So, you want to write a list and abbreviate et cetera, but you’re not sure how to go about it in formal writing.
Well, you’ve come to the right place to ensure you’re using an appropriate formal phrase.
This article will teach you how to write etc in formal writing, depending on the context you need it for.
6 Alternative Ways to Say “Etc.”
You should also review these 6 synonyms to learn how to replace etc in formal writing:
- And so on
- And the like
- Along with others
- And others
- So on and so forth
- And such
1. And So On
You can start by using and so on instead of etc in academic writing.
This is a great choice because it keeps things formal and direct. It will allow you to create a list of things that ends when you write and so on (implying there’s more to say).
Most readers will be more than happy to read something like this.
After all, it suggests that you’ve covered most of the important points of a list. So, it’s up to the reader to fill in the blanks and see what else they can work out from what you’ve shared with them.
Feel free to review these examples to learn a little more about how it works:
We can talk about it in this way, or the other way, and so on. Therefore, I think it’s worth addressing both issues.
As you can see, it relates to time, date, and so on. It’s important to discuss this before anyone makes a move.
2. And the Like
Another way to say etc is and the like. It shows you how to write etc in a resume when you’d like to get a point across and share a list with the recipient.
Generally, this works well because it allows you to list skills or traits. It makes it clear to recruiters what they can expect to see from you.
Also, listing traits clearly in a resume works wonders. It won’t take long for recruiters or employers to look into them, after all.
So, it’s a good choice (as long as you’re talking about things you’re certain you can prove).
Feel free to review these resume samples to learn a bit more about it:
I am good at solving problems, working with teams, and the like. I’m sure you’ll be impressed by what I can do.
I’m good with computers, phones, and the like. Therefore, this technologically-based role is a perfect fit for me.
3. Along With Others
Next, we recommend including along with others as a more formal word than etc.
Generally, you can use this when completing an important list. It’s professional and clear, making it really easy for readers to understand what you’re writing about.
For the most part, this works best when writing an essay. It helps your readers to follow your list and fill in the gaps when they know more about what you’re trying to write.
So, you can review these essay samples to learn more about how it works:
I worked with Paul, Sam, and Stephanie, along with others, to try and achieve these results as quickly as possible.
I considered the department heads, prefects, and monitors, along with others, to see who would be the best fit.
4. And Others
For something a bit simpler, you can use and others.
This time, it works quite well in a business email. You can use this phrase because it shows that you’re not willing to fill out a complete list because it will be a waste of time.
This saves you the time to type the list and saves the recipient the time to read it. So, it’s a win-win situation, really.
It’s still professional, too. So, it’s a good choice when you’re trying to keep your emails informative without sounding too rushed.
Feel free to review this sample email to learn a bit more about how it works:
Dear Jonathan,
I have touched on this task, the latest system change, and others.
Hopefully, you’ll see from the results that it’s worth looking into a bit more.
All the best,
Jack Pollock
5. So on and So Forth
Another way to say etc is so on and so forth. This phrase works really well in academic writing.
It gives you a chance to explain how a list might end. Generally, readers will appreciate this as it’s a good chance to streamline your information and ensure you cover all bases.
Feel free to use it when writing scientific papers or essays. After all, the sooner you get your point across, the better it will look for the readers grading your paper.
Here are some examples to show you more about how it works:
The options come from gliding, hanging, climbing, and so on and so forth. There are a few routes we could take.
It’s worth exploring the aging process, the manufacturers, and so on and so forth. Otherwise, we won’t get a clear picture.
6. And Such
Finally, use and such instead of etc to help you mix things up.
This one works in slightly less formal essays. It shows the reader that you’re trying to explain something about a list without going into too much detail because you don’t think it will add anything.
For the most part, readers will appreciate your efforts to streamline your work. Therefore, it’s worth including it at least once in an essay.
Here are some essay samples to help you:
I’m considering changing jobs, working from home, and such like that. I think there are better options for me out there.
It’s worth exploring subjects like history, geography, mathematics, and such. I’m sure I’ll find my subject sooner or later.
Is It Correct to Say “Etc.”?
Etc is correct to say in academic writing or essays.
It’s a common choice because it allows you to abbreviate et cetera, which is a Latin phrase meaning and the rest.
Generally, you can use it formally. While it’s an abbreviation, it’s much more common than using the long-form word.
You can review this essay sample to learn more about how to use it:
We can look at the timing, the venue, etc. to find out more about what happened. It’s important to review this information.
Of course, etc is an abbreviation. Therefore, you can also use the long-form phrase, though it’s less common. Still, it’s worth seeing it in action.
So, this essay sample will help you to understand more about how it works:
We have touched on the variables, the control, et cetera. It’s now time to explore what comes next.
Before using the phrase, you need to know how to follow comma rules. Generally, in American English, you will place a comma after etc when it’s in the middle of a sentence.
Variation: Using a comma in the middle of a sentence
- Correct: This, that, etc., but there’s still time for more.
You still have to include the period after etc as this signifies that it’s an abbreviation. However, the comma is still important to include to break your sentence up.
So, it’s clear that etc is acceptable in formal writing. But that doesn’t mean you should only use it when listing things. There are plenty of other acceptable options.
