etc.
- Adverb:
- And so on, and so forth, and other similar things: Used at the end of a list to indicate that further, similar items are included but not stated. It shows that the list is not exhaustive and could be continued in the same manner.
- Placement: "etc." is placed at the end of a list, typically after the last item and a comma. It is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase "," meaning "and the rest."
- Punctuation: It is followed by a period (.) even when it occurs in the middle of a sentence. If the sentence continues, a comma usually follows "etc."
- Formality: Common in both written and spoken English, though in very formal writing, phrases like "and so on" or "and other things" are sometimes preferred.
In a list:
- Please buy some fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, etc.
- The toolbox contained a hammer, screwdriver, wrench, etc.
In a sentence:
- We need to pack essentials: clothes, toiletries, chargers, etc., for the trip.
- The study covered major European languages—French, German, Spanish, etc.—and their histories.
With "and": It is redundant to use "and" before "etc." because "et cetera" already means "and the rest." However, this usage is common in informal contexts.
- Informal: The room was filled with chairs, tables, and etc.
- Preferred: The room was filled with chairs, tables, etc.
In academic writing: To maintain clarity and formality, it is often better to use phrases like "including, but not limited to," "such as," or "for example" rather than ending a list with "etc."
- Less Formal: The conference discussed economics, politics, etc.
- More Formal: The conference discussed various topics, such as economics and politics.
et cetera: The full Latin phrase, sometimes used for emphasis or in more formal contexts.
- The ceremony involved many rituals, et cetera, all deeply symbolic.
&c.: An older, less common abbreviation for "et cetera," using the ampersand to represent "et."
- and so on (and so forth): English phrases with the same meaning, often used interchangeably with "etc."
- and so on
- and so forth
- and the like
- and more
- and others (when referring to people or items)
Avoiding vagueness: "Etc." should only be used when the reader can easily infer the other items in the list. It should not be used to avoid providing necessary examples or details.
- Vague: Bring your supplies, etc., to class.
- Clear: Bring your supplies (notebooks, pens, textbook, etc.) to class.
Not for people: While sometimes used informally, "etc." is generally not considered appropriate for lists of people. Use "and others" or "et al." (for academic citations) instead.
- Less Appropriate: I invited John, Sarah, etc.
- More Appropriate: I invited John, Sarah, and others.
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continuing in the same way
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