Grammar tip – e.g. and i.e.

This isn’t actually from anything aired, but while writing all the many words that flow through here each day, things like this come up.  So, for those of you still grappling with our crazy language (and who isn’t?), here’s a little tidbit:

What’s the difference between e.g. and i.e.?
While they certainly look similar, their meanings are distinct. Basically, i.e. means “in other words” and e.g. means “for example.” You can use i.e. to clarify and simplify: “We hope you read Ask Yahoo! because it’s an entertaining way to learn new things (i.e., it’s fun).” E.g. comes in handy to back up statements with examples: “There are a lot of fun things you can do on the Web (e.g., visit NPR.org!).”

As for tricks to remember which one to use when you’re in the middle of a speech and have to think fast, think of e.g. as shorthand for “example given” and i.e. for “in effect.”

 What’s your grammar pain? Have anything that bugs you, or something you’re just curious about?