Hello lovers of liberty and grammar,

Today’s blog is about an error that’s so common, I wouldn’t even dare to be annoyed at anyone who makes it. In fact, it was a young lad from the UK who speaks a very proper Queen’s English, who suggested this topic.

I am referring to the differences between i.e. and e.g.

Both are examples of Latin phrases (if you’ve ever fantasized about a Latin lover, you must also appreciate everything else that is Latin. Go look at Ricky Martin’s Instagram for inspiration. Go on. I will be checking out those pictures right over your shoulder).

i.e.

Anyway, i.e. stands for “id est,” which means “it is” or “that is”. Therefore, it is used for clarification:

“I prepared a fully vegetarian menu; i.e. it has no carcasses of abused animals who died abhorrent deaths in a godforsaken factory farm.” 

“I only listen to the best bands in the history of the planet; i.e. they are usually from Europe.” 

e.g. 

E.g. stands for “exempli gratia,” which reminds me of two things: (a) The Eixample District in one of my most favorite cities in the world, Barcelona, and (b) what’s actually relevant to this lesson, which is the word example.

“I love traveling to vibrant, diverse cities, e.g. Barcelona, London, and New York”. (In New York you can be a new man #JustYouWait #AlexanderHamilton).

“Had I been a single woman in 1776, I would’ve totally been in love with the most intelligent man on the planet; e.g., Alexander Hamilton.” #RiseUp

Alright, y’all. I’ve got a soundtrack to listen to.

Oh, Alexander Hamilton,
When America sings for you;
Will they know what you overcame?
Will they know you rewrote your game?
The world will never be the same, oh ❤

Much love,

The Fairy Godwriter Hamilton