+52 The term i.e. is an acronym for the Latin phrase id est, which means that is. Therefore, it should not be used to mean example, amirite?

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Great, now make a post about how sentences should start with a capital letter and end with proper punctuation. Because everyone knows grammar rules are the best opinions.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Those grammar rules are really well known. The majority of people who use i.e. use it wrong so it's a good post even though it's not an opinion because it's correcting a common misconception.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

We had a sub one time that thought it meant "included example". It took the entire class period to finally convince him that it didn't, and I still think he doesn't completely believe us.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

It's used to elaborate on something that was mentioned, providing more specific information about it. "It is" kind of makes sense for this kind of situation.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/ie

by Anonymous 12 years ago

My point in my other comment was that i.e. does NOT mean example when used correctly. Now, rereading the post, I see that that was what the post was trying to say.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Doesn't that makes sense though? It's like using the phrase 'That is to say'.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

You're exactly right. 'That is' is a term used to indicate an example.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

You would use "that is" if you want to elaborate, i.e. if you want to go in to more detail, it would be appropriate to use this. However, if you wish to provide an example, you would use e.g., which is the abbreviation for exampli gratia.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

No. Ie is used to say in other words, not as an example. Ex: big foot likes condiments on his tacos, ie ranch. That's wrong, ranch isn't the only topping that exists. Now: stealing tacos from big foot will result in your death, ie, a bad idea. That's right

by Anonymous 12 years ago

The Oatmeal's comic says it better, I think. I.e., i.e. is used as a clarifier, and sometimes that includes giving an example.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

I always thought of it as being used when you mean something more like "in other words"...is that what I mean? I don't even know, but I'm pretty sure I've never used it the same way as "for example"....or e.g. This I can say with safety so I don't feel any dumber at least!

by Anonymous 12 years ago

If you give an example using i.e., you're implying that your example is the only instance of that thing in existence. If you say, "I like to play video games, i.e, Call of Duty,", you're implying that CoD is the only video game out there. If you don't want to look like a colossal asshat, learn to get it right.

by Anonymous 12 years ago