and whatnot

USAGE SUMMARY

'and whatnot' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to additional items that are similar to the ones already listed in a sentence, or other unspecified items. For example: "We had all sorts of supplies—tents, sleeping bags, canned food, and whatnot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Cocaine and whatnot.

The New Yorker

Murder and whatnot.

The New York Times

Spreadsheets and whatnot.

The New Yorker

Your motivations and whatnot are secondary".

The New York Times

He says they sacrifice kids and whatnot.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Learning how to make all sorts of pastries and whatnot.

The New Yorker

For the good of the people of Illinois and whatnot.

The New Yorker

So I think her bangles and whatnot look ace.

Independent

I tested the idea for structural integrity and whatnot.

The New York Times

He obviously can't go out without his phone and whatnot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They let off stray shells, Verey lights and whatnot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "and whatnot" to avoid listing every single item in a series, especially when the list is long or obvious to the reader. It adds a touch of informality and avoids redundancy.

Common error

Avoid using "and whatnot" in formal writing or professional communications. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "et cetera" or "and so forth" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and whatnot" functions as an adjunct, specifically a conjunct, used to indicate that a list or series continues with similar, unmentioned items. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to avoid being overly specific or exhaustive in enumeration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "and whatnot" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that a list continues with similar, unspecified items. Ludwig confirms that it's best suited for informal contexts like news and media, as it avoids overly specific enumerations. While versatile, it should be replaced with more formal alternatives like "et cetera" or "and so forth" in professional or academic writing to maintain a polished tone. When used appropriately, it adds a touch of informality and prevents redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

and so forth

Indicates continuation in a similar manner; a slightly more formal alternative.

et cetera

A Latin abbreviation meaning "and the rest"; implies a list of similar items.

and so on

Suggests a continuation of a series or pattern that has been established.

and the like

Indicates items similar to those already mentioned.

and all that jazz

An informal way to refer to related or similar things.

and such

A shorter, more casual way of saying "and similar things".

or something

Indicates approximation or vagueness regarding what else might be included.

and other things

A more direct and less idiomatic way of expressing the same idea.

and similar items

A more formal and descriptive alternative.

and all that stuff

An informal way to refer to unspecified, related things.

FAQs

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

"And whatnot" is typically used at the end of a list to indicate that there are other similar items that are not being explicitly mentioned. For example: "We need to buy groceries, toiletries, cleaning supplies, "and whatnot"."

What is a more formal alternative to "and whatnot"?

For formal writing, consider using phrases like "et cetera", "and so forth", or "and the like" instead of "and whatnot". These alternatives maintain a professional tone.

Is it appropriate to use "and whatnot" in academic writing?

Generally, no. "And whatnot" is considered too informal for academic writing. More precise and formal language is preferred in academic contexts.

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

While both phrases indicate that a list continues, "and whatnot" implies a wider range of unmentioned items, while "and so on" suggests a continuation of a specific pattern or series.