How to Use i.e. in a Sentence

The abbreviation “i.e.” stands for the Latin phrase id est, which means “ in other words” or “that is to say.”[1] You may be unsure how to use “i.e.” when you are writing an essay for a class or a brief for a business proposal. Start by deciding if “i.e.” will be effective in the sentence. Then, put “i.e.” in a sentence properly using commas so it is grammatically correct. With a few basic steps, you can use “i.e.” like a pro in no time.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Deciding When to Use “i.e.”

  1. Image titled Use i.e. in a Sentence Step 1
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    Use "i.e." to say “that is” or “in other words.” Use the abbreviation "i.e.” when you want to add on to the first part of a sentence and give the reader more information. The information should explain the first part of the sentence in more detail so the reader understands it better.[2]
    • For example, you may write, “I am a vegan, i.e., I do not eat any animal-based products” or “He works the morning shift, i.e., from 6 am to 1 pm.”
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    Do not use "i.e." to say “for example” or “such as.” The abbreviation “i.e.” should not be used if you want to provide an example or illustration of what you mean for readers. If this is the case, you should use “e.g.” instead of “i.e.” “E.g.” stands for the Latin phrase “for the sake of example.”[3]
    • For example, you would write, “I do not like eating raw fish, i.e., sushi.” and “I don't like Japanese food, e.g., sushi or ramen."
    • Or you may write, “She likes poetry about love, i.e., poems that explore matters of the heart” and “She likes poetry about love, e.g., poems by the New Romantics.”
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    Use this abbreviation in informal documents or as shorthand. You may put “i.e.” in a sentence if you are writing an email or a letter to a friend, an informal piece of writing for a class, or a quick business note. If you are writing a formal business document or an academic paper, consider using “that is” or “in other words” instead.[4]
    • In some cases, using “i.e.” in a news article, an essay, or an academic paper may be okay. Double check with your instructor to make sure it is appropriate for you to use this abbreviation in a paper or essay.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Putting “i.e.” in a Sentence

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    Lowercase it and use periods. The abbreviation “i.e.” should always appear with a lowercase “i” and a lowercase “e” in a sentence, with a period between both letters.[5]
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    Do not italicize or bold it. The abbreviation "i.e." does not need to be formatted differently than the rest of the document or paper. Leave it in regular case, with no italicizing or bolding.[6]
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    Place a comma before and after “i.e.” This will help the abbreviation stand out and let the reader know you are providing additional information after “i.e.”[7]
    • For example, you may write, “He prefers native plants in the garden, i.e., plants that naturally grow in the area” or “I have a soft spot for holiday music, i.e., songs that are about Christmas or Halloween.”
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    Put "i.e." in the middle of a sentence, never at the beginning or end. The abbreviation “i.e.” should always appear after the first section of the sentence, in the middle, so it is grammatically correct.[8]
    • For example, the sentence, “I.e. he likes super heroes” or the sentence, “He likes super heroes, i.e.” are incorrect. The correct sentence would be, “He likes super heroes, i.e., social misfits who save the world.”
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    What does i.e. stand for?
    Donagan
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    It stands for the Latin phrase "id est," which means "that is" or "in other words."
  • Question
    So does i.e. also stand for "example of"?
    Donagan
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    "i.e." means "that is" or "in other words." "For example" is "e.g."
  • Question
    How is "i.e." pronounced when reading?
    Donagan
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Say "I-E" ("igh-ee") or your could say "that is" or "in other words."
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/know-your-latin-i-e-vs-e-g/
  2. ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/know-your-latin-i-e-vs-e-g/
  3. ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/know-your-latin-i-e-vs-e-g/
  4. ↑ http://www.businesswritingblog.com/business_writing/2006/06/iedont_even_thi.html
  5. ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/know-your-latin-i-e-vs-e-g/
  6. ↑ http://www.businesswritingblog.com/business_writing/2006/06/iedont_even_thi.html
  7. ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/know-your-latin-i-e-vs-e-g/
  8. ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/know-your-latin-i-e-vs-e-g/

About This Article

wikiHow Staff
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wikiHow Staff
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This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 619,641 times.
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Co-authors: 9
Updated: August 11, 2022
Views: 619,641
Categories: Featured Articles | English Grammar
Article SummaryX

When you use "i.e." in a sentence, you're using it in place of a phrase like “that is” or “in other words.” For example, instead of writing "She likes superheroes, that is, social misfits who save the world," you'd write "She likes superheroes, i.e., social misfits who save the world." Make sure you offset “i.e.” with commas before and after, and use lowercase letters with a period after each letter. Also, keep “i.e.” in regular type rather than bolding or italicizing it. To learn how and when to use “i.e.” in informal documents or business correspondence, read on!

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