E.g. vs I.e. - Difference and Comparison

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	E.g.	I.e.
Usage:	Used when one has to be specific about a certain thing.	Used when one is talking in generic terms.
Purpose:	To provide examples for the concept that is being discussed.	To provide a descriptive or definitive statement about an abstract statement already made
Meaning:	For example	That is to say
Position in the statement:	It is provided at the end of a generic discussion.	Mostly found in the centre of a statement as a whole.
Example of Application:	There are a lot of fun and useful things you can do on the Web (e.g., read Wikipedia, edit Diffen)	The three U.S. states on the west coast (i.e. Washington, Oregon, and California) have favorable climates.

1 Definition of i.e. and e.g.
2 Usage of e.g. and i.e.
3 Related Articles
4 References

[edit] Definition of i.e. and e.g.

The abbreviation “i.e.” is the shortened form of Latin “id est” which stands for “that is”. This abbreviated sense is mostly used in statements where further clarifications on the notion are necessary.

The abbreviation “e.g.” is also an abbreviated Latin phrase “exempli gratia” which means “For the sake of example”. “e.g.” is mostly used in providing an example to a certain kind of or sort of thing that you are talking about.

[edit] Usage of e.g. and i.e.

When one talks in a generic way or in an abstract way, more information is sometimes necessary to provide a clear understanding. If one says “I'm going to the place where I work best” the statement leaves ambiguity for a listener who does not know what that place is. So one may further extend the statement as " I'm going to the place where I work best, i.e., the coffee shop". By using "i.e.", one clarifies the meaning of the sentence.

On the other hand if one is talking about a specific kind of entities in a generic way, taking them as a whole, then he will be expected to give an example for his description to make the listeners or readers understand clearly. If one says " At the places where I work best, e.g., Starbuck's, I have none of the distractions I have at home". [There are lots of places where I work best; Starbuck's is an "example"].