so on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so on" is not correct in standard written English; the correct expression is "so on and so forth" or simply "and so on." You can use it to indicate that there are additional items or examples that are similar to those already mentioned.
Example: "We need to buy fruits like apples, oranges, bananas, and so on."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"So on that one, I take responsibility".

The New York Times

So on.

The New Yorker

And so on and so on".

The New York Times - Sports

So on this St.

The New York Times

Not so on Wednesday.

The New York Times

And so on.

The New York Times

So on we go.

The New York Times

So on and so on.

The New Yorker

And so on to 2016.

Independent

So, on to public relations.

The New York Times

Not so on a handset.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and correctness, replace "so on" with grammatically standard alternatives such as "and so forth" or "and so on and so forth".

Common error

Avoid using "so on" in formal writing. While it is frequently used, it's incomplete. Always follow with "and so forth" for grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so on" functions as an adverbial phrase, indicating a continuation or something similar following the items or details already mentioned. Ludwig AI points out that this usage, while common, is grammatically incorrect on its own.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

30%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "so on" is frequently used to suggest that a list or series continues beyond what has been explicitly mentioned. However, Ludwig AI clarifies that "so on" is grammatically incomplete and incorrect when used alone. Although it appears often in various sources, including news, academic, and scientific contexts, it's best to use grammatically complete alternatives such as "and so forth" or "and "so on" and so forth" for clarity and correctness. In informal settings, other options like "and the like" or "etcetera" can also effectively convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

and so forth

Replaces "so on" with a more formal and grammatically correct expression indicating continuation.

and so on and so forth

An extended version for emphasizing continuation with a more elaborate feel.

and the like

Used to denote that similar items or examples could be added to the list.

etcetera

A Latin abbreviation indicating that a list continues in a similar pattern.

and all that

Indicates further unspecified elements related to the topic.

and more

A simple way to indicate that there are additional items or factors.

and similar things

More descriptive, specifying unlisted items are alike to ones mentioned.

and other things

A broader way to refer to additional related but unspecified items.

and what have you

Suggests additional similar items or activities exist, often informally.

and stuff

Very informal way to indicate more unmentioned items or details.

FAQs

How to use "so on" in a sentence correctly?

While "so on" appears in writing, it's grammatically incomplete. To be correct, use "and "so on" and so forth" or "and "so forth"".

What can I say instead of "so on"?

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

Is it correct to say "so on"?

Technically, no. While common in speech, "so on" is grammatically incomplete in writing. The correct forms are "and "so on" and so forth" or "and "so forth"".

What is the difference between "so on" and "and so forth"?

"So on" is an informal fragment. "And so forth" is a complete phrase indicating a continuation of similar items or ideas.