Grammarhow

How to Use “Etc.” at the End of a Sentence (Period or Not?)

Abbreviations have particular rules associated with them, and it’s good to learn what those rules are. This article will explain all you need to know about using “etc.” at the end of a sentence. We’ll help you understand how to punctuate it as well.

How to Use “Etc.” at the End of a Sentence

When “etc.” comes at the end of a sentence, you do not need a second period to end the sentence. Instead, the period that abbreviates “etc.” acts as both the abbreviation and the end of the sentence. It does two tasks instead of the usual one.

etc at the end of a sentence

This is a fairly common grammar rule that most writers follow. It works well because it means that you never have to double up on a period at the end of a sentence.

  • Correct: I like apples, pears, cucumbers, etc.
  • Incorrect: You should discuss the birds, bees, etc..

The double period in the second example is incorrect. It looks like a typo (because it is one), and most people will wonder why you chose to use it in that way.

“Etc.” works as the sentence ender, where the period at the end of the abbreviation does two jobs. It will close the abbreviation and close the sentence.

Using “Etc.” With a Period at the End of a Sentence

It would help to know how the period looks in a few more sentences. These examples should clear everything up:

  • I’m going to need the books, tables, chairs, etc. We need to make sure everything is set up and ready to go.
  • What about the times, dates, etc. Is there anything else that needs to be sorted out before we pack up and leave?
  • I could do it on Tuesday if you can. I’ve sorted the venue, the music, the schedule, etc. What else is there?
  • I’m not sure about a few of the things you’ve included on this list. For example, apples, oranges, potatoes, etc.

When “etc.” comes at the end of a sentence, the period in the abbreviation works as the sentence ender. You can use it just like you would a normal period without having to double up on one.

Using “Etc.” With Other Punctuation at the End of a Sentence

You can leave periods out of the equation when you write “etc.” at the end of a sentence. However, other punctuation marks still need to be included, even if that means that “etc.” has an extra mark after it.

If you use a question mark, exclamation mark, comma, or any other form of punctuation, you must include it after the period in “etc.” When you end a sentence with a question or exclamation, it’s important to include it after “etc.” to show that the sentence has ended.

  • Can we talk about the music, the band, etc.? I want to know about a few things, and I think you can help me.
  • You should have told her about all of those things. Why did you hide the secrets, lies, cheats, etc.?
  • We could have done so much! Think about all the adventures, fun, parties, etc.! I thought you were cool!
  • Can we make it work with the music, the band, the venue, etc.? It will have to go perfectly for the happy couple.

Using “Etc.” Inside a Parentheses at the End of a Sentence

When “etc.” is inside parentheses at the end of a sentence, you do not need to include a period after the closing parenthesis. Instead, you can leave the period inside the parentheses after “etc” and start a new sentence once you’ve closed it.

  • I’m going to talk to her about a few things (issues, dramas, etc.) I think it’s important to talk about them.
  • She mentioned that there were some issues (like the music, the guests, the cake, etc.) I’ll see what I can do.
  • We wanted to discuss the formalities (who, what, where, etc.) We didn’t realize there was so much to say.
  • I couldn’t understand the way she said those things (about Matt, Parker, Jake, etc.)

Final Thoughts

You never need to double up your use of a period. If you end a sentence with “etc.,” but you cannot place a period after it. The period in the abbreviation already acts as the sentence ender. You do need to include other punctuation marks (like question marks), though.

You may also like: 9 Better Ways to Say “Etc.” in Formal Writing (Essays) Etcetera or Et cetera? Here’s the correct spelling (+10 EXAMPLES)

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Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

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WordSelector

14 Other Ways to Say “Etc.” in Formal Writing

can you end an essay with etc

You’re looking for a way to make an open list in an essay, but is “etc.” an appropriate term to use in formal writing?

We’re here to answer that question while also providing a list of alternative phrases that you can use to keep your professor pleased!

Other Ways to Say “Etc.”

  • Among others
  • And such others
  • And the like
  • Continuing the same way
  • And what have you
  • And so forth
  • And the rest
  • And all the rest
  • Among other things

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • You can use “etc.” sparingly in an academic paper, but many grammar and academic authorities advise against doing so at all.
  • To rephrase your sentence, you can use the phrase “among others” instead of “etc.”
  • Another good synonym with which to end an open list is “and so on.”

Don’t click away! We still need to discuss our favorite alternatives to “etc.” in more detail. Moreover, we’ll provide some useful examples using each.

After that, we’ll discuss whether you can use “etc.” in an academic essay. If so, how?

Among Others

If you’re looking for a different way to say “etc.” in your academic writing, we would recommend the phrase “among others” instead.

“Among others” is a better phrase to use than “etc.” in formal writing .

Firstly, it can be used at the end of a list to show that it is not a closed list, much like the original term.

Secondly, this phrase is not abbreviated, making it less informal . As a rule of thumb for essays, it’s always good to write things out for clarity. Therefore, one should never assume that the reader already knows about the topic, which is what a term like “etc.” might imply.

Finally, to see this synonym in action, let’s look at a snippet from a faux research paper or two:

For the purposes of this paper, we studied the impacts of our modified “pollen-like” solution on the digestive tracts of winged insects, including butterflies, moths, beetles, and bees, among others.

It was noted that the following symptoms, among others , were shared in patients who had been in contact with radiation: fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite.

If you’re wondering what to say instead of “etc.” when you don’t want to write out an entire list in an essay, “and so on” is an effective alternative.

This synonym is more similar to “etc.,” as it implies that the reader already knows what else would appear on a particular list. Thus, there is no need to include everything.

However, this synonym is a better phrase to use in an essay. After all, people often use the abbreviation “etc.” incorrectly, so a phrase like this is significantly clearer.

Consider the following examples to see what we mean:

The CEO was advised to re-evaluate the company’s onboarding scheme, which included a larger recruitment team, more thorough training, and so on .

The impacts of AI are being seen across multiple commercial industries, including marketing, advertising, legal, and so on .

Can You Use “Etc.” in Formal Writing?

You can use “etc.” in formal writing . However, most academic and grammar authorities advise against doing so. After all, it is very easy to overuse and misuse this term.

For example, you should not use “etc.” after a single example or in the middle of a sentence. The proper way to say “etc.” is to use it at the end of an indefinite list . Moreover, the list should include only things that are of the same type. Here’s an example:

  • Correct : We tested on various winged insects, such as butterflies, moths, skippers, etc.
  • Incorrect : The parents of our participants were asked to supply stationery, blankets, identification documents, etc.

In other words, you should only use “etc.” where the reader can assume what else would go on the list. As the list in the second example is so broad, it is inappropriate to use “etc.”

While you can generally use “etc.” in lists or tables, most academics consider it informal . Therefore, you should avoid using it in narrative essays or papers that are not scientific in nature. Thus, we would recommend rephrasing your sentence using one of the synonyms in our list.

In conclusion, “etc.” is an informal term that you should only use sparingly and cautiously in academic writing. In fact, most authorities urge you to avoid using it at all.

Therefore, if you think you might need our list of synonyms on hand for your next paper, feel free to bookmark this page!

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  • Writing Tips

How to Correctly Use the Term ‘Etc.’ in Your Writing

How to Correctly Use the Term ‘Etc.’ in Your Writing

3-minute read

  • 23rd January 2022

Etc. is the abbreviation of the Latin term et cetera , which means and the rest or and other things like that . People often make mistakes with etc. , so in this post, we’ll guide you through the rules to follow when using this term in your writing .

When Should You Use Etc.?

Etc. is used to indicate that a list is not complete:

In the first example, the category of items in the list (sports) is specified. The second sentence doesn’t define the category, but the things named in the list make it clear that it refers to unhealthy foods. Both of these uses of etc. are correct.

When Should You Avoid Etc.?

Etc. should not be used in the following situations:

●  When there isn’t a clear connection between the listed items:

Etc. doesn’t work here because the link between the things listed is not obvious enough. Remember that etc. means and similar things , so if the similarity isn’t clear, you shouldn’t use etc.

●  When you have mentioned every possible item in the list:

There is no need for etc. in this sentence because readers would find it difficult to think of anything to add to this list.

●  When you have introduced the list with “ e.g.,” “ for instance,” or something similar:

Etc. is redundant here because the use of e.g. , meaning for example , indicates that the list is incomplete. You could remove either e.g. or etc. to make the sentence correct.

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●  When you are introducing a list of people:

If you are referring to a group of humans, you should use et al. rather than etc.

●  When you’ve used it once already:

One etc. at a time is always enough!

How Do You Punctuate Etc.?

In American English, etc. always has a period. However, if it comes at the end of a sentence, you don’t need to add another one:

But if a question mark or exclamation point is required, you should include this as well as the period:

You should always place a comma before etc. (i.e., after the last item in the list), but you don’t usually need a comma after etc.:

Summary: How to Use ‘Etc.’

Etc. is used to show that a list is not exhaustive. Because it means and other similar things , you should only use it when it will be obvious to the reader what other things the list could infer. Moreover, you should never use etc. if you have already indicated that the list is incomplete (e.g. by using for example or such as ).

To avoid misusing etc. and other Latin terms ( et al., viz., etc.) , it’s always worth having your writing proofread by a professional . At Proofed, our team is available around the clock (i.e., a.m. and p.m.!), so we can return your work within 24 hours. Try us out for free today!

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How to Use "Etc." Correctly

Last Updated: December 21, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was reviewed by Gerald Posner . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 928,691 times.

You might think that it's easy to use et cetera , which translates to "and others" or, more literally, "and the other things", and is abbreviated as "etc." Surely everyone knows how to use "etc." correctly, right? Well, it's not all straightforward–– et cetera can be commonly misspelled, improperly punctuated and even mispronounced! The use of et cetera isn't usually taught in schools or tutoring because it's considered to be just an abbreviation. Regardless, it's important to know how to use it properly. See Step 1 to get started.

Step 1 Use

  • For example, you can say, "We could use cupcakes, cookies, etc." This shows that they can use any kind of dessert, and it could be rewritten by, "We could use cupcakes, cookies, and so on."
  • However, you cannot say, "Bring hamburger buns, paper plates, cupcakes, etc.", because the items on the list are not the same and the person you're talking to would not know what you are referring to.
  • Items of the same class do not need to be physical items. They can be emotions, or other forms of "things." For example, you could say, "Please write down your three primary emotions today (sadness, anger, fear, etc.)"

Step 2 Do not use an introductory phrase for a list, such as

  • Be careful how you pronounce et cetera . If you're in the habit of saying "ek-SET-ra", it's time to kick out the "k" sound! The real pronunciation is "eht-SEHT-er-uh." [6] X Research source

Step 8 Punctuate

  • "They ate cookies, cakes, peanuts, fairy floss, etc., and it's little wonder they ended up with stomach aches."

Step 9 Learn how to put in the punctuation around it.

  • Put a question mark after the period in "etc."
  • Put an exclamation point immediately after the period.
  • Put the semicolon in right after the period and put a space between it and the next word.
  • Put parentheses around the items you are using along with etc. when necessary. For example: "Students should not pack liquids in their carry-on bags (water, shampoo, makeup remover, etc.)"

The Takeaway: Using Etc. Properly

Use "etc." as a substitute for "and so on" and also when referring to similar items within a list. If you're using "etc." in the middle of a sentence, follow it with a comma. Put any other concluding punctuation (like a question mark) right after the period.

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • Use your best judgement when using et cetera . Sometimes, writing the words "and so on" or typing "..." can be more appropriate or may simply look better in the context. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Learn the other possibilities for saying the same thing as et cetera . You could say, "and so on", but you could also write "...". Whichever way you use, it will serve the same purpose and will work to convey the correct meaning. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • According to William Strunk in the canonical text, The Elements of Style , "etc." is "equivalent to and the rest, and so forth, and hence not to be used if one of these would be insufficient, that is, if the reader would be left in doubt as to any important particulars." By this definition, you shouldn't use "etc." unless the person you're addressing would know exactly which item or items you're referring to, but most people today would find this definition a bit extreme. The objection here is that "etc." is not precise enough, and should therefore be avoided. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

can you end an essay with etc

  • While the rule is not always observed, et cetera is usually used for things. For omission of a list of people, et alii, or et al. is preferred. The same punctuation rules apply, except that there is always a space in et al. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 2

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  • ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/etcetera
  • ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/etc
  • ↑ https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2guides/guides/wrtps/index-eng.html?lang=eng&lettr=indx_catlog_e&page=9qbnz5ZJv1tw.html
  • ↑ http://grammarist.com/usage/et-cetera-etc/
  • ↑ http://grammarist.com/usage/et-al/
  • ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/pronunciation/english/et-cetera
  • http://grammarist.com/usage/et-cetera-etc/

About This Article

Gerald Posner

To use "etc." correctly, use it in instances where you would say "and so forth." For example, if you are making a list of possible desserts and want to express that there could be more items than the ones you have listed, write "cakes, cupcakes, ice cream, etc." Do not use "etc." more than once and do not use "etc." to refer to people. Try to avoid using "etc." if you already have a comprehensive list and there is actually nothing to add. For more instances of when to use and when to avoid "etc.," keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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  • Mar 11, 2020

How To Use "i.e.", "e.g.", And "etc." Correctly

Many English speakers—both native speakers and learners—have difficulty with non-English terms that are commonly used in English. Latin terms, in particular, can be confusing; few people know Latin because it is a dead language. Most of the Latin terms that are used in English use confined to legal and scientific contexts, but a few are common in everyday use as well. Three of these are abbreviations: "etc.", "e.g.", and "i.e."; in this post, I explain how to use these three common abbreviations.

How To Use Common Latin Abbreviations: e.g., i.e., and etc.

This stands for the Latin phrase et cetera , which means (roughly) "and the rest" in English. It is used to end a list, and it indicates that there are other, similar items in the list (but which aren't written out). In other words, if you are giving a partial list and want to indicate that the items you've written aren't the only items in the category, end the list with "etc."

One note is that you should not ever say "and etc."; that is redundant because the et in et cetera already means "and." You should always put a comma before "etc." to set it off from the last list item (even if you are not using the serial comma ), and you should always include the period at the end (though don't use two consecutive periods if "etc." ends a sentence). In addition, you'll want to use "etc." either at the end of a sentence or in parentheses; it can be a bit awkward to read when placed in the middle of a sentence.

Here are some examples of incorrect uses of "etc." (the correct versions are given afterward):

We will need to buy plates, cups , etc. for the company picnic. Park rangers lead tours, offer assistance to visitors, protect wildlife , and etc. The rainforest is home to numerous amphibian species (frogs, toads, newts etc ).

Now, here are correct versions of those examples:

We will need to buy supplies (plates, cups , etc. ) for the company picnic. Park rangers lead tours, offer assistance to visitors, protect wildlife , etc. The rainforest is home to numerous amphibian species (frogs, toads, newts , etc. ).

This stands for exempli gratia , which roughly translates as "for example" or "for instance." As you might guess from that translation, it is used to introduce one or more examples. To ensure readability, always put "e.g." and the example(s) in parentheses or between em dashes to set the example(s) off from the main text.

Both "etc." and "e.g." can be used to indicate a partial list. However, unlike "etc." (which always comes after a list), "e.g." comes before a list of examples. If you are listing more than one example after "e.g.", be sure to also include a conjunction (usually "and" or "or") before the last item. In addition, because they have similar meanings, you never need both. When giving a list of examples, you can use either "etc." or "e.g.", but you cannot use both. (Also, "e.g." is more restrictive, as it is only used with lists of examples; don't use it for other lists.)

As far as the punctuation, in most styles, "e.g." always uses both periods because both words of the Latin phrase are abbreviated. However, some styles use neither period; these styles are usually in U.K. English, but AMA Style also omits the periods. If you are using a style guide, be sure to check its preferences. In addition, you should always use a comma after "e.g.", just as you would always put a comma after the phrase "for instance."

Here are some incorrect uses of "e.g.":

I love many breakfast cereals , e.g., Corn Flakes and Oat Clusters. "Euro-style" games (Settlers of Cataan , e.g. ) have become very popular. Everyone should learn an instrument ( e.g. flute, piano , drums).

Now, here are the correct versions of those sentences:

I love many breakfast cereals (e.g., Corn Flakes and Oat Clusters ) . "Euro-style" games ( e.g., Settlers of Cataan) have become very popular. Everyone should learn an instrument ( e.g., flute, piano , and drums).

Finally, we have "i.e.", which stands for the Latin phrase id est —roughly translated as "in other words." It is used to restate the preceding text in different words. The most common uses for this are as follows:

to explain technical terms using more common phrases

to explain slang terms using more formal phrases

to provide a category for a complete list (or a complete list for a category).

See the examples below for a better idea.

The rules for "i.e." are similar to those for "e.g." For instance, it should always be used in parentheses and should always be followed by a comma. You'll also always use both periods—unless your style guide says to use neither (see the "e.g." section above).

Be sure not to confuse "i.e." and "e.g.", though! If you are giving a single example, "e.g." (not "i.e.") is correct. If you have named a category, you can use "i.e." to provide a complete list for that category, as that is equivalent to restating the category's name. However, if any of the items are left out of the list, then you need "e.g." instead, as you are only giving examples.

Here are some incorrect examples:

I am taking a "staycation" next week , i.e. resting at home instead of working. Everyone should take precautions to avoid exposure to COVID-19 ( e.g., the coronavirus). I have visited every state in New England ( e.g., Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island).

Here are the correct versions of those examples:

I am taking a "staycation" next week (i.e., resting at home instead of working ) . Everyone should take precautions to avoid exposure to COVID-19 ( i.e., the coronavirus). I have visited every state in New England ( i.e., Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island).

That's all for now. If you have any questions about how to use these Latin abbreviations—or any other Latin terms—please let me know in the comments or via email ([email protected] ). I'm always happy to help. If you'd rather have an expert editor fix any problems in your writing, then you can always request a quote at ElevationEditing.com .

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Writing – How to use ETC., AND SO ON, …

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Test your understanding of this English lesson

296 comments.

,You are born to teaching …Thank You BR

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all teachers should teach like him;)

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i agree with u , if my teacher were adam, i will feel comfotable in english classes

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thanks a lot dear adam carry On

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Adam, and what about fourth dot? When you started you said that you’d explane the meaning of the expression with fourth dots but never did it. Or I missed something?

Thanks for the lesson. I has wondered about it since the first time I learnt English.

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thank you so much dear adam

That is great, I like it.

They were my questions for years. thank you

Hi, I am very interesting with your lessons. my question for you is what is the different between (different and difference). I hope you answer me, I do appreciated Many Thanks

different= adjective difference =noun.

does that help?

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Thank u so much!! you´re amazing!

Thank you for the lesson Mr.Adam

This is an amazing posting! Tks for the good lesson that we couldn’t be able to find in any other pages.

I love you Adam ♥

I didn’t know taht: “There should be no ‘and’ before ‘etc.'”, thanks

i didn’t understand whAT BLAH MEAN.

BLAH means ‘not so good,’ or ‘boring,’ or ‘plain,’ etc.

hey adam,, what does “so on and so for” mean?

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You did your hair cut. Looks good! Like Hasan I also was waiting till the end of the lesson. I don’t think I heard anything about it. Q2 is a bit tricky. I should have been more careful for each word. Thanks a lot.

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Thank you so much Adam. You are as always, marvellous. But you forgot to explain the fourth dot in …(.)

that´s true.

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thank Mr. Adam

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thank you so much

thanks Mr Adam, I wish you a Merry Christmas!!!

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Very helpful lesson. Besides your teaching skills, you look like a typical english man.

Hello Adam, Thank you for this lesson.Could you please explain me where we can use the word “over”?.You said that “my friend came over to my house”.i know this question is not related to this lesson.I have heard many people use this word with there(over there),here etc.,but you used different.Thank you in advance.

Hi Marryfa,

Actually, I could have said “My friend came to my house.” ‘Over’ is just an extra word we use. Basically, it means a little like ‘here.’ When we say “over there,” seems to make it a little more specific, like ‘in that place’ as though you are pointing. But if you take it out, it doesn’t affect the meaning.

Does that help?

Thank you for the lesson Adam, it was very useful.

PS: The gnocchi’s recipe was great, and it made me hungry…

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You lesson was not ‘blah’ at all. That made me interested, open, happy, and so on…

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Good teacher, thank you so much.

Adam, what about the fouth dot […(.)]? And the lesson was really good. The way you explain is really easy to understand :). Thank you.

Thanks a lot Mr Adam. It was really helpful and interesting.

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Thank you too much .it was the first time that i’ve checked your site and i should say it’s very good

Thanks a lot Adam, it’s very clear. But I’m little bit frustrated, you wrote three dot and you said, sometimes it’s possible to write four dot but you didn’t say the meaning of four dot… ;-)

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this vidoe is good thanks adam!

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Hi Everybody,

Sorry about forgetting to mention the 4th dot.

It’s actually pretty simple: The 4th dot is a period. That is, it ends the sentence. example: I like all kinds of fruit, such as apples, bananas, strawberries…. The last dot is a regular period for an end of sentence marker. If you list ends at the end of the sentence, you can’t use one of the dots as your period. That’s why you would have the fourth.

If you’re not sure about this, ask me.

Dear teachers,

I’d like to take this chance for telling you ” HAPPY NEW YEAR ” for every things that you did for us . I wish you all the best and enjoyable time with. * MERRY CHRISTMAS FOR ALL * Yours faithfully, Ameen

Hello dear Adam, I couldn’t catch ur last sentences completely, “If u list ends at the…….” What do u mean exactly plz?! Tx in advance.

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Hi Fatiima,

First, an apology. I meant ‘your’ list.

example: “I like fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, pineapples, plums, and others.” or: “I like fruits like apples, bananas,… The second one is wrong because only three dots means it is missing the period, so the sentence hasn’t ended. It should be: “I like apples, bananas,….” Last dot is the period.

“blah” is only used in spoken english?

PD: Happy Holydays engVid Team!

Adam you rock, thank you for the lesson. BTW In Russian language “blah” sounds like shit.)

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I’ll keep that in mind :)

No, it’s not sounds like “shit”, it sounds like “whore” on russian language.Russians like to say this word :\

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well thanks for your lesson sir. I just need to know the difference between “it’s been a long time and it has been a long time” pls help me out sir

It’s been… = It has been…

The ‘s is a shortened form.

Thank you very very, Adam! Could you please explain the origin of that mute “h” at the end of such words like “blah”, why not just write “bla” and be happy?!

Hi Kseniia,

Good question. Hard to answer with quiet words on a screen, but basically, the ‘h’ extends the ‘a’ sound, making it longer.

Thank you! One would never think about such things. Such a good lesson Adam! Many thanks.

Dear teacher thank you very much for very useful skills that you have provided us to help us to write proper sentenses and symbols.WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND PROSPERIOU NEW YEAR 2013.

thank you Adam, you are very simple to teach English

Adam,I have a request.Could you teach us the active and passive voice of causative verbs and present,past and future conditionals?Please,please,please.

Kinds regards Farooq

I’m sure some of these are already on engvid, but I’ll see what i can do for you Farooq :)

BLAH BLAH BLAH …

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Hello Adam,

I am a publisher living in Toronto. I came across this site while browsing,and I think it provides an excellent learning opportunity for all kinds of people. I was impressed by your teaching methods in particular, and found it educational and engaging.

I would be very interested to speak to you further and possibly discuss some very rewarding business ideas.

I look very forward to hearing from you.

Iraj Zargham

Thank you Iraj,

I appreciate the thought but can’t take on anything at the moment.

Perhaps in the near future.

Excellent communication demonstrated by you.I loved watching it.Today is 25th Dec 2012(Tuesday)I want to say merry Chrismis to you and to all of engvid team.Mazhar Jamil (Pakistan)

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hi Adam this is my first time watching your video and i have to confess that the lesson’s topic was my question also. thanks for your assistance.

here is another question :Don’t we use “etc” solely in writings and so on in speech ?

We can actually use both expressions in writing and speaking. In writing, though, etc. is more common; however, keep in mind that it is pretty informal.

thank you so much!

Thank you so much! I’m a Korean. I hope I am good at English in the near future:-)

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me too :) looks good so far

u are perfect man.

thanks adam i learn t which i was totally unawared till date

thanks for the lessons! I wanna know if you can do a video about common poetic expressions or its rules? have a great time! =)

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hmmm… You’ll have to give me an example of what you mean.

thanks thanks thanks … :)

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What is the difference between “dot” and “period”?

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I’m not 100% but I think the “dot” is a dot, :), a circle symbol and used in domain of website not in sentence. The “period” is a dot, used to end a sentence.( period, not dot).

I found this info , `AE` they called it period ,`BE` they called it full-stop . The dissimilarity between dot and period ? Is that dot used in computer filed names , internet addresses ,and email addresses such as www.(dot)EngVid.(dot)com,,also , it said that it used in name of IP addresses 145.260.123 , it pronounced dot . on the other hand, period or full-stop it used in the end of sentence .

but there is something it still questioning me . We know that in BE it`s not used while in AE it`s necessary to used it after abbreviation . such as = ^AE^ co. ,,S.S.,,St.,,^BE^ co ,, SS,,St what we called it here dot or period and why ? what is the differen !!

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Too Right! :) I’ve found the same. But,about ur ? ,in my book it is dot after abbreviations like WWW.(dot) & as we know,we use full stop o period at the end of a statement.Right?!! Have Fun!

yep, you have point here^^ it is dot not period but I would like to know why BE never used and AE t

different notwithstanding yep,,you have point here , it is dot not period. But I would like to know why BE never used the dot after abbreviation while AE it is necessary to used it,,, is it kind of rules in AE or what !!!

It’s a rule.

Ok, but what if we have this situation:

I see something in the distance, a text, and I’m not sure if there is a comma or a dot(period). For example: “… , I …” or “… . I …” So, should I ask my friend: “Is there a comma or a dot” or “Is there a comma or a period”?

right it is somehow confusing . but I think there is nothing to special to distinguished between them ,so you showed came near to see it well

Nice dialogue here :)

Period for ending a sentence. Dot for everything else. ellipsis always have at least 3 dots. If you use with a comma within a sentence, 3, but to end a sentence, 4. It’s actually pretty complicated. This is the stuff of editors. But, if you are interested, it’s best to consult a style guide.

Many thanks to you T/Adam ^^

very nice keep on

Amazing! All these explanations make the difference in my learning… Thank you guys!

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Hi, Thanks. I learned the lesson perfectly and scored 90% in QUIZ. Dot within the bracket (.) not been explained ?. Can you please.. K.Sundar.

i want to learn where to use ,:;”‘- while writing a sentence

Thank you adam this is very useful lesson

You are awesome

Extremely intelligent teacher, simple speech, interesting lessons, useful language tips, clear examples. Thank you, Adam, for this! Happy holidays to everyone!

Hi engvid i want you to make a video about anybody,everybody,anyone,everyone,someone,somebody. thanks

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oh. you are a good teacher. your job is great! i hope you alway have a strong health.and thank you so much. i hope see you soon in next lesson.bye

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Thank you Adam for your clear and smart way of teaching

Very nice, thank you…

i love this

your lesson some of those not esially making me sense

I have a question about “spaces” in writing. In my native language we use two rules:

1. Continuation of sentence. We use: word+space+tree dots. Sample: I like chips, coca cola, pizza … (<– notice space between pizza and three dots). Also, there are no four dots at the end of the sentence. If another sentence is written, then: I like, chips, coca cola, pizza … I also like to watch TV. (<– So pizza+space+tree dots+space+word_of_another_sentence).

2. Abbreviation of word: She is real bit… (<– notice no space between bit and tree words, because "bit…" is actually a abbreviation for bitch, so continuation of word is written without a space).

If I understand correctly, there are no additional spaces in English. Right? It is hard to see spaces from hand-writing.

You’re right, there aren’t extra spaces after the word. However, if you want to shorten a word, use a long dash, like bi–. It’s clearer.

Very interesting and cute lesson :-) Thank you

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Hey!! I need to understand one thing about the word “ever” in these words. What they really mean:

ever-deceptive, ever-present,…. Thanks

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Hi Henrique,

In these cases, ‘ever-‘ is used like ‘always.’

thanks, Adams thi is important…

This tips were so interesting! tks

hi again dear adam ..what about this on and on thanks once more time<3

I think the meaning is entirely different from `and so on` “on and on“ means something it happening for long time e.g. The screaming went on and on . means continued for long time ^_^

thank you dear brother hicham

In fact,it’s an IDM. On n on : without stopping,without a break. Off n on : occasionally,from time 2 time. :)

thank you dear sister fatima

‘on and on’ is more like ‘blah, blah, blah,’ than the others.

Good point. Thanks :)

thank you so Much adam

u r really great,,thanks a lot for teaching this lesson,,

Suggestion:at the end of each question you should explain why anwser a,b,c or d is correct.

Thank you for your lesson it was very useful and interesting.

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Hi Adam, Thank you so much for this useful lesson.

thank you Adam,your lessons are always useful.

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I like this lesson very much.Also very useful for my studying.Thank you Adam..

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Very interesting lesson.

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Thanks a lot! I can learn more English form your excellent teaching videos.

Very useful video thx

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Thank you so much teacher, you do great.

more harder, i need one best specializing lesson that would help me out alot as handy reference tool.

Thanks for your lesson. I really like the way you explain. I have problem with pronunciation Mr Mrs Miss Ms. Please could you explain how to pronunc and the difference. Thanks again

Hi Sabrina,

Hard with words, but I’ll try.

Mr.– mis ter (like mystery without the ee end)

Mrs. — mis sis

Miss — miss

Ms. — miz

hope that helps

Thank you very much for this so useful lesson. That’s exactly what we need when we want to address people formally. Catch ya later

Dear MR. Adam, I ‘am sow your video it is very interested. Thanks a lot about it. But please take care about the ideas you broadcasting “kids are (blah)”. Because there is so many family they have problem with this idea and working hard to make it not(blah). Again thanks….

Sorry, I mean “kids are blah blah blah” not {blah).

Thanks for pointing this out. I’ll be more careful. :)

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Great lesson and great teacher as well. Thanks a lot.

Sir, can you elaborate more on the 4th dot.

Hello sir thank you very much for your advice . It’s really helpful for me to the way I have lifted me up

thank you very much. The class was very interesting.

your teaching easy to understand : ) thanks a lot

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Adam, and what about fourth dot? Thank u very well about interesting lesson.

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hi tnx for this lesson i like the last exemple i hope the lesson wasn’t a blah it wasn’t

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Thank you very very much :)

thank you very much ^_^

Thank you Adam-I learn this lesson very well.

your lesson was blah,blah,blah. sorry, I was just joking your lesson was really good and interesting also I am looking forward to see your other lessons my teacher.

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thank you. your lesson was great.

thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Great lesson! Thank you :D I just have a question on “and so on” thing. Someone, who is not a native speaker, mentioned about my writing one day. He said that “and so on” is a very unsual expression and native people seldom use it, because they like expressions that are accurate and have only one meaning. Is that true? I’m also wondering if I can use the expression “and so on” in a formal writing as well. I learned that expression when I was about 14 and I thought it was pretty common and formal.

Well, it depends what you are writing. “and so on, is a bit of a cheat. This means it lets you get away with not saying enough. Writing is different from speech in that it needs to be sharp and words shouldn’t be wasted. It’s not an unusual expression, but maybe better used in speech than writing.

Does this help?

Yes, it did help. Then, in writing, should I use ‘etc.’ instead of ‘and so on’? In my language, it’s formal to say those expressions when I have a lot to list. So, I often use them when I translate my language into English. I’d like to know if you have any other suggestions.

Well, if you are writing a lot, for variety you can use both. But etc. is the first choice I’d say.

other expressions are “among others” or “and the like”. If you can combine lists that would save on these as well.

hiAdam, thank you for your teaching I have got 8 out of 10 really it is useful lesson for me thank you again

hi guys I am Amal> I am arebain girl> I wanna improve my englisg so can any one help me by chatting please add me on my skype Amo0ol707 thank u so much

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Thank you Adam!! You’re so a great teacher!!! You did helped me a lot.

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Your lesson is never a “blah, blah, blah”. I enjoy it! Thank you so much!

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thank you teacher adam for this lesson

thank you so much teacher.

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Hi everybody,

Happy new year. Hope it’s a good one for all of you.

For those who missed an earlier comment about the fourth dot, here it is: The 4th dot is a period. That is, it ends the sentence. example: I like all kinds of fruit, such as apples, bananas, strawberries…. The last dot is a regular period for an end of sentence marker. If you list ends at the end of the sentence, you can’t use one of the dots as your period. That’s why you would have the fourth.

See you soon

D Best of 2013 4 U! Congrats! :)

it wos a good lesson,thanks teacher

Hello Mr Adam! Before this lesson I couldn’t understand about etc . Now owing to you I get it! Thanks a lot!!! I’m from Kazakhstan!

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Hi Mr.Adam thank you for your lesson .it’s great but i’ve a question about the quiz. WHY THE MISTAKE IN ITEM 9 IS AT THE END ???!!!

your lesson is very intersting ;) thank you

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Great lesson, not blah at all :)

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UR CLASS WAS INTERESTING!!!… THESE THINGS WERE NEVER TOLD 2 ME BY ANY TEACHER. THANK U

Awesome! This is the first time that I visit this site It looks very useful thanks y’all teachers

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Great lesson, it is very interesting Adam, thank you very much for your teaching.

Thanks Adan,…excellent teaching

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This man is awesome…

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great, very interesting.. ;) but since I’m from italy, when you said “..pizza: junk food..” I was like: “oh my god, he cannot be serious about it, it’s absolutely not junk food!!!” ahahah

Hi all, and my honorable teacher mr.ADAN. easily understable and i already sent to my long memory.

That lesson worth it. Excellent explanations . I wasn’t really used to use ’em but now I’d like to level up ’till advanced(C1-lang.certif. is my goal) so these gonna be useful definetely. I’m very pleased !!

Thanks so much Adan. All of you are the best teachers.

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Informative, helpful. Thanks!

Hi Adam, you’re the best teacher I finally found!! I love the way you teach. Very Clear and simple :) this is my first time and I got 9 out to 10. THAAAAANKKKKSSS!!!

Very good lasson.

hi sir you are such a great teacher thanks

hi Adam sir the lesson although,though,despite,and in spite of is difficult for me how can i understand it.please help me. thanks

hello Adam I have a question but not about that topic. I had been Amrica for 4 mounth.And ı will be there again 3 times for 4 mounth.I just wanna know if i dont study anything will i able to be goot at in toefl or this kind of exams in the future ? u got the idea i think. Kind regards

hello Adam i have a question, and please i wont you to answer me, what’s the different between: “and so on” and “and stuf like that” ? thanks. :)

Thanks very much Adam!

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Thank you very much Adam! Cheers !!!

OH! Well done, another D. But what ‘ D ‘ means? I smiled because I can reply ‘ blah’ for the question ‘ How about you today ? ‘

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thanks Dear Adam,

really your are using the easiest way of teaching, thanks again.

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thank u so much. I am Vietnamese,so it help me a lot when I use these words.

Super, are you number one there, thank you.

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Adam, have you ever been to Russia?

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I like the way you teach, explain, giving example etc. Thank you very much teacher.

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The lesson wasn’t at all blah :D. It was really useful. I have a Q. If I’m writing an academic essay (i mean in a formal way),am I allowed to write etc. in this form or I have to write etcetera ???

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Thanks for lesson, Adam. From your lesson, i have to put a comma (,) before “and so on”. How about “etc.” and “…”? In above examples, you use “…” with or without comma before. Both of them are correct? And if “, and etc.” is fasle (I was wrong this question in the test). It should be “,etc.”. But, is is correct if I write “and etc.” (not comma before)?

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thank you adam, you have a nice way :)

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Shi sentences and a wonderful teacher

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(blah) is funny!

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very good lesson:D. i got 100:)

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Thanks Adam,… I got 100 %

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thanks teacher Adam =)

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I used to write many dots, but now I know there should be three dots and the fourth one for an end marker. Thanks Adam!

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I love this page, you´re a great teacher

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hi Adam sir! your way of teaching excellent. can you explain I am done= i did, i am scared, it is cleaned like this… and to be as a word, do you eat now? or will you eat now which one is better

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to be as a word with sentences

Thanks you so much. I found this page a long time ago, but when my computer was broken,I seemed to forget it. In recent day, I have found this page again, and I think it’s really useful for me to enhance listening & writing skills. Your voice is so clear and attractive ^^

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This session wasn’t blha

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thank you sooooo much adam you are the best

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Could you professor teach about the use of the Word BY?

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i love ur teaching style. i have a request to u plz make some vedio on prices writing. I need to improve it. :)

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Hi Sir, Thank you for your interesting lessons I just would like to get some advices from you about how to beautfy my writing style especially the argumentative essays since I have a teaching exam next month, that is to say I need to add various expressions to my style so that it can not be very simple essay I’ll wait for your reply, Thank you Sir in advance.

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I think this lesson is not blah~~~

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It is interesting lesson,thanks!

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Thank you very much

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Thank you so much Adam. ” There should be no “and” before etc.”:D

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Thank you! You are great teacher!

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thanks Adam!

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“blah blah blah” sounds fun :) Thank you for your interesting lesson, Adam :D

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Thanks a lot!

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What a pity not having known before, but Better late then never.

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Yes Joseph 74. I think the same way. This site is very good. I found it in recent days. Adam is a great teacher. Bye the way I visited Italy last year, this is a beautiful country.

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thank teacher. your lesson is very helpful as always,

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Thak you Adam, regards from Mexico, btw, happy new year ;)

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Thanks Adam, you know what?, I like the way you speak, the way you explain, the way you clarify, and so on. I am not good at using preposition (advanced use) and also my writing is not that good (technical writing). Could you give me please some advices to improve it (giving me some information – books, webpages, etc.- to practice writing. thanks. I writing you from Nicaragua

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Thanks sir I got 80%.

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Thanks teacher I got 90%.

can you end an essay with etc

Thank you Adam ,I like your way of teaching, really it’s useful to get improving grammar , listning , speaking ect.

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I got 60% , promise I will be better next Quiz :)

I like your teaching style. It’s easy to understand. Thank you teacher.

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i got 100% thanks a lot for your explanation Adam :)

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Thank u teacher

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My English so poor anam plz help me..

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Hello. It was very interesting lesson! i really like all of Your videos :) And i would like to clarify one moment: Adam, You said, that ‘Blah, blah, blah’ uses when somebody tells something boring, but also this phrase has the similar meaning that the “etc.” or “…”. Is it right?

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Thank you very much, sir Adam! I would like to know whether ‘as well’ can be used as synonym of these words, which you explained?

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Thanks teacher I got 100% yeah I have a question. Are these formal in essay, term paper, research report, and so on?

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Thanks Adam, you’re lesson was quite understood, clear, interesting, and so on.

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Hello! My level is not high, but I understand all that you teach,because you have good pronunciation and explain so intelligible!!!) Thank you!!!)

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thank u for ur lesson . i enjoyed with it . it isnot blah :D

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i got 8 out of 10

well i enjoyed it so much.10qqqqqqqqqqqqqq

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This lesson was actually, very interesting. Thanks!

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Hi Adam! I like your teaching, because you try to provide in-depth knowledge about the stuff you teach. Now, I want to draw your attention towards one thing that I think I noticed. In the start of the video, when you were talking about dot(.), you said “dot dot dot and dot” sometime the four dots, I will explain it.” and then you said “blah blah blah and blah”…I think you didn’t explain the usage of 4 dots or I didn’t get it nicely. what is true?

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Thank You teacher Adam, I like the way you explain every single word :) That’s how I like and it’s so easy for me to understand and get it.

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You are the best!

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dear sir ! your are my favorite teacher.You always teach me a new thing which is more fruitful for me.And your styles and language are amazing,and likeable. thanks

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thanks a lot!!!!!!!

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I got 80%, but I realize that “dot dot dot” is often used in spoken language and “etc” shouldn’t be with and thank you so much teacher Adam :))

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what about ‘so forth’ as in ‘so on and so forth’? we use it in a formal situation as well.

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Thanks alot, i like a way of your teaching sir.goodluck

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hello everyone, I think Adam has the touch of teaching he explains very well, gaves us examples with every lesson, and so on. He tries to make easier the topic, and that’s why I think he is a good teaher, you’re one of the my favourites tutors from engvid. Regards.

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Thanks Adam, very clear your explanation!

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MR:Adam i can’t think in english , i think in arabic cuz arabic its my mother language i wanna think in english what can i do

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Thank you so much Adam!, I really like your lessons; it makes me really understand for using properly. You are a good explainer!

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thank you Adam, I like the way that you teach. You are a great teacher.

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The correct pronunciation of etc. is et cetera. It does not contain a k or an x.

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thanks alot

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The best English teacher I have ever witnessed.Thank you so much,Prof.Adam.

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Thanks Adam

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Cool and thank you very much Adam!

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3rd question is very tricky.Smart Canadian.

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thanks Mr. Adam!

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Thank you Adam, You are a great teacher.

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Thanks Adam and I love to see your video. I hope you to teach about TOEIC lessons.

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great! it’s really helpful

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you’re amazing dude thanks a lot

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Hi Adam. Very nice lesson, as usual! I was surprised to hear you list pizza together with fish and chips as well as hamburgers adding that this food is junk … well … I don’t know how you prepare pizza (what ingredients you use) in Toronto but in Italy pizza is considered healthy because it’s basically bread, tomato and mozzarella. Then, accoding to taste, you can add other ingredients, from vegetables and other cheeses to cold cuts (ham, bresaola, and so on) and even shellfish. Healthy and delicious! Enjoy … ;)

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Thank you very much for you lessons!!!!

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Oh! A lesson I was looking for. Thank you.

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Hi Adam. Thanks for your lesson. I love this lesson very much. Now I have a question. I want to take a competition by using the contents in your lesson. I want to use your ideas but add more ideas from others. Is this OK? If not, I will do nothing.Hope you will give me some suggestions. Thank you.

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Thank you teacher

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Thank you Adm, your lessons were very interesting, and so on

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Exactly the same in portuguese, except for the “blah”.. We don’t use it.

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Can you have some tutorials about essay writing?

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Hi Adam, How the spoken English is different from written English? What are the things that we need to keep in mind When we are on the written part?

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Hi Adam, Which is the best English dictionary? tell me the Author name.

Thank you Adam.

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thank you Adam.

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Hello sir Can we use etc in speaking

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Adam plz answer me . Could we consider fourth dot as a full stop? Or is it necessary to put the fourth dot with a little bit distance, as i have noticed in your sentence?

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TKAMKS SO MUTCH Adam

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Thanks Adam. I got 90 for this lesson test.

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I’m a new student. I got 90%

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Hi Adam, could you explain about “whatsoever” “soever”, and what is it the differences between those? thanks…

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blah blah blah…lol

Thank you Adam !

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I am very lucky to have a teacher as good as you.

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What is meant by ESL?

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Thank you. Mr.Adam.

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Hello Adam, Thank you for nice lesson. It was not “blah”:))), but I did not understand why before “etc.” can not to write “and”.

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Hi Adam, I was wondering if this style will make it in TWE or will someone just get a markdown?

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Thank you Adem your lesson was yum yum not (blah)

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Thank you so much Mr. Adam.

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Thanks Adam for the lesson

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9/10! I learned with Engvid’s teachers Emma, Adam, an so on. Thanks, Engvid! These teachers improve my English level.

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It’s clear now. Thanks, Adam. God bless you.

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How to use etc. correctly in a sentence?

how to use etc. correctly in a sentence

Et cetera is a short Latin phrase which means “and the rest” . Et means ‘ and ’, cetera means ‘ the rest ’. The abbreviation of short phrase et cetera is etc. The use of abbreviation etc. is very common than the full phrase et cetera in both technical and business writing.

Many people are confused how to use etc. correctly in a sentence or how to pronounce etc. correctly. In this lesson you will learn the proper use of etc. in a sentence.

Etc. is always used for ‘so on’ and ‘other things’. If we have lot of thing in mind to tell or write then we use etc. with few words and replace other words by using etc. simply. It shows that there are other items in the sentence belonging to the same class.  

Some basic rules for how to use etc. in a sentence

Here are some rules if you want to know that how to use etc. correctly in a sentence. These rules will help you to use etc. correctly in academic writing, business writing and technical writing. 

Rule 1 (Use period after etc.)

In English writing, all the abbreviations are followed by period (full stop). Etc. is always followed by punctuation mark either in middle of a sentence or at the end of a sentence. If you are using it in middle of the sentence then you will put a period (full stop) and a comma after it (etc.,) to continue sentence and if it is enclosed in parentheses you will put only period (full stop) either in the middle of sentence or at the end of the sentence. If someone is using it at the end of sentence at that time, it will be followed by period (full stop) only.

(a)   I asked Ali to bring cola, juice, mineral water, etc for tonight party. (Wrong sentence)

(b)   I asked Ali to bring cola, juice, mineral water, etc., for tonight party. (Correct Sentence)

(c)   I asked Ali to bring some items from mart (cola, juice, mineral water, etc.,) for tonight party. (Wrong sentence)

(d)   I asked Ali to bring some items from mart (cola, juice, mineral water, etc.) for tonight party. (Correct Sentence)

Rule 2 (Do not use etc. with names of people)

Always keep one thing in your mind while using etc.; do not use it with the name of the people. This is the only exception where we cannot use etc. in a list of names of people.

“Et Alia” is a separate short Latin phrase which means ‘and others’ like ‘Et cetera’ (etc.). You can use “Et alia” (et al.) for the people. “Et al.” is most commonly used in a list of people, particularly in academic writing when referring to the authors of an academic publication.

(a)   I met to Ali, Jam, Lizzy, Jany, Tom, etc. (Wrong sentence)

(b)   I met to Ali, Jam, Lizzy, Jany, and Tom. (Correct sentence)

(c)   Sajid, Jam, Ravi, etc., wrote a report on pollution. (Wrong sentence)

(d)   Sajid, Jam, Ravi, et al., wrote a report on pollution. (Correct sentence)

Rule 3 (Use etc. for one-class items)

Always use it in one-class items; item in the list should be of same kind. When we use etc. in a sentence it means there are other items related to same class mentioned in the sentence. To understand it better look at the examples below with usage.

(a)   Mango, banana, grapes, apricot, motorbikes, electric fans etc., are cheap in Pakistan. (Wrong sentence)

(b)   Mango, banana, grapes, apricot, etc., are cheap in Pakistan. (Correct sentence)

(c)   Mango, banana, grapes, apricot, motorbikes, and electric fans are cheap in Pakistan. (Correct sentence)

Rule 4 (Do not use ‘and’ with etc.)

Do not use word ‘and’ while using etc. in the middle of the sentence or at the end of a sentence. Since the “et” in “et cetera” already means “and,” it would be redundant to use “and” with “etc.”. Never use  “and” when using “etc.” in a sentence.

(a)   I bought oil, salt, sugar and coffee etc., from the market. (Wrong sentence) 

(b) I bought oil, salt, sugar, coffee etc., from the market. (Correct sentence)

Rule 5 (Do not use ‘introductory phrase’ with etc.)

Do not use etc. when introductory word like such as, like are in the beginning of the sentence.

(a)   Bring items such as chocolates, cakes, ice cream, etc., for tonight party. (Wrong sentence)

(b)   Bring items such as chocolates, cakes, and ice cream for tonight party” (Correct sentence)

(c)   “Bring chocolates, cakes, ice cream, etc., for tonight party.” (Correct sentence)

Rule 6 (Use etc. only once in a sentence)

Avoid using etc. more than once in a sentence. Some people think it’s cute to use “etc.” more than once in a sentence or they want to focus on other items by writing etc. thrice.

(a)   I have to buy shoes, socks, cap, gloves etc., etc., etc., from my salary. (Wrong sentence)

(b)   I have to buy shoes, socks, cap, gloves etc., from my salary. (Correct sentence) 

Rule 7 (Do not use it with specific list)

Do not use etc.  if there is a specific list of items that you need. If you only need juice, cake, and cookies for the party: do not use etc. Using etc. in the sentence will make the reader or listener confused that you may need other items like dessert also for the party.

(a)   Please fetch juice, cake, cookies, etc, for the party. (Sentence is wrong if only three items in the list are needed)

(b)   Please fetch juice, cake, and cookies for the party.

Rule 8 (Use of punctuation marks with etc.)

As you have learned that etc. is always followed by period (full stop). What we will do if we have to use other punctuation marks like question mark, colon, or any other punctuation mark. Its answer is simple that you can use any punctuation mark (question marks, exclamation marks, semi-solons or colons) after etc. but after period like comma in the middle of the sentence. When we are using it at the end and sentence ends at period then we will use only one period. Look at the examples below to understand it in a better way.

1.     Is he going to buy plates, cups, napkins, etc? (Wrong sentence)

2.     Is he going to buy plates, cups, napkins, etc.? (Correct sentence)

3.     I hate watching movies, dramas, etc! (Wrong sentence)

4.     I hate watching movies, dramas, etc.! (Correct sentence)

About Authoress:

Syeda Adina Mehmood wrote the article ” HOW TO USE etc. CORRECTLY IN A SENTENCE “. She has published several other unique articles on same website. You can reach her at [email protected]

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COMMENTS

  1. abbreviations - Is it suitable to use 'etc.' in an academic ...

    I would recommend not using etc. in an academic paper. And if you do, please be sure you are using it correctly. See this good explanation about using etc. Here's an excerpt: It isn’t that writing that contains et al. or etc. is bad writing, it’s just that it is completely possible to construct meaningful sentences without using them. In ...

  2. 9 Better Ways to Say “Etc.” in Formal Writing (Essays)

    It would help to know whether it’s an acceptable form or not. This article will look into some better alternatives that you might be able to use in formal writing (on top of whether “etc.” is acceptable). The preferred versions are “etc.,” “et cetera,” and to “reword the sentence.”. Funnily enough, “etc.” is in itself a ...

  3. How to Use "Etc." at the End of a Sentence (Period or Not?)

    Using “Etc.”. With Other Punctuation at the End of a Sentence. You can leave periods out of the equation when you write “etc.” at the end of a sentence. However, other punctuation marks still need to be included, even if that means that “etc.” has an extra mark after it. If you use a question mark, exclamation mark, comma, or any ...

  4. 14 Other Ways to Say “Etc.” in Formal Writing - WordSelector

    If you’re looking for a different way to say “etc.” in your academic writing, we would recommend the phrase “among others” instead. “Among others” is a better phrase to use than “etc.” in formal writing. Firstly, it can be used at the end of a list to show that it is not a closed list, much like the original term.

  5. How to Correctly Use the Term ‘Etc.’ in Your Writing

    Etc. is used to show that a list is not exhaustive. Because it means and other similar things, you should only use it when it will be obvious to the reader what other things the list could infer. Moreover, you should never use etc. if you have already indicated that the list is incomplete (e.g. by using for example or such as ). To avoid ...

  6. The Easiest Way to Use "Etc." Correctly - wikiHow

    Here are a few examples: Put a question mark after the period in "etc." Put an exclamation point immediately after the period. Put the semicolon in right after the period and put a space between it and the next word. Put parentheses around the items you are using along with etc. when necessary.

  7. How To Use "i.e.", "e.g.", And "etc." Correctly

    One note is that you should not ever say "and etc."; that is redundant because the et in et cetera already means "and." You should always put a comma before "etc." to set it off from the last list item (even if you are not using the serial comma), and you should always include the period at the end (though don't use two consecutive periods if "etc." ends a sentence).

  8. All About etc. - The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation

    All About etc. All About. etc. The abbreviation etc. is from the Latin et cetera, which means “and other things.”. It appears at the end of a list when there is no point in giving more examples. Writers use it to say, “And so on” or “I could go on” or “You get the idea.”. In American English, etc. ends in a period, even midsentence.

  9. Writing – How to use ETC., AND SO ON, … · engVid

    If I’m writing an academic essay (i mean in a formal way),am I allowed to write etc. in this form or I have to write etcetera ??? Thanks for lesson, Adam. From your lesson, i have to put a comma (,) before “and so on”. How about “etc.” and “…”? In above examples, you use “…” with or without comma before.

  10. How to use etc. correctly in a sentence - Literary English

    Rule 4 (Do not use ‘and’ with etc.) Do not use word ‘and’ while using etc. in the middle of the sentence or at the end of a sentence. Since the “et” in “et cetera” already means “and,” it would be redundant to use “and” with “etc.”. Never use “and” when using “etc.” in a sentence. (a) I bought oil, salt ...