meaning - "That is" vs. "i.e."


Is there any (even the most subtle) difference between the meaning (or connotation) of that is and i.e.?


I used to be convinced that they were synonyms, until an editor of a scientific journal changed all occurrences of i.e. into that is.



Answer



I use them interchangeably. kiamlaluno sees a distinction I'm not aware of; even in the specific examples he cites, I would use them interchangeably.


The actual term i.e. is an abbreviation of id est in Latin, which literally means "that is". In fact, when I see i.e., I cannot help but say "that is" in my head; this helps me distinguish it from e.g. (exempli gratia, by the way).


If the editor had it changed, it was probably because "that is" is a little clearer, perhaps to non-primarily English speakers.


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