Several readers have asked us to explain the difference between i.e and e.g.
 
Use i.e. when providing a brief explanation of what was just said.  I.e. means that is.  Example: My department head was overwhelmed last week; i.e., he had to take on the work of an employee who quit suddenly. 

In this sentence, the portion after i.e. serves to explain what was meant by overwhelmed.

Use e.g. to provide a specific example(s).  Example: At 3 p.m. every workday, I eat a sweet snack, e.g., dates or raisins. 

In this sentence, specific examples of the sweets consumed are provided.
 
In general, when two independent clauses are linked by either i.e. or e.g., a semi-colon is placed before i.e. or e.g.  (See the first example.)  A space is not needed after the internal
period separating i.e. or e.g. 

Place a comma after the second period.  (See both examples above.)

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