i.e.

Meanings

1. 1abbreviationformal

   Short for the Latin 'id est'; used to introduce a restatement or clearer explanation of what was just said, meaning 'in other words'.

   Grammar: Followed by a comma in American English and placed inside brackets or after a comma: the deadline, i.e., Friday.

   Patterns

   • something, i.e., something else

   Bring your own tools, i.e., a hammer and a saw.

   The shop closes early on weekends, i.e., at four o'clock.

   We meet on the first Monday, i.e., the fourth of March.

2. 2abbreviationformal

   Used in brackets to give the exact meaning or identity of the thing just named.

   Grammar: Works as a clarifying aside; it always names the whole thing, not part of it.

   Patterns

   • (i.e., something)

   Our main goal (i.e., reducing costs) will guide every decision.

   Please see the senior nurse (i.e., Ms. Lee) before leaving.

   The tallest peak (i.e., Mount Rainier) is visible from here.

Common combinations

i.e., that is

He is a vegetarian, i.e., he does not eat meat.

(i.e., ...)

Take the main road (i.e., Route 9) into town.

clarify with i.e.

The rule applies to adults, i.e., anyone over eighteen.

Synonyms and how they differ

that is

That is is the spoken equivalent and can be used in any style, whereas i.e. is for writing.

in other words

In other words is longer and more conversational, and it can introduce a whole new sentence.

namely

Namely names specific items that are part of a larger group, while i.e. restates the same thing in different words.

that is to say

That is to say is a formal spoken phrase for the same idea.

Word family

e.g. abbreviation

for example

viz. abbreviation

namely

id est phrase

the Latin form that i.e. stands for

Commonly confused: i.e. or e.g.?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “i.e.”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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