et cetera

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "etc." is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that there is more of something that could be listed. For example: I love Italian food - pizza, pasta, lasagna, etc.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I currently include £2.5bn for all tax and spectrum fines etc in India and therefore this outcome would be positive from a valuation perspective.

The Guardian - Business

During that time there has been much outrage, shock, horror, etc expressed by the media and the tech industry.

The Guardian - Tech

For a person to remain "voluntary" with the looming threat of detention should they try to leave, effectively incarcerates them – but without any of the rights (for appeal, legal aid etc) that the Mental Health Act provides.

The Guardian

We'll also talk about the business of writing, the publishing process etc. Students will be encouraged to give readings of their work to the rest of the group.

The Guardian

"I won't miss the God-botherers, the Tories, the hypocrites who ignored me when I was alive, etc".

The Guardian - Books

When a book, film, song, theatre show, YouTube clip or whatever is tagged with the term controversial it always jolts me into an internet frenzy of researching, watching, buying etc.

The Guardian

"Wild animal like tiger, lion etc – 82 rupees," said the ferry ticket board.

The Guardian - Travel

Even though billions of taxpayers' euros had to be diverted into the banking system to ensure its survival the banks continue to behave disgracefully, refusing to loan to small and medium enterprises, harassing households with mortgage problems, overcharging customers for going into the red by merely a few euros, etc.

The Guardian

We know in our bones that we ought not to be driving diesel cars, leaving our lights on, flying to Tallinn on weekend breaks, putting off insulating our homes, etc.

The Guardian - Tech

I now also always use my middle name in all correspondence, invoicing, etc.

The Guardian - Tech

As one moderator told me:"There seems to be a huge backlash against the Guardian's increasing coverage of feminist issues, from more frivolous pieces (body hair, sunbathing topless, anything to do with Beyoncé) to pieces on domestic violence, FGM etc. WATM (what about the men) is now something we look out for on any piece about women as standard".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "et cetera", ensure the preceding items in the list establish a clear pattern or category. This helps the reader understand what the "etc." implies.

Common error

Avoid using "and et cetera". The "et" in "et cetera" already means "and", making the extra "and" unnecessary and grammatically incorrect. For example, write "apples, oranges, bananas, et cetera" not "apples, oranges, bananas, and et cetera".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "et cetera" functions as an abbreviation used to indicate that a list continues beyond the items mentioned. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it's grammatically correct and usable. It serves to shorten lists while implying that the reader can infer additional items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "et cetera" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that a list is not exhaustive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various writing styles, though more formal contexts might necessitate a complete list. Its function is to shorten lists, its purpose is to imply continuation, and its register is primarily neutral to formal. Usage is prevalent in News & Media, Formal & Business, and general contexts. Remember to avoid redundancy by omitting "and" before "et cetera". Consider alternatives like ""and so forth"" for different tones or levels of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

and so forth

Replaces "et cetera" with a slightly more formal tone, emphasizing continuation.

and so on

Indicates a continuation in a similar manner or pattern.

and others

A simpler alternative, suitable when the specific items aren't as important.

and the like

Similar in meaning to "et cetera", but can sound slightly more casual.

among others

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

and the rest

Indicates that the list continues with items readily understood or implied.

and more

A concise way to indicate that there are additional unspecified items.

and similar items

Directly refers to unlisted items that share characteristics with those mentioned.

plus other things

A straightforward way to add that there are more unmentioned items.

and all that

Informal way to suggest that there are related aspects or items.

FAQs

How do you use "et cetera" in a sentence?

"Et cetera" is used at the end of a list to indicate that there are more items that could be included. For example, "I need to buy milk, bread, eggs, "et cetera"." indicates there are other groceries to buy.

Is it appropriate to use "et cetera" in formal writing?

While "et cetera" is grammatically correct, it is often considered less appropriate in formal writing where clarity and completeness are valued. Consider providing a comprehensive list or using alternatives like "and so forth" or "among others".

What's the difference between "et cetera" and "and so on"?

"Et cetera" implies that there are similar items to those listed, while "and so on" suggests a continuation in a similar manner or pattern. They are often interchangeable, but "et cetera" is generally used for lists of things, while "and so on" can apply to processes or sequences.

What can I say instead of ""et cetera""?

You can use alternatives like "and so forth", "and others", or "and the like" depending on the context.