Find English Teachers
Linda
How do you say i. e.? Do you say id est? Or what do you use, when you come across this abbriviation in the text and have to read it aloud?
Mar 1, 2019 5:45 PM
Answers · 10
4
Nobody says 'id est'. In fact, there's only a tiny proportion of English speakers who even know what 'i.e.' stands for. If you're reading aloud a text that includes 'i.e.', you say the two letters - pronounced "eye ee".
March 1, 2019
3
You spell the letters, so you say "eye ee".
March 1, 2019
2
I read it as "eye ee," and I've heard people read it as "eye ee." You do not ever read it aloud as "id est." However, I think Carlos has the right idea. "I.e." sounds unnatural when spoken. It is mostly used in print, and even in print it is old-fashioned, formal, and pedantic. Unless it is important to read something exactly as written, I think it is very reasonable to "translate" it and read it aloud as "that is."
March 1, 2019
1
just say for example
March 1, 2019
1
“I.e.” is used informally just because it is so short. Just saying the letters would usually be understood, as would translating it as “that is”. Of course you wouldn’t use it in more formal speech.
March 1, 2019
Show more
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!