i.e. is an abbreviation for the Latin "id est", meaning "that is" (or more loosely, "in other words"). It's English usage follows precisely as such. The abbreviation is simply used to signal that the following phrase is another way of expressing the preceding phrase.

(Note: i.e. is often misused to indicate an example; this is incorrect. Always use e.g. in that case.)

i.e. is an abbreviation for the Latin "id est", meaning "that is" (or more loosely, "in other words"). Its English usage follows precisely as such. The abbreviation is simply used to signal that the following phrase is another way of expressing the preceding phrase.

(Note: i.e. is often misused to indicate an example; this is incorrect. Always use e.g. in that case.)