Inside Writing

3 || etc.

1) Etcetera. 

The common noun we use to say that there are more unspecified things, commonly abbreviated to etc. 

Or ect. 

But that second way is incorrect. 

This chapter was made to point out the common mistake so that you don't do it again! I myself used to make this mistake all. The. Time. I didn't even know it was a mistake! I thought etcetera was ectcetera. See the difference? 

By: Raven

2) Rule: always write "etc." Because "etc..." with suspension points is redundant since they both mean the same thing: that a list is not finished. 

Furthermore, you should always write a period at the end of "etc." to signify that it is a phrase that has been abbreviated.

Warning: the period does not mean that the sentence is finished.
Do not capitalize after the use of "etc." (see ibid., op. cit. and others). should not be capitalized after the use of "etc." if the sentence continues afterwards.

As far as its use is concerned, if you use it at the end of a list of people, it may be frowned upon since you omit to mention people's names.

Example: I like to eat Japanese, Chinese, Italian, etc. Ironing, cleaning, floor cleaning, etc.

Example: I have really outdone myself to keep my apartment clean.

By: Moon

3) If "etc." is used in the middle of a sentence, it is always followed by a comma. For example, "Tennis, soccer, baseball, etc., are outdoor games."

But if "etc." is at the end of a sentence, then the period in "etc." is the final punctuation mark. Do not write, "Being outdoors, we played tennis, soccer, baseball, etc..". This might cause some readers to think that the sentence is left unfinished with a "..." (ellipses)

Some replacements for "etc." are "and all", "and so on", and "and the rest."

Never use "et al" to replace "etc." "etc." refers to things, while "et al" refers to people. And don't use "etc." twice. (Ex: I have to do the dishes, wash the car, clean my room, etc., etc.) Only one "etc." is needed.

By: Marshmallow