Etc or etcetera?

Question

Which would be more correct to use in a formal report? The abbreviated "etc." or the full "etcetera"? Source appreciated - I don't just want an opinion without some sort of justification. Thanks.

For whoever pointed out that it is "et cetera" with a space, I am glad you have pointed it out. For the rest of you who pointed it out, I did understand it the first time. Repetition is not necessary, thank you.

To anyone who does not wish to see me use "etc." in a grammatically incorrect fashion, or even worse, with the letters in the wrong order, you have nothing to worry about - I hate poor grammar and exceptionally poor spelling as well - I would sooner cut off my hand than write in poor English.

"It's either correct or not!" - oldgit

Well oldgit, I'm pretty sure that "more correct" is more correct than "more gooderer" so I'll stick to it!

Answer 1

Etc. is the Latin abbreviation for Et cetera, which essentially means "and more".

As it isn't an English word, and it is difficult to recognize in it's native state, it is ALWAYS abbreviated, and it is not informal at all.

Also, make sure you don't ever say "and etc.", as that is really awkward for the educated people who understand the meaning of et cetera.

The same rule applies to just about all Latin words that are used in English writing. I supplied a link for you to check it out, but you can Google your question and find a host of answers.

Answer 2

The former, the latter (et cetera)! would be over the top. If you are doing a formal report pay more attention to your English. You cannot be "more correct". It's either correct or not! Good luck.

Answer 3

If you use ecetera in a formal report people will just think almost a little bit too formal despite the fact that I suppose you wanna look sleek and professional around the person (Or people) that your writing this report to. Bottom line is you should write etc. in your report instead of ecetara.

Hope I Could Help*

Answer 4

Oh, please. I don't need a source to tell me that "et cetera" spelled out all the way looks affected and snotty. Do you ever see "id est" typed out, eg? Nooo, not unless you look it up in a dictionary. Do you have to prove that you know the original Latin? And what would that prove, really, if you smacked people upside the head with it?

Just put the abbreviation down like everybody else. And I bet Strunk and White would back me up on this one.

Answer 5

When I handed in an essay as part of my degree I was penalised for using the full words instead of the common abbreviations. The lecturer said that by explaining common abbreviations it implies the reader may not know what the abbreviation means.

If you use etcertra instead of etc, you should also use "id est" instead of i.e., "exempli gratia" instead of e.g. and so forth.

Answer 6

I write reports for a living and use etc. It is an accepted abbrieviation and most usual in a business context. Etcetera is hardly ever used anymore.

Answer 7

I don't have a source, but I am writing my dissertation at the moment and after reading countless journals, articles and books, I can honestly say I have never seen someone write etcetera.

Answer 8

I thought it was ekcetra. Was I wrong? As the upper answers suggest, I haven't seen the full form before except in a Dictionary.

I don't know what to use in formal writing, though.

Answer 9

I'm an acadamic and write loads of formal reports... etc. is fine to use. its very rare to see the full word nowadays, in fact i can't remember the last time i saw it.

sorry there's no source other than experience but have been involved in some policy stuff.

Answer 10

I am a teacher also...etc. works, but if you want to write out the entire word, that also works...but it is two words...et cetera. It is all a matter of choice really.