6

I had made an native English check before proof reading of my article. The native check company had changed all "i.e.," and "e.g.," to "i.e." and "e.g." in the article. When the publisher made an English proof by themselves they changed all "i.e." and "e.g." to "i.e.," and "e.g.," in the final article.

Now I am wondering which is actually always acceptable. This may be an duplicate question of Should I always use a comma after "e.g." or "i.e."? But I found that it varies from publisher to publisher depending on the style they use.

So my question is why does it vary in different English writing styles. What are the differences? What's good or bad whether or not use a comma after i.e. or e.g.?

Improve this question
6
  • 1
    jakubmarian.com/comma-after-i-e-and-e-g
    – Jim
    Dec 28, 2016 at 1:39
  • 1
    It varies because punctuation always varies; there are no stable rules that work for everything, and everyone has their own opinions. Plus, nobody cares, really. To answer your question, e.g., is silly. Why have a period right before a comma? Much better, if you must use a comma, is e.g, with a comma and no ending period.
    – John Lawler
    Dec 28, 2016 at 5:46
  • 3
    @JohnLawler I disagree with your comment. I would expect a comma after "etc." when it is required in the same way I would after "e.g." or "i.e.". Most people seem to prefer "e.g.," to "e.g,".
    – user140086
    Dec 28, 2016 at 10:32
  • 1
    @JohnLawler The period isn't right before a comma; it is right after an abbreviation.
    – Cat812
    Jan 4, 2017 at 11:21
  • It should be put in the place where you can hear it in the pronunciation, like the comma. If you cant hear it, its disposable,
    – John Lawler
    Jan 4, 2017 at 14:10

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
4

This question was explored here: Should there be a comma after "i.e."?

I proofread manuscripts for submission to scientific journals for a living, and I can confirm the following answer from Mehper C. Palavuzlar:

Some books & journals use American English, while some use British English. In the American style of writing, a comma is inserted before and after i.e. However, in the British style of writing, a comma is inserted before but not after i.e.

It could be that your proofreader applied British English (preferred by many European journals) because you failed to mention that you were submitting to an American journal.

In addition, there is no strict rule about it and each journal editor has personal preferences, which become part of the journal's house style. As in your case, the publisher may edit your punctuation to fit this house style, or they may not bother if they don't consider this top priority.

Improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.