4

Are there any difference between” etc.” and “and so on”? What cases I shouldn't use “etc.” or “and so on”?

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
6

The abbreviation "etc." stands for "et cetera" which is Latin for "and the rest". But its common meaning in English also include "and so on".

So these two terms, "et cetera" and "and so on" are basically equivalent. Using one vs. the other is a matter of style more than anything else.

If I had to distinguish between them the usage of "etc." or "et cetera" is more common is written English especially where the purpose of the writing is more formal. The usage of "and so on" seems more common in oral communication but I am not aware of any hard-and-fast rule on this.

Improve this answer
5
  • Most style guides advise against 'etc' in any writing that aspires to be formal.
    – Michael Harvey
    Commented Sep 12, 2021 at 12:24
  • I suppose it depends on how formal the writing is. For example a contract or another legal document should never use "etc." or even "and so on" because the meaning can be ambiguous. But note that I said "more formal" as opposed to "formal".
    – jwh20
    Commented Sep 12, 2021 at 12:27
  • I believe the Queen's titles are often abbreviated (when they are announcing her at some event) with "et cetera" because otherwise she just has too many of them to list!
    – Kevin
    Commented Sep 13, 2021 at 1:12
  • "et cetera" also sounds better when Yul Brynner intones it repeatedly (unabbreviated and NOT written!)
    – dave_thompson_085
    Commented Sep 13, 2021 at 1:42
  • Thank you for your answer!
    – user141892
    Commented Sep 13, 2021 at 5:59

You must log in to answer this question.