
Perhaps they should turn to the professionals at SmithWriting for help with their writing projects, e.g., advertisements, brochures, and Web sites.

Always put a comma after i.e. and e.g. And be sure to include a period after each letter in both abbreviations.

So, is it i.e. or e.g.?

Since I don’t know Latin, I use this trick to determine which term to use:
I ask myself, “Am I giving examples?” If so, I use e.g. (Reverse the first letters of “giving examples,” and voila!)  If not, I use i.e.

Filed by rebecca at 5:29 pm under Grammar guide
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One of my favorite typographical symbols, the asterisk is used in printing or writing to indicate a footnote, an omission, or emphasis; it also has other less common uses.

The term asterisk comes from the Latin asteriscum, meaning “little star”—based on the character’s celestial shape.

Primary uses of the asterisk:

To indicate a footnote
(place the asterisk after something you what to clarify)
see this post’s title and footnote

To indicate an omission
Holy s**t!

To represent emphasis in plain text
(in lieu of bold or italics)
He is *really* smart.

To make a list
(use them as bullet points)
To-do list
* Write profile
* Update blog
* Lunch with client

To convey an action by the writer
(use them in informal communications, such as e-mails and blogs)
Don’t even get me started on creepy clowns … *shudder*

To represent a kiss
(as a computer emoticon)
:*

The asterisk is also used in computing, mathematics, and gaming.

*This post may not contain all there is to know about the asterisk.

Filed by rebecca at 7:30 pm under Grammar guide
2 Comments