i.e./e.g., etc.

[Jester]

Hi all!

So I'm writing my thesis (they call it "final project"), and I was wondering if I am "allowed" to write the "i.e." as "id est" in it. I asked my dad and he said it sounded a bit pretentious, which I agree, but I don't mind ;) . Having some Latin is always nice :) .

My point is, if people know what "i.e." means, why not write it as "id est"?

What do you think?

Bye!

[ellanovella]

i would say either use "i.e." or "in other words" because although id est can be viewed as well known, using one phrase in another language might impede the flow of the writing.

[idiedforloveat3am]

That's great advice above. I understand the temptation but I would only use it if it actually complemented the rhythm of the sentence. And if you happen to do it more than once in your paper id est writ over and over again might take away from the heart of your thesis. One can stumble over something small. Good luck!

[Sound of Silence]

Many recoginse i.e and its usage but they don't really know it's a Latin derivative. That's why most use it, i think. For those who know it's id est, writing that on your script would give your work a formality it didn't really need. The English translation is 'that is', but as it's easier just to write i.e., I guess it's why it's used. :rolleyes: