Wednesday, April 29, 2009

"i.e." vs. "e.g."

A coworker just asked me what the difference between "e.g." and "i.e." is -- she's working on some sort of academic proposal. I was pleased that I knew: "i.e." is used for clarification, as a stand in for "in other words"; "e.g." is more finite, defining examples of exactly what you mean. Here are two sentences:

Pancakes appear not only in American culture but in many shapes and forms throughout the world, i.e. crepes in France, scallion pancakes in China, and potato latkes in Jewish cuisine.

Sunday mornings are generally reserved for perfecting techniques on the griddle, e.g. making apple-cinnamon pancakes, blueberry waffles, and fresh french toast.

These two statements insinuate that there are more examples of pancakes from the around the world, but that I only make pancakes, waffles, and french toast on Sunday mornings. No more, no less. I cross-referenced with Grammar Girl, who also has a Twitter which I'm now following.

currently listening: And That's Saying a Lot Natural Calamity

Best,
C

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