and so on and so forth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "and so on and so forth" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that there are additional items or examples that could be mentioned but are not explicitly listed. Example: "We need to buy groceries like milk, bread, eggs, and so on and so forth."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

For one day without wetting themselves, give them a sticker and so on and so forth.

WikiHow

He uses a stapler, and so on and so forth.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Fusion maps and so on and so forth.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

>> next logout site and so on and so forth.

Stanford University

It's a good aggression, and so on and so forth.

Cornell University

> next logout site and so on and so forth.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

And so on and so morosely forth.

The Guardian - Opinion

And so on and so endlessly forth.

The Guardian

And so on and so balefully forth.

The Guardian

Hold them for a year so on and so forth.

Forbes

Then Hulu blocked the workaround, so on and so forth.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "and so on and so forth" when you want to indicate that a list or sequence continues beyond the items you've already mentioned, but avoid overusing it in formal writing. Consider using more concise alternatives like "etc." or "and so on" for a cleaner style.

Common error

Avoid using "and so on and so forth" excessively in formal or academic writing. While it's grammatically correct, it can sound repetitive or vague. Opt for more precise language or a simple "etc." to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and so on and so forth" functions as a conjunctive phrase indicating the continuation of a list, sequence, or idea. It serves to imply that there are further, similar elements that could be mentioned but are not explicitly listed. Ludwig examples demonstrate its versatility across contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

34%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "and so on and so forth" is a common conjunctive phrase used to indicate that a list or idea continues beyond what has been explicitly stated. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is considered grammatically correct. While versatile, it's best to use it judiciously, especially in formal writing, where more precise language might be preferred. Alternatives include phrases like "and so on" or "etcetera". It's frequently found in news media and academic contexts. Be careful to avoid overuse, particularly in situations where a more concise or specific expression would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

and so forth

Shorter version of the original phrase; omits the 'and so on' part, creating a slightly less emphatic continuation.

and the like

Replaces the sequential repetition with a general term for similar items, slightly less formal.

and so on

Shorter version, implying the continuation of a series; less emphatic.

etcetera

A Latin abbreviation meaning 'and other things'; more concise, but slightly more formal or academic.

and others

Focuses on people or entities, not general items; less versatile.

and similar things

More explicitly states the inclusion of comparable items, less idiomatic.

and all that jazz

Informal idiom implying further related elements; less formal.

and the rest

Suggests the remaining items are known or understood, less specific.

and what have you

Implies examples are obvious or easily imagined; more colloquial.

and everything else

A broader way to say the same, implying completeness of listing, but only implies relatedness.

FAQs

How can I use "and so on and so forth" in a sentence?

You can use "and so on and so forth" to indicate that a list or idea continues beyond what you've explicitly stated. For example, "We discussed various topics, including budget constraints, project timelines, and "and so on and so forth"."

What are some alternatives to "and so on and so forth"?

Alternatives include "and so on", "and so forth", "etcetera" (etc.), and "and the like". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is it redundant to say "and so on and so forth"?

While the phrase is somewhat repetitive, it's a common idiom that emphasizes the continuation of a list or idea. However, in formal writing, consider using shorter alternatives like "etc." or "and so on" to avoid sounding overly verbose.

What's the difference between "and so on" and "and so on and so forth"?

"And so on" is a shorter, more concise way to indicate continuation. "And so on and so forth" is a more emphatic version, implying a longer or more varied list of possible additions. They are often interchangeable, but "and so on and so forth" can sometimes sound more informal.