For example... Aug23 '04

Mike Davidson has started an interesting discussion on the proper abbreviation for the phrase "for example."

He titles it, Another Reason to Drop IE. And the pun IS intended.

Mike is referring to Internet Explorer – the biggest headache for web developers, when it comes to developing web sites, using XHTML and CSS techniques.

I won’t get into a discussion about Internet Explorer. I’d rather talk about "for example."

The abbreviation "i.e." is my preferred choice, whether I speak it, or type it. I don’t like the alternative "e.g." I prefer "i.e." because it rolls nicely off the tongue. "e.g." hurts the ears.

However, according to "many major dictionaries"... "i.e." actually means "that is to say." So, for example (no pun intended),

"Music downloads are very popular (i.e. The compact disc has lost prestige)."

"Music downloads are very popular (e.g. iTunes, BuyMusic)."

I think "i.e." also can be translated into "in other words." Well... maybe not entirely. The clarification does help, though.

Categories: Semantics

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