This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
In the context of the English language, the abbreviation "etc." (which is short for the Latin "et cetera") is used to denote "and so on" or "and others". It is a very common term used in both written and spoken English to indicate other elements that have not been mentioned but are part of the same category.
In classical Latin, the phrase "et cetera" was used in the same way as in modern English, to shorten a list of items or phenomena that belong to one category when not all possible options are enumerated.
The Latin language had a significant influence on the development of the English language, especially during the medieval period and the Renaissance, when Latin was the language of science, literature, and church life.
Many Latin terms and expressions have entered the English language, including "et cetera".
Usage Features
- "Etc." usually appears at the end of a list when the mentioned elements are part of a longer list that is not fully enumerated.
- A comma is placed before "etc." if it follows a list. If "etc." is at the end of a sentence, a period is placed after it.
- The use of "etc." is acceptable in both formal and informal language, but in official documents and academic articles, it is sometimes recommended to avoid it, preferring a complete list or using other expressions such as "and so forth" or "and others".
Let's consider a couple of examples of usage
- "We need to buy some vegetables: carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, etc." - we need to buy vegetables: carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, and so on.
- "The store sells a variety of fruits: apples, oranges, bananas, etc." - the store sells various fruits: apples, oranges, bananas, and others.
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