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Mrs. Bluezette's Grammar Guide
Latin abbreviations: e.g., etc., et al., i.e.
You see Latin abbreviations all the time in your reading.
You probably use a couple of them occasionally in your off-air
writing or note taking.
Mrs. B wants to be sure you know what they mean.
e.g. (Latin, exempli gratia): "for example"
v
If you want to please an anchor with your writing, learn her
style, e.g., whether she likes to use contractions.
etc. (Latin, et cetera): "and so forth"
It's used when referring to things, not people.
"And" etc. is redundant.
v
When I go out on a story I want a notebook, a pen, a tape
recorder, extra batteries, etc.
et al. (Latin, et alii): "and others"
It's used only in reference to people, not things.
v
The mayor, several council members et al. from city hall
showed up for the announcement.
i.e. (Latin, id est): "that is"
v
There was no need for any station to cover, i.e. do a story on, the
picnic.
Mrs. B will continue the Latin abbreviations lesson next time.
