Last week’s post needed to be a bit longer than most to take you through some editing steps. Because you stuck by me and read every word, I’ll even the scales with a much shorter post this time.
Do you use the Latin abbreviations “e.g.” and “i.e.”? If so, do you need to slow down to reassure yourself you are using them correctly? Fret no more. Below is an easy way to keep them straight, but first, some background:
The abbreviation “e.g.” stands for the Latin “exempli gratia,” meaning “for the sake of example” or, more simply, “for example.” The abbreviation “i.e.” stands for the Latin “id est,” meaning “that is,” or we might think of it as “that is to say.” It sets up a clarification, not an example.
The tricks
Just think of “e.g.” as having the same sound as “egg,” close to the initial sound in “example.” And another way of saying “for example” is “e.g.”
They have traveled to a number of exotic places (e.g., Iceland, Argentina, and New Zealand).
As for “i.e.,” just think of it as being an abbreviation for “in essence.” It isn’t, of course, but mentally substituting “in essence” for “i.e.” seems to work perfectly whether we’re writing or reading.
The HR folks are studying our firm’s compensation disparities (i.e., male vs. female salaries).
Latin vs. English
So does correctly using “e.g.” and “i.e.” make us seem more polished or professional? Perhaps a tad – to some readers – but writers who prefer to stick with plain English and use more comfortable phrases like “for example” and “in essence” should confidently do just that. They’re not in danger of missing out on any job interviews because their résumés contain no Latin abbreviations.
In addition to presenting workshops on writing in the workplace, Norm Friedman is a writer, editor, and writing coach. His 100+ Instant Writing Tips is a brief “non-textbook” to help individuals overcome common writing errors and write with more finesse and impact. Learn more at http://www.normfriedman.com/index.shtml.