• k_rol
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    2 days ago

    I get hung up on i.e. vs e.g. I’m not sure this counts as grammar though… I also understand the meaning is not very known so many people confuse the two but I wish it was overall well understood so that the message is very clear.

    E.g. is used when enumerating examples, it doesn’t have to include all possibilities. Like saying “for example…”

    I.e. is to demonstrate exactly what we are talking about. It’s like saying “by that I mean this”.

    • Fedegenerate@lemmynsfw.com
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      15 hours ago

      I know the difference between i.e and e.g. but I’ve never really seen the point in i.e. if you’re just going to enumerate what you mean anyway. It is like using “it” to replace a noun, but then explaining what you meant by “it” right next to the usage:

      It (using i.e.) is like using “it” (the pronoun used as a shorthand for other nouns) to replace a noun, but then explaining what you meant by “it” (the pronoun used as a shorthand for other nouns) right next to the usage.

      It’s clumsy, just use the list if you’re going to list them anyway.

      I like dairy products i.e. milk cream, cheese and yoghurt.

      I like milk, cream, cheese and yoghurt

      • 200ok@lemmy.world
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        19 hours ago

        I am firmly in thread-OP’s boat and wanted to disagree with you, but I searched my email/sms comment history to find examples of when I used “i.e.” (to refute you) and you’re right: I could have been more concise in every single instance.

        I often used “i.e.” to essentially repeat myself… to “drive the point home”, much like I’m doing right now.

        It’s something I actually hate about myself, that I ramble on and on when I’ve already made my point. Sorry to everyone that read this entire comment… I promise I’m working on it.