What is Et cetera in English? How to write Et cetera in English correctly?

In this article, students will delve into the proper usage of et cetera in English. Additionally, this article aims to discuss alternative expressions such as "and so on" and "and so forth," highlighting the differences in their contexts and applications. Let’s explore these nuances together!

I. What is Et cetera in English?

Let’s join PREP to define etc meaning in English!

The etcetera pronunciation is /ɪt ˈset̬.ɚ.ə/, while so on is pronounced /soʊ ɑːn/ and so forth as /soʊ fɔːrθ/. These expressions are used in English to indicate that additional similar items or ideas could be included but are not explicitly mentioned. Typically, they appear at the end of a sentence or in written text to imply an incomplete list. For example:

• Rice, meat, fish, etc. are among the most important sources of food to us.
• Yesterday, I spent three hours in a shopping mall buying some important domestic appliances including a microwave, fans, and so on/so forth. 

II. Some notes on using Et cetera in English

When using etcetera in a sentence, it’s important to follow certain punctuation rules. Always include a period (.) after "etc." as it is an abbreviation—this detail is often overlooked. However, if "etc." appears at the end of a sentence, you do not need to add another period. For example: *Alex had dogs, cats, pigs, chickens, etc.* 

By adhering to these guidelines, your writing will appear more polished and professional.

• Only use "etc." to list objects. If referring to people, use "et al". For example:
  • I meet a lot of new friends at the party Marry, Henry, Robert, et al. → et al. refers to people.
• Do not use "and etc.". For example:
  • You should bring text book, pencil, ruler, eraser and etc. (❌)
  • You should bring text book, pencil, ruler, eraser, etc. (✅)

• If a sentence includes phrases like "for example" or similar expressions to introduce a list, avoid using "etc." as it is redundant. The phrase already suggests that the list is not exhaustive and may include additional items.

• Only use "etc." to list other words or phrases that are of the same type or group as the ones listed before:

The children should bring crayons, blankets, hats, etc. (❌)

The children should bring paper, pencils, scissors, etc. (✅)

III. Differentiating the usage of etc in English and So on/so forth

In addition to et cetera in English, phrases like "so on" and "so forth" are also used to indicate additional items. However, do these three expressions share the same usage? Let’s explore this with PREP below!

IV. Exercises on Et cetera in English

To gain a clearer understanding of how to use et cetera in English, try completing the exercises below with PREP!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Find and correct the errors in the following sentences:

1. We have many subjects – English, History, Music, and ect
2. We have a constant battle against garden pests such as slugs, snails, greenflies, blackfly, so on.
3. Allow the children to eat only healthy food - vegetables, fruits, so forth.
4. The children should bring paper, pencils, scissors, and etc.
5. Al often picks locally grown fruit, such as apples, strawberries, so on.
6. She enjoys all kinds of sports – running, tennis, swimming, so forth.
7. I am trying to give up cakes, chocolate, sweets, and etc.
8. I don't do counseling, therapy, so on. I do experiments in a laboratory.
9. It needs your contributions of furniture, paint, brushes, ladders, lamps, so forth.
10. European countries - especially northern European countries: Switzerland, Denmark, and ect -  tend to be richer we are in these surveys.

Exercise 2: Write sentences using "et cetera" or "and so on/so forth" based on the given prompts.

1. (Fruits: apples, oranges, bananas)
2. (School supplies: pens, pencils, notebooks)
3. (Hobbies: painting, drawing, sculpting)
4. (Electronic devices: phones, tablets, laptops)
5. (Sports: soccer, basketball, tennis)

2. Answer keys

V. Start Your IELTS Journey

PREP hopes this article has helped you understand the definition and usage of et cetera in English, along with the key differences between "et cetera," "so on," and "so forth." Stay tuned with PREP for more valuable English learning tips and insights!

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