How to Use Etc. Correctly: A Simple Guide | Mastering Grammar

(Last Updated: 14 August 2024)

How to Use Etc. Correctly

There are two key things to remember when it comes to using etc.

1. Do Not Use And in Front of Etc.

Etc., which is the abbreviation for the Latin expression et cetera, means 'and other similar things'. As the meaning of the abbreviation already has an and, it is redundant to add another and:

❌ The hardware shop sells wires, nails, aluminium rods and etc.
✅ The hardware shop sells wires, nails, aluminium rods, etc.

❌ My bag contains textbooks, a pencil case, a calculator, and a long ruler, etc.
✅ My bag contains textbooks, a pencil case, a calculator, a long ruler, etc.

2. Do Not Use Etc. with Such As or For Example

If you introduce some examples with such as or for example, do not use etc. at the end of the list:

❌ Tom has visited many Asian countries, such as India, China, Singapore, etc.
✅ Tom has visited many Asian countries, such as India, China, and Singapore.

❌ I love playing a variety of ball games, such as football, basketball, volleyball, etc.
✅ I love playing a variety of ball games, such as football, basketball, and volleyball.

Such as and for example mean that your list contains examples, not the full story. Etc. means the same.

The entry for etc. in the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

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Examples from the Media

Some expenses are monthly and even yearly expenditures (credit card, phone, union dues, insurance, manicure, etc.). —Toronto Star (2022)

This war, of course, is against the coronavirus, with battalions headed by Delta, Alpha, Omicron, etc. —South China Morning Post (2022)

Dr Hugh Adler said transmission in households is "possible, but not common, and certainly not like we would see with COVID, influenza, measles etc". —The Sun (2022)

If they continue to be rude, enforce a consequence: take away their TV time, cancel a fun activity, etc. —CBS News (2004)

Practice

In the following sentences, fill in the blanks with etc., other similar things, or X if nothing should be used.

1. At the zoo, we saw monkeys, lions, tigers, elephants, ________.

2. The children took part in dance, music, painting, and ________.

3. Don't forget to take some paper, a pencil, a calculator, and ________.

4. The shop sells large electrical goods such as television sets, refrigerators, and washing machines ________.

5. We bought some apples, oranges, pears, bananas, ________. 

Answer Key

1. etc.    2. other similar things    3. other similar things    4. X    5. etc.

Real-World Examples of Misuse

1. We can put emphasis on something, or we can emphasize it, but we cannot emphasize on it.
2. We say find the main idea, not find out the main idea.
3. Do not use and in front of etc.
4. It is the students who will be doing the practice and not the teachers.
(Image Source: 現代小學士)

1. Etc. is not necessary at the end of a list beginning with e.g. Both imply a partial list naming items from a larger group; therefore, only one is necessary.
2. We can put stress on something, or we can stress it, but we cannot stress on it.
(Image Source: Ying Wa Primary School)
(Also by the Same School: 1/2/3/4)

1. Etc. is not needed after such as.
2. And is not needed before etc.