and etc

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "and etc." to refer to a list of items that you have already mentioned. For example: I have apples, oranges, and etc.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(And etc).

The New Yorker

Funny old game, and etc.

The Guardian - Sport

And etc. Here's to the 2009 edition.

The New York Times - Books

9.00pm BST Blimey, crikey, swipe me and etc, what?

The Guardian - Sport

Murray's win induces beneficial feelings towards humanity, and etc, after all.

The Guardian - Sport

In Lesser Sunda Islands, there are Balinese, Sasak and etc.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Which of course is code for taking on debt, buying back your stock, and etc.

Forbes

Etc and etc and etc.

Huffington Post

Over 40s, unmarried, never had a girlfriend and etc.

Huffington Post

Collectible figures, cards and etc. are on the sixth floor.

Huffington Post

The Community Plaza will be used for community events, concerts, and etc. BRON: Business Park.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "and etc" sparingly; opt for more precise language when possible. If the list is extensive, consider grouping items or using a more general term.

Common error

Avoid relying on "and etc" as a crutch. Overuse can make your writing seem vague and imprecise. Instead, strive to be specific or use a more descriptive phrase that clarifies the scope of your list.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and etc" functions as a discourse marker used to indicate that a list is not exhaustive. It signals that there are additional items or elements that are similar to those already mentioned. Ludwig AI indicates that is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

28%

News & Media

23%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "and etc" serves to indicate that a list is not exhaustive and that there are other similar items that could be included. Although technically redundant, given that “etc.” is short for “et cetera,” already meaning “and the rest,” Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently encountered in varied contexts. However, its informal nature makes it less suitable for formal academic or professional writing, where alternatives such as "and so forth" might be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can also make writing seem imprecise, so it's best to use it sparingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

and so forth

Replaces "etc" with a more formal synonym, maintaining the meaning of an ongoing list.

and the like

Offers a slightly less formal alternative to "and so forth", indicating similar items or ideas.

and others

Simplifies the phrase to indicate that there are more items not specifically mentioned.

and more

Briefly suggests additional items or details beyond those already listed.

and similar items

More explicitly states that the unmentioned items are akin to those listed.

and the rest

Implies that the remaining items are known or understood from the context.

and all that

More informal and conversational, suggesting a range of related things.

and what have you

An idiomatic expression indicating additional unspecified items or details.

among others

Highlights that the listed items are just a selection from a larger group.

and numerous others

Emphasizes that there are many more items not mentioned.

FAQs

How can I use "and etc" in a sentence?

Use "and etc" at the end of a list to indicate that there are similar items not specifically mentioned. For example, "I bought apples, oranges, bananas, "and etc"".

What are some alternatives to using "and etc"?

Alternatives include "and so forth", "and the like", or "and others", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to use "and etc" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "and etc" is often considered informal. In formal writing, it's preferable to use a more precise phrase or a more formal alternative like "and so forth".

What's the difference between "etc" and "and etc"?

"Etc" is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase "et cetera", meaning "and the rest". Using "and etc" is technically redundant because "etc" already includes the meaning of "and", but it is a common usage.