comma or semicolon before 'i.e.' [abbreviation]: two elements; i.e.

[as_99]

For this sentence after word "elements", should I use semicolon ";" or comma with "i.e."

Example:

The profitability is directly influenced by two elements, i.e. (or ;) the developing cost and efficiency of the entire plan to meet the segments’ needs.

Segment means a part of the market of market share

Please advise

 

[JulianStuart]

A comma is typically used after i.e. I've never seen a semicolon.
Just to clarify, there would be a comma both before and after the i.e.
... two elements, i.e., the developing cost and efficiency


In this situation, however, I would prefer the word "namely", or even the more archaic "viz."

 

[e2efour]

AE uses i.e., or i.e., Also e.g.,
BE uses i.e. and e.g.

Following Occam's law (if it applies to language, that is), no comma should be written.

 

[Kumpel]

The profitability is directly influenced by two elements, i.e. (or ; ) the developing cost and efficiency of the entire plan to meet the segments’ needs.

I, personally, would use a comma, and only before the i.e.; I do agree, however, namely feels more appropriate.

Lloyd

 

[e2efour]

Indeed, a comma is written before i.e.

 

[JulianStuart]

AE uses i.e., or i.e., Also e.g.,
BE uses i.e. and e.g.

Following Occam's law (if it applies to language, that is), no comma should be written.

Thanks - I wasn't aware of the AE/BE split here.
I have seen Occam's razor (as in KISS, although technically it applies to theories or explanations, I think) used to justify the use of ie and eg in some style sheets that eschew full stops. I don't recall their stances on commas around ie and eg, though.

 

[panjandrum]

Don't use "i.e." in this context.

 

[e2efour]

Don't use "i.e." in this context.

Whyever not?

 

[panjandrum]

Many/some style guides advise against ie or eg in formal reports.
This reads like a formal report.

If you decide to use them, consider what punctuation you would use with the full version, and use the same with the abbreviation.

 

[e2efour]

Many/some style guides advise against ie or eg in formal report.

On what possible grounds?

 

[mplsray]

Two American style manuals which require a comma after i.e. are the U.S. Government Printing Office Style Manual, Section 8.147 (text, PDF) and the University of Minnesota Style Manual. The U of M's manual calls for it explicitly, while the USGPO manual states the following:

8.147. [The comma is used to] set off explanatory abbreviations or words which summarize or explain preceding matter.

The industry is related to groups that produce finished goods; i.e., electrical machinery and transportation equipment.

I take it that e.g. would count as an explanatory abbreviation explaining preceding matter.