i.e.

What it means

i.e. stands for the Latin 'id est,' meaning 'that is' or 'in other words.' Use it to restate or clarify exactly what you mean — not to give examples. A simple test: if you can replace it with 'that is,' use i.e.; if you mean 'for example,' use e.g.

Words like “i.e.” are exactly the kind of vocabulary our English vocabulary size test measures — find out how many English words you know.

Examples

• The deadline is end of week, i.e. this Friday.
• He's a lexicographer, i.e. someone who writes dictionaries.
• We meet biweekly, i.e. every two weeks.
• Bring photo ID, i.e. a passport or driver's license.

Where it comes from

From Latin 'id est' ('that is'). Like e.g., it's lowercase with two periods and is easily confused with its example-giving cousin.

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