Writing - How to use ETC., AND SO ON, ...

TRANSCRIPT:

There's little things, too, that you need to worry about, and people often ask me about these things in particular: ", and so on", "etc.", "...", three dots, sometimes four, I'll explain, "blah, blah, blah", and "blah". Okay? Not everyday stuff. I mean, every day, you're going to see it all the time, but this is not something that ESL teachers will teach you, it's not something that you will really learn in books, so here it is; I'm going to explain it to you. Okay?

First, "and so on". First of all, notice I put a comma before it. Why? Because this will always come at the end of a sentence or after a list of some sort. Okay? When we put ", and so on", we mean: and we continue with the same examples. Right? So you ask me: what kind of foods do I like? Well, I like pizza, I like hamburgers, I like fish and chips, you know, and so on. What does that ", and so on" mean? Does that mean that I like egg white only omelettes with like asparagus and broccoli? No. Why? Because I listed hamburger, junk food; pizza, junk food; fish and chips, junk food. So when I say: ", and so on" means and more examples like the ones I just said. Right? So it's very important to remember. Many of my students, they just throw ", and so on" all the time. Talking, talking, talking, "and so on". And so on, what? I don't understand. Right? So you have to be careful. This has a very specific use. You're continuing the same list or the same idea.

Next: "etc." Usually, you will see it like this: "etc." Now, how to pronounce. This is the actual word when you open it up: "etcetera". Now, some native speakers will say: "et-cet-era", "etcetera". Most will say: "ek-se-chra". That's what it sounds like when most native speakers say it. "Etcetera". Correct, "etcetera", but both are acceptable. Now, what does etcetera mean? It means: "and so on". It means the exact same thing as "and so on". Again, you're continuing the list that was started before. Right? Now, people often ask: how do I use it in writing? Usually, you can... If it comes at the end of a sentence, you put the period, that's it. But if it comes in the middle of the sentence... So: "I like pizza, I like hamburgers, fish and chips, etc., but I also like..." etc. There you go. So I'm writing whatever I write, whatever I write, etc., but I also like other things. Right? So, it's a little bit confusing, you got period and a comma. The period goes for the shortened; the comma goes for the sentence. Okay? Not that important, but if you want to write it correctly, that's how you do it.

Next, we have three dots. These are called ellipses. You don't necessarily need to know this word "ellipses", but just understand that it's referring to this. What does three dots means? "And so on". Same idea. Right? But this is... Usually, you see this in writing. Instead of writing three words, you just put three dots, because it's easier, people understand it. But also remember sometimes it's used just as a pause. Okay? So, person "A" says: "Well..., I think..." You ask: "What do you think about climate change?" for example. "Well..." I'm thinking, thinking, thinking; dot, dot, dot. "I think that..." Etcetera. Now, "And so on" means... "And so on" means the idea is going to continue. Okay? I'm about to give you my opinion. Right? This is in writing. Some people will actually say: "Dot, dot, dot", but they're trying to be dramatic or cool. If you saw the movie Trainspotting, you heard it there, "dot, dot, dot". Very dramatic scene. I liked it. Okay? But basically so far, all more or less the same idea.

[daonguyen]

I love the way you pronouce "blah", it's funny
You're a good online teacher.

[guzelrakhmatullina]

This is quite an important explanation of "and so on" and "etc." to make it clear that there is the meaning of "so" to impact on the use of the phrases. Thanks a lot, Adam!

[michaltrcka]

I have no idea there are somebody who can teach so good way ... and for free. Awesome. Thank you from the Czech Republic.

[arshansulaiman]

It is so obvious in your video that how much you enjoy while describing things. Believe me, .. we too enjoy not less than you along with learning. When i see you videos i have a smile on my time everytime. Thankyou dear Mr. Adem. Thanks a lot

[elenacarra]

We are from all over the world 🥰🥰🥰 We're all here to learn English and this is awesome 💕

[rescuerhonda]

I'm an almost 60-year-old American, and I learned from this video. I knew the ... and how to use it, but you explained it so well!

[noorm.h]

The best teacher I've even seen ❤️

[theshahrin]

Thanks for clearing the concepts🥰You're the best of all teachers I ever found💝

[peterhjchong]

Clear and simple to understand. Useful.

[lonajuarana]

I'd follow every lessons you've shared in here it's great, very clear to understand and keep me refreshed and polished my English writing and communication skills. Thank you very much for the great effort of sharing with us your knowledge about the language  You are a brilliant teacher. Keep it up Adam.

[humberttocandido]

Thanks Adam you're a good teacher! And my listening and talking is improving!

[kevinenglishesl]

Hi. I am also a teacher here in the Philippines and I find your videos very helpful. I like this video since etc and so on are quite difficult to explain to them even after 3 years of teaching. LOL. Anyways, I enjoy your videos. Keep up:)

[nadinebena]

Hi ADAM.I'm beginner in english I'm enjoying your teach because you're just great and simple.

[ilhamb]

Love the way you say "Blah"
And to be honest it's my first time to here this, thanks a lot Adam! The lesson wasn't "Blah"

[kathyk]

Your lessons will never be 'blah'. Thanks, Adam.

[amandaisabelleoncorredor]

Thanks ADAM you are a good teacher. Your videos are interesting and very useful.

[robertot]

Excellent lesson Adam, is so easy understand you; you are very charismatic!

[hanfeizi]

i like all your lessons, enjoying your explanations, accepting your illustrating in class, blah blah blah.

[laxminarayansingh]

you are a very good teacher, , respect from INDIA

[budaiendreistvan]

etc. = et cetera - agreed, pronounced as "et set'ra". However, since many N. American native speakers have already distorted it to sound like "ek se chra", which is NOT acceptable, I usually advise my students to say "and so forth", rather than imitate the wrong pronunciation, coming mainly from U.S. students who have a High School Equivalency certificate. Other than this, Adam's information is always correct, humorous and easy to follow. I often use Learn English with Adam in my classes.