can etc be used in an essay

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

“Etc.” is a very common abbreviation in most forms of writing. 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).

“Etc.” is already a useful abbreviation in formal writing. There isn’t much of a reason why you can’t use it. As long as you can guarantee that your reader understands what the rest of your list contains, you’ll be able to use this one effectively.

If you’re worried about using an abbreviation, you can always use “et cetera.” It’s the long-form version of “etc.,” allowing you to show that there is more to a list without having to list the exact entities.

Some people think this form sounds a bit jarring. It’s almost always better to use “etc.,” which is why there is an abbreviated form in the first place.

Reword The Sentence

At the end of the day, “and so on” is synonymous with “etc.” It’s possible to use it in all overlapping situations, so there are plenty of reasons why “and so on” might get used.

And The Rest

“And the rest” is another more informal choice. It’s similar to “and so on,” but “the rest” refers to the other things that might be worked out from the context.

“Et al.” is a Latin abbreviation that works well when you’re introducing a group of names. It’s only ever used to introduce names, and it’s a very common, formal phrase that is used when multiple people have worked on the same academic or formal paper.

“Et al.” is Latin for “et alia” (meaning “and others”). It’s very similar to using “and co.” in today’s world. It’s just a way of showing that a group much larger than the listed names has worked on a product or publication.

Along With Others

And the like.

“And the like” isn’t as popular in most formal publications. Nevertheless, it’s still good to use when you want to show that a common group is formed. If you believe that it’s easy for the reader to work out what the group is referencing, you might be able to use this one.

Amongst Others

Again, you should only use it when you’re confident that the reader will be able to work out the “others” from the context of your writing.

Can You Use “Etc.” In an Essay?

You can use “etc.” in an essay, and most people use it well when creating a list. It is a formal phrase in itself. Even though it is an abbreviation, it is common in formal writing. You may use it to extend a list without stating the objects inside it.

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 .

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

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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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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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Writing > What’s ‘etc.’ an abbreviation of (and what does it mean)?

What’s ‘etc.’ an abbreviation of (and what does it mean)?

You’ve probably seen “etc.” used countless times, but do you know what it means and how to use it correctly? Mastering this frequently used abbreviation is a must for excellent reading comprehension and writing—after all, you don’t want to confuse your readers.

What does “etc.” mean?

While Latin is considered a dead language, its influence still lives on in English. “Etc.” is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase “et cetera.” In Latin, “et” means “and.” The word “cetera” means “the rest.” It’s pronounced, “et SET uh ruh.” The abbreviation “etc.” is used more frequently in writing than the full phrase.

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“Etc.” can be used at the end of a list to mean “and so forth” or to represent additional unspecified additional items or persons. 1 This common phrase is favored by writers, so they don’t have to list everything they are referring to.

How to use “etc.” in a sentence

While using “etc.” in a sentence, or even if you are writing out the full phrase “et cetera,” it’s important to only use it after listing items that are in the same category. Otherwise, your sentence will be confusing. “Etc.” must also always have a period at the end of it, even if “etc.” is inserted in the middle of a sentence. Here are sentences that use “etc.” incorrectly:

Please bring caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, water, etc.

This sentence incorrectly uses “etc.” because water does not fall under the category of caffeinated beverages.

She loves wine, like cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, beer, etc.

The sentence above does not use “etc.” correctly because beer is not a type of wine.

It’s also important to note that “etc.” cannot be used when listing the names of people. This sentence would be incorrect:

The dinner was attended by my friends John, Mary, Taylor, etc.

When listing people, “et al.” must be used instead of “etc.” You may have seen this abbreviation before if you’ve ever read a study or research paper. “Et al.” is short for “et alii” in Latin, meaning “and others.” 2

“Etc.” can be used to list unspecified people. For example: All the doctors—cardiologists, neurologists, etc.—were asked to come into the hospital on Christmas.

It’s important to note that when you are using “etc.” in a sentence, you need to list at least two things. This is an example of “etc.” used incorrectly in a sentence: Susan brought all the cakes, etc. to the party.

In the above sentence, it’s not clear what other items Susan brought to the party. A correct sentence would be: Susan brought all the cakes, cookies, etc. to the party. This sentence makes it clearer that Susan brought desserts to the party.

Now that we’ve discussed how not to use “etc.” in a sentence, here are some examples of it used correctly in a sentence:

• Chihuahuas, pugs, corgis, etc. are allowed in the small dog area of the dog park.
• He is allergic to animals with fur—dogs, cats, etc.
• I’ve been trying not to eat ice cream, chips, etc. because I’m on a diet.

“Etc.” in formal writing

It’s agreed that “etc.” shouldn’t be used in formal writing —reserve it for informal writing only. 3 It’s OK to use “etc.” in a blog post, message to a friend, or social media post, but exclude it from essays, research papers, or resumes . Using “etc.” may come across as lazy or vague in formal settings. Instead of using “etc.”, try using words or phrases like:

• And the like
• Along with others
• And so forth

Keep in mind that by replacing “etc.” in formal writing with another word or phrase, you may find that you need to restructure the sentence entirely. For example, the sentence “She cuts long hair, short hair, thin hair, etc.” may need to become “She cuts all hair types, including long, short, and thin hair.”

Now that you know what “et cetera” means and how to correctly use “etc.”, you can write better, clearer sentences .

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/etcetera .

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/et%20al .

https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/definitions/all-about-etc/ .

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Commonly Misused Terms and Phrases

This abbreviation means, literally, “and other things.” Many professors urge against using etc. in formal writing because it is, by definition, nonspecific, but it can be used effectively when you have responsibly chosen representative constituents in order to avoid a cumbersome list:

All prime numbers between 1 and 101 (2, 3, 5, 7, 11, etc.) were transmitted by the pulsing signal in the movie Contact .

Tacking on “etc.” at the end of a list introduced by “for example” or “such as” is sloppy, because “for example” suggests that you have already carefully selected and presented the key constituents, which the “etc.” then undermines. Good alternatives to “etc.” are “for example,” or “such as” followed by just a few concrete representative examples that best demonstrate your point.

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Using “Etcetera” in Academic Writing

You probably know it better as “etc.” you have read things that have used it; you have probably said it yourself. You may or may not have used it in your own assignment writing, but chances are you may not be using it correctly. One of the reasons is that how to use etc. is not taught in English grammar and composition classes. But if you plan on using etcetera in academic writing , you will need to understand the rules. And that what this article is all about. So here goes.

The term “et cetera” actually comes from Latin, and it means “so forth” or “and other similar things.” And using etcetera in academic writing is perfectly fine, as long as you do it right.

How to Use Etc. in Lists of Things

In this case, you will want to know how to use "etc." at the end of a sentence and, as well, how do you use "etc." in a sentence, when there is more that follows it. The important point in using etc. at the end of a list is that all things in the list must be related. Here are some examples of both situations:

• They can live in any body of freshwater – creeks, ponds, lakes, etc.
• That literature class covers fiction, non-fiction, short stories, novels, poetry, etc.
• We were asked to describe the emotion (anger, fear, joy, etc.) we felt when we viewed the photography.
• Bring any small items that may be of value - coins, stamps, jewelry, etc. to the appraiser on Thursday morning.

Note that all of the items in the lists are related. Another important point on how to use "etc." in a sentence is punctuation. Because it is an abbreviation, you must place a period at the end of it, no matter where it may appear. You don’t need a period if you spell it out, but be sure your spelling is correct. Excetera, etcetra, and exedra are common mis-spellings, so get it right. In the 4th example, note also that there was a dash before the list, rather than a term like “such as.” If you use “such as,” you do not need to use “etc.” because the meaning is already clear.

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Don’t Use Etc. More Than Once in a Sentence

While using several “etc.’s” in speaking or in informal writing is often used for emphasis, using "etc." in academic writing is far different. You can say to a friend, “I have to get to the grocery store, a doctor’s appointment and my haircut appointment, write my essay before the deadline runs out, etc., etc., etc., before I can get back to home and start cleaning,” is common informal language. But in formal writing, only one “etc.” is “allowed.”

Etc., How to Use When Referring to People

This rule is simple. Never, never, never use "etc." when referring to people. “We studied the works of Shakespeare, Milton, etc. in our English lit class,” is not acceptable. Either name them all or come up with some other term, like, “We studied all of the most famous authors in our English literature course.”

Never Use “And” before “Etc.”

The word “and” already implies what “etc.” means, and using it is just redundant. So, you can say, “The courses covered all of the major forms of government, including democracy, fascism, communism, monarchy, etc.,” or you can say, “The course covered all of the major forms of government, including democracy, fascism, communism, monarchy, and others.”

Etc. How to Use Correct Punctuation

This rule is quite simple. If you use “etc.” in the middle of a sentence, and it is not enclosed in parentheses, then you must use a comma after the abbreviation. If it is in parentheses in the middle of a sentence or at the end of a sentence, no comma is needed. Examples:

• Joe and I stuffed ourselves on pizza, beer, pork rinds, candy bars, etc., and we really felt it the next day.
• After finals were over, Joe and I stuffed ourselves on pizza, beer, pork rinds, candy bars, etc.
• After finals, Joe and I stuffed ourselves with every bit of junk we could find (pizza, beer, pork rinds, candy bars, etc.).

Using Additional Punctuation after “Etc”

Remember, “etc.” is an abbreviation, and abbreviations call for periods after them. This doesn’t mean that you don’t use any other punctuation after that period. Use all of the regular punctuation that you would if that “etc.” was just another word – question marks, exclamation points, semi-solons or colons. The only exception is the period at the end of a sentence. Examples:

• Are you going to bring the paper supplies, like plates, cups, napkins, etc.?
• I hate proofreading my essays, papers, etc.!
• We are not going to get anxious about these finals; we are not going to lose sleep, eat junk, etc.; and we are not going to go in with a defeatist attitude.

You will not find the use of “etc.” rampant in academic writing. That is because scholarly research and writing is usually very specific and detailed and does not rely on the reader to “add” things on his own. Oh, yes, you can use it, certainly, in essays you may write for an English course. But use it sparingly in research works.

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10 Formal Synonyms for “Etc.”

So, you want to use “etc.” in formal writing.

However, you’re worried that it’s informal or incorrect because it’s an abbreviation of “et cetera,” right?

Well, you’ve come to the right place.

This article will explain what to use instead of “etc.” in formal writing to help you mix things up.

Can I Use “Etc.” in Formal Writing?

You can use “etc.” in formal writing. It’s a formal abbreviation that means “et cetera” (or “and so on”).

Generally, people use it when listing multiple things but not including every option. “Etc.” basically means there’s more to say, but you don’t need to include them.

Readers will prefer to see “etc.” as it helps to streamline your writing.

It’s better than listing everything in your writing, especially in an essay, as it can appear like you’re trying to pad out your word count.

Here’s a great email sample to show you how to write “etc.” in formal writing:

It was touched on by many firms, such as Browns, Kingstons, Jones & Smiths, etc. So, it was in good hands.

• It’s a great formal abbreviation to help streamline your writing.
• It keeps things easy to read and understand.
• Since it’s an abbreviation, you may not want to use it in every case.
• Some people need more context, which “etc.” can make difficult.

It’s clear that “etc.” is a great word to include in formal writing. However, that doesn’t mean it’s the only viable option. So, it’s time to explore some alternatives to see what’s out there.

Keep reading to learn how to replace “etc.” in formal writing. We’ve gathered plenty of synonyms to help you spice things up.

What to Say Instead of “Etc.”

• And so forth
• Among others
• In addition
• Along with others
• In the same vein
• To name a few
• To mention a couple
• Among other things

1. Et Cetera

First, we want to start with “et cetera.”

When we’re looking at alternatives to “etc.,” you can’t go wrong with the long-form version of the word.

For starters, it’s Latin. It officially translates to mean “and the rest.”

It’s formal and engaging . So, it’s a great way to break up your writing and let people know that you’re including a list of some sort.

You can also refer to these essay samples:

We could have used the burners, furnaces, et cetera . However, we weren’t sure what the best use of resources would be.

It featured Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison, et cetera . It was by far one of the greatest performances I’ve seen to date.

2. And So Forth

Another great choice is “and so forth.” This one works well in academic writing or when completing essays .

It’s a more formal word than “etc.” as it uses “so forth” to show that you haven’t listed every option .

It allows the reader to get the gist of what you’re saying. That’s the most important part about using a word such as this.

If you’re still unsure, you can review these examples:

You can use time, length, distance, and so forth as a variable. It should have quite a profound impact on what you’re looking for.

I explored my options. Using speed, force, and so forth seemed to make the most sense at the time of the assignment.

3. And So On

You can use “and so on” as another word for “etc.” It’s a great way to remain professional in your writing.

Generally, we would use this in an essay . It’s a good choice, as it lets readers know that you’ve thought about the list you’re writing and want to help them understand more about it.

Check out these examples to learn more about it if you still need help:

I worked with Russell, Beatrice, and so on when working on this project. They seemed to have a good idea of what we needed to do.

It was clear that the options were to leave, continue the project, try the assignment again, and so on . We all had to make a choice.

4. Among Others

It’s also smart to try “among others” to keep things a little simpler .

Don’t worry. While it’s a simpler phrase, it’s still professional and direct .

So, it’s a great choice when writing an essay . It’ll be sure to engage a reader and show them that you’ve thought things through with a list and would like to see what they think.

Feel free to review the following examples if you still need help with it:

It’s worth exploring that option, among others . It’s a good start, and I think it’ll be a good fit for the position.

You can do it with teams or solo, among others . It’s always worth exploring your options to see what’s available.

5. In Addition

You can also use “in addition” as another way to say “etc.” It’s a great choice that keeps things formal and polite .

Generally, you would use this when emailing employees . It helps you to create a list for them (usually in a bulk email) to let them know what’s going on.

This phrase is really effective at keeping your language formal and direct. That’s what makes it a good choice when writing emails above anything else.

This email sample should also clear some things up for you:

Dear Team, I would like you to complete this task using one of the methods from the meeting or a former one, in addition . Please let me know how you get on. Best regards, Dan Kent

6. Along With Others

You can also use “along with others.” It shows you how to include “etc.” in your writing by remaining formal and explanatory .

Generally, “along with others” covers every aspect that might come up in a list. That’s why it’s such an effective phrase to use in academic writing .

It’s direct and clear . So the reader won’t have any trouble understanding what you mean.

Feel free to review these examples if you still need to understand it:

We chose from multiple variables, such as rain and wind, along with others . It helped us to make sure we knew what we were doing.

I’m sure it would have been better to pull it from a pool of ideas. For example, three, six, and nine, along with others , seemed most likely.

7. In the Same Vein

Try using “in the same vein” when you’d like to mix things up in your writing.

It’s a great one to include in a formal essay . Generally, it allows you to explain how different things connect to each other as part of the same list.

We recommend it because it clarifies what a list is about . It’s a good tool to help the reader follow your thought process when you need to keep things simple.

You can also review these examples:

We should have explored the following ideas: time under tension, rep count, and things in the same vein .

It’s worth letting people explore travel ideas such as cycling, driving, skating, or things in the same vein .

8. To Name a Few

We also recommend using “to name a few” in your writing. It shows you how to write “etc.” in a resume to mix things up and impress a recruiter .

Try using it when you want someone to pay attention to the things you’re listing.

It shows you’ve thought about further elements to a list , but you don’t feel the need to share them.

These resume samples should also help you with it:

I wanted to work alongside cars, motorbikes, and boats, to name a few . That’s why I know the transport industry is for me.

Banks, accountants, and betting agencies, to name a few , were my main focus. They all collected money to some degree.

9. To Mention a Couple

You can also try “to mention a couple” to sound a bit more light-hearted and friendly .

This is a great synonym to include in your writing for many reasons.

Generally, it keeps your writing more casual . However, it also allows you to fill out a list without including too many parts and boring the reader.

Also, check out these examples if you need to understand it better:

We started with cars and bikes , to mention a couple . From there, we explored other avenues to see what stuck.

It made sense to try weightlifting, CrossFit, and powerlifting, to mention a couple of training modalities. Then, we’d have a wider range to base our results on.

10. Among Other Things

Finally, we recommend using “among other things” instead of “etc.”

It works really well in academic writing . Generally, you can use it when you don’t want to list something fully but want to give the reader a full idea of what you’re trying to say.

It keeps things formal and clear . It’s one of the better ways to ensure readers know what you’re talking about. You’ll fill them with confidence and show them that you know what’s coming next.

Feel free to refer to these examples to learn more about it:

It’s worth exploring the works of Michael Jones, Tim Marcus, and Bradley Taylor, among other things . They seem to know the most.

We tried completing it with each other, with the other firm, and alone, among other things . However, there didn’t seem to be a reasonable outcome.

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Avoid These Words and Phrases in Your Academic Writing

When writing an academic essay, thesis, or dissertation, your professor or advisor usually gives you a rubric with detailed expectations to guide you during the process. While the rubric will identify the major requirements for the paper, it will probably not tell you what words or phrases you need to avoid. Whether you want to earn a stellar grade on your next paper or you're hoping to get published in an academic journal, keep reading to discover words and phrases you need to avoid in your academic writing.

"A great deal of"

I encounter the phrase a great deal of in most academic papers that I edit. Avoid using this vague phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative. Instead of saying a great deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities.

"A lot"

Similar to the previous phrase (a great deal of), a lot is too vague and informal for an academic paper. Use precise quantities instead of this overly general phrase.

"Always"

Avoid using the word always in your academic writing, because it can generalize a statement and convey an absolute that might not be accurate. If you want to state something about all the participants in your study, use specific language to clarify that the statement applies to a consistent action among the participants in your study.

It is almost a cliché to tell you to avoid clichés, but it is an essential piece of writing advice. Clichés are unoriginal and will weaken your writing. In academic writing, using clichés will erode your credibility and take away from all the research and hard work you have put into your project.

What qualifies as a cliché? According to Dictionary.com , A cliché is an expression, idea, or action that has been overused to the point of seeming worn out, stale, ineffective, or meaningless. Your words should be original, carry meaning, and resonate with your readers, and this is especially important for academic writing. Most clichés have been used so frequently in so many different contexts that they have lost their meaning. To eliminate clichés, scan your paper for any phrases that you could type into an internet browser and find millions of search results from all different topic areas. If you are unsure if your favorite phrases are overused clichés, consult this Cliché List for a comprehensive list.

Contractions

Academic writing should be formal and professional, so refrain from using contractions. Dictionary.com offers the following advice regarding contractions: Contractions such as isn't, couldn't, can't, weren't, he'll, they're occur chiefly, although not exclusively, in informal speech and writing. They are common in personal letters, business letters, journalism, and fiction; they are rare in scientific and scholarly writing. Contractions occur in formal writing mainly as representations of speech. When you proofread your paper, change any contractions back to the original formal words.

Double negatives

Double negatives will confuse your readers and dilute the power of your words. For example, consider the following sentence:

"He was not unwilling to participate in the study."

The word not and the prefix un- are both negatives, so they cancel each other out and change the meaning of the sentence. If you want to convey that someone reluctantly participated in the study, express that clearly and explicitly.

"Etc."

The abbreviation etc. is short for the Latin word et cetera , which means and others; and so forth; and so on. Dictionary.com specifies that etc. is used to indicate that more of the same sort or class might have been mentioned, but for brevity have been omitted. I discourage writers from using etc. in academic writing, because if you are writing an academic paper, you are writing to share information or scholarly research, and you are not conveying any new information with the abbreviation etc. Instead of writing etc., explicitly state the words or list that you are alluding to with your use of etc. If you absolutely must use etc. , make sure you only use it if readers can easily identify what etc. represents, and only use etc. at the end of lists that are within parentheses.

"For all intents and purposes" and "for all intensive purposes"

These two phrases are often used interchangeably, but you should avoid both of them in your academic writing. Avoid the second phrase in all of your writing: For all intensive purposes is an eggcorn (a word or phrase that is mistakenly used for another word or phrase because it sounds similar). For all intents and purposes is generally a filler phrase that does not provide any new information, so you can usually omit it without replacing it.

An idiom is an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements. Idioms include phrases such as he kicked the bucket, and they are particularly problematic in academic writing, because non-native English speakers might not understand your intended meaning. Below are three of the idioms I encounter most frequently when editing academic papers:

• All things being equal : All things being equal is usually an unnecessary or redundant phrase that you can simply omit without replacing with anything else.
• In a nutshell : Instead of saying in a nutshell, use a more universal phrase such as in summary or in conclusion.
• On the other hand : Idioms such as on the other hand are informal and will weaken your paper. Instead of writing the phrase on the other hand, consider using conversely.

In-text ampersands ("&")

Do not use ampersands in place of the word and in sentences. Most style guides dictate that you use an ampersand for parenthetical in-text citations, but you need to spell out the word and in your paper. An ampersand within the text of your paper is too informal for an academic paper.

"I think"

You do not need to include the phrase I think when explaining your point of view. This is your paper, and it should contain your original thoughts or findings, so it is redundant to include the phrase I think. Doing so will weaken your writing and your overall argument.

"Never"

Similar to the word " always, " avoid using the word never in your academic writing. Always and never will overgeneralize your statements. If you absolutely must use never in your academic writing, make sure that you specify that it applies only to the participants in your study and should not be applied to the general population.

"Normal"

Avoid using subjective terms such a normal in your academic papers. Instead, use scientific or academic terms such as control group or standard. Remember that what you consider normal might be abnormal to someone else, but a control group or standard should be objective and definable.

Passive voice

Passive voice is one of the most frequent issues that I correct when editing academic papers. Some students think passive voice provides a more formal tone, but it actually creates more confusion for your readers while also adding to your word count. As the UNC Writing Center explained , The primary reason why your instructors frown on the passive voice is that they often have to guess what you mean. Most style guidelines (APA, MLA, Chicago) also specify that writers should avoid passive sentences. Whether you're writing your first draft or proofreading for what feels like the hundredth time, you can change passive sentences by making sure that the subject of your sentence is performing the action.

One way to look out for passive voice is to pay attention anytime you use by or was. These two words do not always indicate passive voice, but if you pay attention, they can help you spot passive voice. For example, the following sentence uses passive voice:

"The study was conducted in 2021."

If your style guideline allows you to use personal pronouns, specify a subject and reword the sentence to say:

"We conducted the study in 2021."

If your style guideline dictates that you avoid personal pronouns, you can make the sentence active by saying:

"The researchers conducted the study in 2021."

There are exceptions to most writing tips, but not this one: You should never use profanity in your academic writing. Profanity is informal, and many people might find it offensive, crude, or rude. Even if you enjoy creating controversy or getting a rise out of your readers, avoid profane words that might offend professors or other readers.

Academic writing can feel overwhelming, but hopefully this list of words and phrases to avoid in academic writing will help you as you navigate your next big assignment. Although there are exceptions to some items on this list, you will grow as a writer if you learn to avoid these words and phrases. If you consult your professor or advisor's rubric, adhere to style guidelines, and avoid the words or phrases on this list, you might even have fun the next time you have to stay up all night to finish an academic paper.

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When putting "etc." in the middle of a sentence, do you use "etc," or "etc.," or "etc."?

If you forgot your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorent, etc., you will not be allowed to attend. Make sure you bring your fishing pole, tackle, bait, etc. as we will not make any stops. If you are unsure, confused, bewildered, etc, do a somersault, then eat five slices of baloney.

Which example is correct? (Bonus points: why? )

• punctuation

• 1 Or " &c. " . (which my boss insists on) –  Joe Commented Oct 28, 2015 at 1:12
• 6 @Joe, your boss has got a serious problem there. –  dwoz Commented Oct 28, 2015 at 18:24

2 Answers 2

Ha, ha! Nice. Use a lower case "e" and follow the "c" with a period. If the sentence continues, follow the period with a comma (no space). Similar circumstances for I.e., and e.g., . (Gosh, now where do I put that final period?)

first off, your sentances need deoderent. Forsoothe, the toothepaste!

"etc." is an abbreviation for "et cetera" which is latin for "and the rest (of such things)" or "and so forth." As an abbreviation, it follows the same rules as "Mister"... "Mr." and "Doctor"... "Dr."

In your three example choices, only the first is correct with respect to the treatment of the "etc." but on some level, a sentence with three egregious errors can never be said to be "correct." :)

• 2 Were your first two sentences a joke? –  Nihilist_Frost Commented Oct 28, 2015 at 17:07
• @Nihilist_Frost, the miss-spellings in this comment were taken directly from the original post. It looks like "hellian's" spelling corrections were only MOSTLY effective. –  dwoz Commented Oct 28, 2015 at 18:26
• I mean, a joke about the misspellings. –  Nihilist_Frost Commented Oct 28, 2015 at 18:44
• @Nihilist_Frost...indeed. The joke loses it's zing without the original typos. –  dwoz Commented Oct 28, 2015 at 18:46
• The fly in the ointment here is that omitting the period after abbreviations like "Ave", "Blvd", "Ct", "Dr" (for "doctor" or "drive"), "Ln", "Pl", "Rd", "St" (for "saint" or "street"), "Terr", and so on,  is becoming increasingly popular. –  Scott - Слава Україні Commented Oct 6, 2021 at 19:25

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Writing academically: Abbreviations

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Abbreviations

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Abbreviations and acronyms are shortened forms of words or phrases. Generally, abbreviations are not acceptable in academic writing (with some exceptions, see below) and acronyms are (providing they are used as shown below).

As academic writing is formal in style, most abbreviations should be avoided. Even the common ones shown below:

Some common ones to avoid

Avoid e.g. and i.e. , instead use for example and for instance .

Avoid etc . There isn't really an alternative, so rewrite the sentence.

Avoid dept , govt . Use  department , government .

Avoid NB , instead use note that .

Avoid vs  or v , instead use versus or against (except in Law reports or cases)

Some acceptable abbreviations

Titles such as Mr. Dr. Prof. are acceptable when using them in conjunction with the individual's name i.e. Dr. Smith.

Some Latin phrases

et al. (short form of et alia - and others is acceptable when giving in text citations with multiple authors. The full stop should always be included afterwards to acknowledge the abbreviation. It does not need to be italicised as it is in common usage.

ibid. (short form of ibidim - in the same place) is acceptable if using footnote references to indicate that a reference is the same as the previous one. Again, always include the full stop to acknowledge the abbreviation. It is the convention to italicise this as it is less commonly used.

sic (short form of sic erat scriptum - thus it was written). This is used to indicate there was an error in something you are quoting (either an interviewee or an author) and it is not a misquote. It is added in square brackets but is neither italicised nor followed by a full stop i.e.

"it'd be great if unis [sic] could develop a person's self-knowledge"

Acronyms are acceptable, but use the name in full on its first use in a particular document (e.g. an assignment), no matter how well known the acronym is. For example, on its first use in an essay you might refer to "the World Health Organisation (WHO)" - it would be fine to simply refer to "the WHO" for the remainder of the essay.

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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 936,062 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.

• 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.)"

• 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

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

• 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

• 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 1
• 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 1
• 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

• 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

You Might Also Like

• ↑ 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

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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Is it acceptable to use "etc." in IELTS Writing Exam?

Someone told me that "etc." is not formal. However, based on my research in internet, some people said that it is acceptable to use "etc." in academic paper.

How about IELTS writing exam then? Is "etc." acceptable in there?

• abbreviations

• Is your question about the IELTS exam specifically, or about the use of etc. in general? –  Jason Bassford Commented Jun 26, 2018 at 0:19
• @JasonBassford It's about writing test in IELTS –  Yusril Maulidan Raji Commented Jun 26, 2018 at 1:39
• I can't give a definitive answer on IELTS as I don't have a study guide. I would suggest, however, that you can't go wrong if you use and so on instead . . . –  Jason Bassford Commented Jun 26, 2018 at 2:33

It isn't a question of formality, but one of clear writing

The use of "etc" tends to suggest that the student can't think of any more examples. Using "etc" assumes that the reader will know the rest of the list and this is often not the case. It is nearly always better to list fully, or rephrase.

In summer I visited Tokyo, Osaka etc.

Because I don't know how to complete the list, instead:

I summer I visited Tokyo, Osaka and many other cities in Japan.

There are situations when it can be used, for example in an infinite list:

The triangle numbers (1, 3, 6, 10, etc.) have been known since ancient times.

Take a look at https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/66149/is-it-suitable-to-use-etc-in-an-academic-paper on our sister site.

• Thanks for the answer and that's a great advice! However, do you know if it's fine to use ".etc" for writing in IELTS or not? –  Yusril Maulidan Raji Commented Jun 26, 2018 at 1:44
• 1 It is nearly always better to give a complete list or rephrase to avoid "etc". –  James K Commented Jun 26, 2018 at 6:15

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Et cetera, etcetera, etc..

(A similar topic is discussed in French in the article ET CETERA, ETC. )

The Latin term et cetera ("and the rest") is usually written as two words in Canadian English. However, the one-word spelling etcetera is also correct. The abbreviation for this term is etc. (Note that the c comes last; the misspelling ect. is a common error.)

Because it has become part of the English language, this term is not placed in italics, whether it is written in full or abbreviated.

Et cetera and its more common abbreviation, etc. , are used to show that a list of at least two items is incomplete. The list may include either things or people:

• Karen tries not to eat chips, chocolate, et cetera , even though she loves junk food.
• Bart had read many bestselling Canadian authors: Michael Ondaatje, Margaret Laurence, Wayson Choy, etc.

Etc . can also be used at the end of a bulleted list:

• Michael Ondaatje
• Margaret Laurence
• Wayson Choy

Since the expressions for example and such as already indicate that a list is incomplete, et cetera and etc . should not be used at the end of a list introduced by either of these expressions or by the abbreviation e.g.

• Incorrect: Al often picks locally grown fruit, such as apples or strawberries, etc.
• Correct: Al often picks locally grown fruit, such as apples or strawberries.
• Correct: Al often picks locally grown fruit: apples, strawberries, etc.

Note: Some guides suggest avoiding the use of etc. in formal writing. As an alternative, you can use such as to introduce a list, or follow the list with a phrase such as "and so on":

• Maneesha loves any sports activities involving water, such as sailing, swimming and surfing.
• Maneesha loves any sports activities involving water: sailing, swimming, surfing and so on.

Comma with et cetera

A comma is used before et cetera and its abbreviation, etc. :

• I dislike doing yard work: mowing the grass, trimming the hedge, et cetera .

When this term appears in the middle of a sentence, it takes a comma after it as well as before it:

• Yard work can fill up the summer; mowing the grass, trimming the hedge, etc. , takes a lot of time.

Period after etc .

The abbreviation etc . always ends with a period, regardless of any additional punctuation that may follow:

• Karen tries not to eat chips, chocolate, etc. , even though she loves junk food.
• Avoid using feminine or masculine pronouns to personify animals, events, ships, etc. : [ followed by a list of examples ]
• Travellers should not carry sharp objects in their carry-on luggage (scissors, pocket knives, nail clippers, etc. ).

If etc . ends a sentence that takes a period, only one period is used:

• At the staff picnic, the employees ate, played football, chatted, etc.

© Public Services and Procurement Canada, 2024 TERMIUM Plus ® , the Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank Writing tools – Writing Tips A product of the Translation Bureau

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[Essay]   can i use "etc." in my composition

• Thread starter caronmi
• Start date Jun 23, 2010
• Views : 12,421

Junior Member

• Jun 23, 2010

Et cetera. And this is a sentence from my composition: "The crucial way of practising oral English is to speak English whenever it is possible [FONT=&#23435]—[/FONT] in front of the foreign teacher, the classmates, etc." I wonder whether "etc." is formal enough for a composition.:-?  

caronmi said: Et cetera. And this is a sentence from my composition: "The crucial way of practising oral English is to speak English whenever it is possible [FONT=&#23435]—[/FONT] in front of the foreign teacher, the classmates, etc." I wonder whether "etc." is formal enough for a composition.:-? Click to expand...

I wouldn't advise 'etc.' to be used in writing. I think it is a lazy way to say something when you run out of words to express it. It doesn't sound that bad in spoken English though. This reminds me of the movie 'The King and I'. The king of Siam (Thailand) in those days, did not speak English very well. When he couldn't find the words to express himself in English, he would continue his conversation by saying 'etc...etc.' , a convenient way to cover his inadequacy. 'Et el' is a common term used in research and academic papers to refer to people to have done earlier research on a subject. I think it is too formal to use in ordinary writing. not a teacher  

bertietheblue

Senior member.

I suggest 'in front of your teacher, classmates and others'. The biggest problem I have with 'etc' is not that it is used in reference to people but that it implies a closed set of similar things/people of which teachers and classmates are members, and is used since the other members of the set are known or obvious. But it is not clear what other members of the set 'etc' is referring to here - friends? Family? And even if that is the case, are they actually part of the same set? In legal documents, I usually read 'amongst others' ('etc.' is also used, as is ' inter alios ', although relatively rarely). 'et al.' is generally only used in reference to books or articles with more than one author and I wouldn't recommend using it otherwise.  

bertietheblue said: I suggest 'in front of your teacher, classmates and others'. Click to expand...

SoothingDave

tedtmc said: I wouldn't advise 'etc.' to be used in writing. I think it is a lazy way to say something when you run out of words to express it Click to expand...

• Jun 24, 2010

TheParser said: ***** NOT A TEACHER ***** P. S. I would not say "foreign teacher." Here in the United States, sometimes calling someone a "foreigner" is not considered polite. If you wish to clarify the fact that your teacher is from another country, you could write something like: ... in front of my American teacher, my classmates, parents, and others. Click to expand...

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CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 08: A view of Harvard Yard on the campus of Harvard University on ... [+] July 08, 2020 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have sued the Trump administration for its decision to strip international college students of their visas if all of their courses are held online. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The college essay is a pivotal piece of the college application showcasing your individuality and differentiated outlook to admissions officers. What makes an essay truly shine? Let’s dive into the words behind three standout essays highlighted by university websites and a school newspaper's brand studio so you can get into the right mindset for crafting your own narrative.

Embracing Differences: Finding Strength In Uniqueness

Essay Excerpt: ‘Bra Shopping ’ (Harvard)

Featured by the Harvard Crimson Brand Studio , Orlee's essay recounts a student's humorous and insightful experience of bra shopping with her grandmother, weaving in her unique family dynamics and challenges at her prestigious school.

What Works:

• Humor and Honesty: The student's humor makes the essay enjoyable to read, while her honesty about her challenges adds depth.
• Self-Awareness: She demonstrates a strong sense of self-awareness, embracing her uniqueness rather than trying to fit in.
• Resilience: Her narrative highlights resilience and the ability to find strength in differences.

For Your Essay : To write an essay that embraces your uniqueness, start by identifying a quirky or challenging experience that reflects who a key insight into your experience. Think about how this experience has shaped your perspective and character. Use humor and honesty to bring your story to life, and focus on how you have embraced your differences to become stronger and more resilient.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, finding connections: humor and self-reflection.

Essay: ‘Brood X Cicadas ’ (Hamilton College)

As an example on Hamilton's admissions website, Nicholas writes about the cicadas swarming his hometown every 17 years and draws a parallel between their emergence and his own transition to college life. He uses humor and self-reflection to create a relatable and engaging narrative.

• Humor: Nicholas uses humor to make his essay entertaining and memorable. His witty comparisons between himself and cicadas add a unique twist.
• Self-Reflection: By comparing his life to the cicadas’, he reflects on his own growth and readiness for change.
• Relatability: His narrative about facing new experiences and challenges resonates with readers who have undergone similar transitions.

For Your Essay: To infuse humor and self-reflection into your essay, start by identifying an ordinary experience or object and think about how it relates to your life. Write down funny or insightful observations about this connection. Use humor to make your essay more engaging, but ensure it still conveys meaningful self-reflection. This balance can make your essay both entertaining and profound.

Persistence and Multicultural Identity: Life Lessons From Tortilla Making

Essay: ‘ Facing The Hot Griddle ’ (Johns Hopkins University)

In this essay published by Hopkins Insider, Rocio uses the process of making tortillas to explore her multicultural identity and the challenges she has faced. Her story beautifully weaves together her Guatemalan heritage and her experiences growing up in the United States.

• Metaphor and Symbolism: The process of making tortillas becomes a powerful metaphor for the student’s journey and struggles. The symbolism of the masa harina and water mixing parallels her blending of cultural identities.
• Personal Growth: The essay highlights her perseverance and adaptability, qualities that are crucial for success in college.
• Cultural Insight: She provides a rich, personal insight into her multicultural background, making her story unique and compelling.

For Your Essay: To write an essay that explores your identity through a metaphor, start by thinking about an activity or tradition that holds significant meaning for you. Consider how this activity relates to your life experiences and personal growth. Use detailed descriptions to bring the activity to life and draw connections between the process and your own journey. Reflect on the lessons you've learned and how they've shaped your identity.

A winning college essay isn’t simply about parading your best accomplishment or dramatizing your challenges. It’s not a contest for which student is the most original or entertaining. Rather, the essay is a chance for you to showcase your authenticity, passion, resilience, social awareness, and intellectual vitality . By sharing genuine stories and insights, you can create an essay that resonates with admissions committees and highlights your unique qualities.

For you to have the best possible essay, mindset is key. Here’s how to get into the zone:

• Reflect Deeply: Spend time thinking about your experiences, challenges, and passions. Journaling can help you uncover deep insights.
• Discuss and Share: Talking about your stories with friends, family, or mentors can provide new perspectives and emotional clarity.
• Immerse Yourself: Engage in activities that you are passionate about to reignite the feelings and memories associated with them.
• Draft Freely: Don’t worry about perfection on the first try. Write freely and honestly, then refine your narrative.

The secret to a standout college essay lies in its authenticity, depth, and emotional resonance. By learning from these successful examples and getting into the right mindset, you can craft an essay that not only stands out but also provides a meaningful insight into who you are. Remember, your essay is your story—make it a piece of writing that you will always be proud of.

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How to Write a Business Essay: A Step-By-Step Guide

We live in a highly competitive and dynamic world in an era where any skill if effectively used, can set you apart from the rest. In the modern business world, the ability to craft stellar essays can give you a competitive edge over your opponents.

From professionals running enterprises to entrepreneurs and students learning the trade, the ability to convey ideas effectively through writing can make a significant impact on career growth and development. It can also win you deals. In this short article, we’ll explore a few tips for crafting winning business essays. Read on to understand why small details matter when planning to make an impact.

The ultimate guide to crafting an A+ business essay: 8 expert tips and strategies

Choose a compelling topic

This is the most important part of your business essay. As such, you should dedicate adequate time to it. A wrong topic is often a complete turnoff. It makes potential readers ignore your work, even if they would have benefitted from it. To choose a compelling and enjoyable topic, focus on current industry issues or trends that interest you. Ensure that you frame the issue from a popular or controversial viewpoint to grab attention. However, be careful not to bite off more than you can chew. Choose a topic that allows you to demonstrate your business expertise.

However, if you’re stuck and unable to conjure an interesting topic for your essay, try online resources such as FastEssay, a fast essay writing service for students. The company can help you create a topic, generate a solid thesis statement, structure your paper, and edit your draft in minutes. Their experts provide reliable academic and business assistance fast!

Conduct thorough research

A business essay must be well-crafted and loaded with facts. You must convince your audience that you’ve read widely on the subject and have earned the right to write about it. With the advent of AI, the volume of texts on the internet has increased tenfold. Your audience is being bombarded with millions of articles on various topics. As such, they’ll look for any excuse to skip an article. Therefore, if you want to grab their attention and stand out, you must conduct thorough research and back up every claim you make.

Organizing your ideas

The organization is key in business writing. Your work must show evidence of a well-thought-out argument from start to finish. Therefore, dedicate some time to creating an outline that will guide your work. A solid outline is like a skeleton upon which an entire body is built. So, if it’s wrong or not well-thought-out, the entire essay will be a mess. A good essay outline helps you stay focused, develop your ideas logically, and ensure a coherent flow throughout your paper. From experience, a well-crafted outline can significantly lower your writing time, make the task more enjoyable, and improve the quality and clarity of your final written piece.

Provide supporting evidence

There’s a big difference between a valid claim and a heresy or rumor. The importance of making valid and verifiable claims in your business essay can’t be overemphasized. Don’t give in to the temptation of including interesting claims in your paper to spice it up. Be professional and stick to facts only. Moreover, be aware that some of your readers may be incapable of differentiating facts from fiction. It’s your job to support your claims with credible sources such as peer-reviewed journals, books, government data, and information from authoritative institutions such as NASA, NAT GEO, etc. Most importantly, your document must show that you’ve explored all sides of the debate, even the one you disagree with. Establishing a balanced view of a subject is critical in business writing.

Use the right structuring

The simplest things are often the most important ones. Whenever we talk about essays, the first thing most people think of is their basic structure – introduction, body, and conclusion. Interestingly, a considerable number of people fail to conform to this basic standard. Don’t be like them. Create a captivating introduction where you explain what your essay is about. Ensure that you include a solid thesis statement. Use the body paragraphs to explain each of your points. Having each argument in its paragraph is highly recommended. Finally, end the essay with a powerful conclusion that recaps its main arguments and position.

Polishing your essay

Writing a business essay can be tasking. In most cases, you must develop several drafts before arriving at the final document. While people use different writing techniques and steps, none is flawless. You must contend with mistakes, be they grammatical, stylistic, or typos. Even the best writers of all time struggle with such mistakes. Therefore, you must dedicate time to editing and proofreading your essay. This can be done in one go or carried out over several steps. No matter your approach, always leave your document to settle before revising it. It gives you a better chance of spotting mistakes in your work.  

Use appropriate business terminology and concepts

Every subject has its terminology and concepts. Therefore, if you want to sound relevant and informed, you must refine your business essay to sound “businesslike.” This will not only earn you respect but also improve your credibility. Moreover, it allows for clear and concise communication of ideas and ensures the essay aligns with academic and professional standards within the field of business. However, be careful not to overdo it. Writing an essay is an opportunity to express yourself, not show off your jargon.

Be punctual

We understand that some students are procrastinators. They’ll wait until the last minute to write their essays. While it might work that way, the chance of things going wrong increases as the deadline draws closer. You might be taken ill, involved in an emergency, forget the work, or suffer a power outage with online minutes to go. Don’t take the risk. Start writing your essay early to give you enough time for editing and proofreading. Most importantly, submit the work on time instead of waiting until the last minute. You might be a victim of system overload or crash.

Write with confidence, and revise with distrust!

As we’ve shown above, writing a winning business essay is a complex process. It demands a lot of your time and may force you to explore several sources. Therefore, you must focus on facts, credibility, the right structure, organization, and punctuality. However, of the greatest importance is editing and proofreading your work. You must dedicate sufficient time to this exercise to make your document flawless. Some of the best-published books, essays, and research papers you have seen around are products of several rounds of revision.

Spring 2025 Semester

Undergraduate courses.

Composition courses that offer many sections (ENGL 101, 201, 277 and 379) are not listed on this schedule unless they are tailored to specific thematic content or particularly appropriate for specific programs and majors.

• 100-200 level

ENGL 201.ST2 Composition II: The Mind/Body Connection

Dr. sharon smith.

In this online section of English 201, students will use research and writing to learn more about problems that are important to them and articulate ways to address those problems. The course will focus specifically on issues related to the body, the mind, and the relationship between them. The topics we will discuss during the course will include the correlation between social media and body image; the psychological effects of self-objectification; and the unique mental and physical challenges faced by college students today, including food insecurity and stress.

English 201 S06 and S11: Composition II with an emphasis in Environmental Writing

S06: MWF at 10–10:50 a.m. in Yeager Hall Addition 231

S11: MWF at 12–12:50 p.m. in Crothers Engineering Hall 217

Gwen Horsley

English 201 will help students develop skills to write effectively for other university courses, careers, and themselves. This course will provide opportunities to further develop research skills, to write vividly, and to share their own stories and ideas. Specifically, in this class, students will (1) focus on the relationships between world environments, land, animals and humankind; (2) read various essays by environmental, conservational, and regional authors; and (3) produce student writings. Students will improve their writing skills by reading essays and applying techniques they witness in others’ work and those learned in class. This class is also a course in logical and creative thought. Students will write about humankind’s place in the world and our influence on the land and animals, places that hold special meaning to them or have influenced their lives, and stories of their own families and their places and passions in the world. Students will practice writing in an informed and persuasive manner, in language that engages and enlivens readers by using vivid verbs and avoiding unnecessary passives, nominalizations, and expletive constructions.

Students will prepare writing assignments based on readings and discussions of essays included in Literature and the Environment and other sources. They will use The St. Martin’s Handbook to review grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and usage as needed.

Required Text: Literature and the Environment: A Reader On Nature and Culture. 2nd ed., edited by Lorraine Anderson, Scott Slovic, and John P. O’Grady.

LING 203.S01 English Grammar

TuTh 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Dr. Nathan Serfling

The South Dakota State University 2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog describes LING 203 as consisting of “[i]nstruction in the theory and practice of traditional grammar including the study of parts of speech, parsing, and practical problems in usage.”

“Grammar” is a mercurial term, though. Typically, we think of it to mean “correct” sentence structure, and, indeed, that is one of its meanings. But Merriam-Webster reminds us “grammar” also refers to “the principles or rules of an art, science, or technique,” taking it beyond the confines of syntactic structures. Grammar also evolves in practice through application (and social, historical, economic changes, among others). Furthermore, grammar evolves as a concept as scholars and educators in the various fields of English studies debate the definition and nature of grammar, including how well its explicit instruction improves students’ writing. In this course, we will use the differing sensibilities, definitions, and fluctuations regarding grammar to guide our work. We will examine the parts of speech, address syntactic structures and functions, and parse and diagram sentences. We will also explore definitions of and debates about grammar. All of this will occur in units about the rules and structures of grammar; the application of grammar rhetorically and stylistically; and the debates surrounding various aspects of grammar, including, but not limited to, its instruction.

ENGL 210 Introduction to Literature

Jodi andrews.

Readings in fiction, drama and poetry to acquaint students with literature and aesthetic form. Prerequisites: ENGL 101. Notes: Course meets SGR #4 or IGR #3.

ENGL 222 British Literature II

TuTh 9:30-10:45 a.m.

This course serves as a chronological survey of the second half of British literature. Students will read a variety of texts from the Romantic period, the Victorian period, and the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, placing these texts within their historical and literary contexts and identifying the major characteristics of the literary periods and movements that produced them.

ENGL 240.ST1 Juvenile Literature

Randi l. anderson.

A survey of the history of literature written for children and adolescents, and a consideration of the various types of juvenile literature.

ENGL 240.ST1 Juvenile Literature: 5-12 Grade

In English 240 students will develop the skills to interpret and evaluate various genres of literature for juvenile readers. This particular section will focus on various works of literature at approximately the 5th-12th grade level.

Readings for this course include works such as Night, Brown Girl Dreaming, All American Boys, Esperanza Rising, Anne Frank’s Diary: A Graphic Adaptation, Animal Farm, Fahrenheit 451, The Giver, The Hobbit, Little Women, and Lord of the Flies . These readings will be paired with chapters from Reading Children’s Literature: A Critical Introduction to help develop understanding of various genres, themes, and concepts that are both related to juvenile literature, and also present in our readings.

In addition to exploring various genres of writing (poetry, non-fiction, fantasy, historical, non-fiction, graphic novels, etc.) this course will also allow students to engage in a discussion of larger themes present in these works such as censorship, race, rebellion and dissent, power and oppression, gender, knowledge, and the power of language and the written word. Students’ understanding of these works and concepts will be developed through readings, discussion posts, quizzes and exams.

ENGL 240.ST2 Juvenile Literature Elementary-5th Grade

April myrick.

A survey of the history of literature written for children and adolescents, and a consideration of the various genres of juvenile literature. Text selection will focus on the themes of imagination and breaking boundaries.

ENGL 242.S01 American Literature II

TuTh 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Dr. Paul Baggett

This course surveys a range of U.S. literatures from about 1865 to the present, writings that treat the end of slavery and the development of a segregated America, increasingly urbanized and industrialized U.S. landscapes, waves of immigration, and the fulfilled promise of “America” as imperial nation. The class will explore the diversity of identities represented during that time, and the problems/potentials writers imagined in response to the century’s changes—especially literature’s critical power in a time of nation-building. Required texts for the course are The Norton Anthology of American Literature: 1865 to the Present and Toni Morrison’s A Mercy.

WMST 247.S01: Introduction to Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies

As an introduction to Women, Gender and Sexuality studies, this course considers the experiences of women and provides an overview of the history of feminist thought and activism, particularly within the United States. Students will also consider the concepts of gender and sexuality more broadly to encompass a diversity of gender identifications and sexualities and will explore the degree to which mainstream feminism has—and has not—accommodated this diversity. The course will focus in particular on the ways in which gender and sexuality intersect with race, class, ethnicity, and disability. Topics and concepts covered will include: movements for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights; gender, sexuality and the body; intersectionality; rape culture; domestic and gender violence; reproductive rights; Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW); and more.

ENGL 283.S01 Introduction to Creative Writing

MWF 1-1:50 p.m.

Prof. Steven Wingate

Students will explore the various forms of creative writing (fiction, nonfiction and poetry) not one at a time in a survey format—as if there were decisive walls of separation between then—but as intensely related genres that share much of their creative DNA. Through close reading and work on personal texts, students will address the decisions that writers in any genre must face on voice, rhetorical position, relationship to audience, etc. Students will produce and revise portfolios of original creative work developed from prompts and research. This course fulfills the same SGR #2 requirements ENGL 201; note that the course will involve creative research projects. Successful completion of ENGL 101 (including by test or dual credit) is a prerequisite.

English 284: Introduction to Criticism

This course introduces students to selected traditions of literary and cultural theory and to some of the key issues that animate discussion among literary scholars today. These include questions about the production of cultural value, about ideology and hegemony, about the patriarchal and colonial bases of Western culture, and about the status of the cultural object, of the cultural critic, and of cultural theory itself.

To address these and other questions, we will survey the history of literary theory and criticism (a history spanning 2500 years) by focusing upon a number of key periods and -isms: Greek and Roman Classicism, The Middle Ages and Renaissance, The Enlightenment, Romanticism, Realism, Formalism, Historicism, Political Criticism (Marxism, Post-Colonialism, Feminism, et al.), and Psychological Criticism. We also will “test” various theories we discuss by examining how well they account for and help us to understand various works of poetry and fiction.

• 300-400 level

ENGL 330.S01 Shakespeare

TuTh 8-9:15 a.m.

Dr. Michael S. Nagy

This course will focus on William Shakespeare’s poetic and dramatic works and on the cultural and social contexts in which he wrote them. In this way, we will gain a greater appreciation of the fact that literature does not exist in a vacuum, for it both reflects and influences contemporary and subsequent cultures. Text: The Riverside Shakespeare: Complete Works. Ed. Evans, G. Blakemore and J. J. M. Tobin. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1997.

ENGL 363 Science Fiction

MWF 11-11:50 a.m.

This course explores one of the most significant literary genres of the past century in fiction and in film. We will focus in particular on the relationship between science fiction works and technological and social developments, with considerable attention paid to the role of artificial intelligence in the human imagination. Why does science fiction seem to predict the future? What do readers and writers of the genre hope to find in it? Through readings and viewings of original work, as well as selected criticism in the field, we will address these and other questions. Our reading and viewing selections will include such artists as Ursula K. LeGuin, Octavia Butler, Stanley Kubrick and Phillip K. Dick. Students will also have ample opportunity to introduce the rest of the class to their own favorite science fiction works.

ENGL 383.S01 Creative Writing I

MWF 2-2:50 p.m.

Amber Jensen

Creative Writing I encourages students to strengthen poetry, creative nonfiction, and/or fiction writing skills through sustained focus on creative projects throughout the course (for example, collections of shorter works focused on a particular form/style/theme, longer prose pieces, hybrid works, etc.). Students will engage in small- and large-group writing workshops as well as individual conferences with the instructor throughout the course to develop a portfolio of creative work. The class allows students to explore multiple genres through the processes of writing and revising their own creative texts and through writing workshop, emphasizing the application of craft concepts across genre, but also allows students to choose one genre of emphasis, which they will explore through analysis of self-select texts, which they will use to deepen their understanding of the genre and to contextualize their own creative work.

ENGL 475.S01 Creative Nonfiction

Mondays 3-5:50 p.m.

In this course, students will explore the expansive and exciting genre of creative nonfiction, including a variety of forms such as personal essay, braided essay, flash nonfiction, hermit crab essays, profiles and more. Through rhetorical reading, discussion, and workshop, students will engage published works, their own writing process, and peer work as they expand their understanding of the possibilities presented in this genre and the craft elements that can be used to shape readers’ experience of a text. Students will compile a portfolio of polished work that demonstrates their engagement with course concepts and the writing process.

ENGL 485.S01 Writing Center Tutoring

MW 8:30-9:45 a.m.

Since their beginnings in the 1920s and 30s, writing centers have come to serve numerous functions: as hubs for writing across the curriculum initiatives, sites to develop and deliver workshops, and resource centers for faculty as well as students, among other functions. But the primary function of writing centers has necessarily and rightfully remained the tutoring of student writers. This course will immerse you in that function in two parts. During the first four weeks, you will explore writing center praxis—that is, the dialogic interplay of theory and practice related to writing center work. This part of the course will orient you to writing center history, key theoretical tenets and practical aspects of writing center tutoring. Once we have developed and practiced this foundation, you will begin work in the writing center as a tutor, responsible for assisting a wide variety of student clients with numerous writing tasks. Through this work, you will learn to actively engage with student clients in the revision of a text, respond to different student needs and abilities, work with a variety of writing tasks and rhetorical situations and develop a richer sense of writing as a complex and negotiated social process.

ENGL 492.S01 The Vietnam War in Literature and Film

Tuesdays 3-5:50 p.m.

Dr. Jason McEntee

In 1975, the United States officially included its involvement in the Vietnam War, thus marking 2025 as the 50th anniversary of the conclusion (in name only) of one of the most chaotic, confusing, and complex periods in American history. In this course, we will consider how literature and film attempt to chronicle the Vietnam War and, perhaps more important, its aftermath. I have designed this course for those looking to extend their understanding of literature and film to include the ideas of art, experience, commercial products, and cultural documents. Learning how to interpret literature and movies remains the highest priority of the course, including, for movies, the study of such things as genre, mise-en-scene (camera movement, lighting, etc.), editing, sound and so forth.

We will read Dispatches , A Rumor of War , The Things They Carried , A Piece of My Heart , and Bloods , among others. Some of the movies that we will screen are: Apocalypse Now (the original version), Full Metal Jacket , Platoon , Coming Home , Born on the Fourth of July , Dead Presidents , and Hearts and Minds . Because we must do so, we will also look at some of the more fascinatingly outrageous yet culturally significant fantasies about the war, such as The Green Berets and Rambo: First Blood, Part II .

ENGL 492.S02 Classical Mythology

TuTh 3:30-4:45 p.m.

Drs. Michael S. Nagy and Graham Wrightson

Modern society’s fascination with mythology manifests itself in the continued success of novels, films and television programs about mythological or quasi-mythological characters such as Hercules, the Fisher King, and Gandalf the Grey, all of whom are celebrated for their perseverance or their daring deeds in the face of adversity. This preoccupation with mythological figures necessarily extends back to the cultures which first propagated these myths in early folk tales and poems about such figures as Oðin, King Arthur, Rhiannon, Gilgamesh, and Odysseus, to name just a few. English 492, a reading-intensive course cross-listed with History 492, primarily aims to expose students to the rich tradition of mythological literature written in languages as varied as French, Gaelic, Welsh, Old Icelandic, Greek, and Sumerian; to explore the historical, social, political, religious, and literary contexts in which these works flourished (if indeed they did); and to grapple with the deceptively simple question of what makes these myths continue to resonate with modern audiences. Likely topics and themes of this course will include: Theories of myth; Mythological Beginnings: Creation myths and the fall of man; Male and Female Gods in Myth; Foundation myths; Nature Myths; The Heroic Personality; the mythological portrayal of (evil/disruptive) women in myth; and Monsters in myth.

Likely Texts:

• Dalley, Stephanie, trans. Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, the Flood, Gilgamesh, and Others. Oxford World’s Classics, 2009
• Faulkes, Anthony, trans. Edda. Everyman, 1995
• Gregory, Lady Augusta. Cuchulain of Muirthemne: The Story of the Men of the Red Branch of Ulster. Forgotten Books, 2007
• Jones, Gwyn, Thomas Jones, and Mair Jones. The Mabinogion. Everyman Paperback Classics, 1993
• Larrington, Carolyne, trans. The Poetic Edda . Oxford World’s Classics, 2009
• Matarasso, Pauline M., trans. The Quest of the Holy Grail. Penguin Classics, 1969
• Apollodorus, Hesiod’s Theogony
• Hesiod’s Works and Days
• Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Homeric Hymns
• Virgil’s Aeneid
• Iliad, Odyssey
• Apollonius of Rhodes Argonautica
• Ovid’s Heroides
• Greek tragedies: Orestaia, Oedipus trilogy, Trojan Women, Medea, Hippoolytus, Frogs, Seneca's Thyestes, Dyskolos, Amphitryon
• Clash of the Titans, Hercules, Jason and the Argonauts, Troy (and recent miniseries), Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?

ENGL 492.ST1 Science Writing

Erica summerfield.

This course aims to teach the fundamentals of effective scientific writing and presentation. The course examines opportunities for covering science, the skills required to produce clear and understandable text about technical subjects, and important ethical and practical constraints that govern the reporting of scientific information. Students will learn to present technical and scientific issues to various audiences. Particular emphasis will be placed on conveying the significance of research, outlining the aims, and discussing the results for scientific papers and grant proposals. Students will learn to write effectively, concisely, and clearly while preparing a media post, fact sheet, and scientific manuscript or grant.

Graduate Courses

Engl 575.s01 creative nonfiction.

In this course, students will explore the expansive and exciting genre of creative nonfiction, including a variety of forms such as personal essay, braided essay, flash nonfiction, hermit crab essays, profiles, and more. Through rhetorical reading, discussion, and workshop, students will engage published works, their own writing process, and peer work as they expand their understanding of the possibilities presented in this genre and the craft elements that can be used to shape readers’ experience of a text. Students will compile a portfolio of polished work that demonstrates their engagement with course concepts and the writing process.

ENGL 592.S01: The Vietnam War in Literature and Film

Engl 704.s01 introduction to graduate studies.

Thursdays 3-5:50 p.m.

Introduction to Graduate Studies is required of all first-year graduate students. The primary purpose of this course is to introduce students to modern and contemporary literary theory and its applications. Students will write short response papers and will engage at least one theoretical approach in their own fifteen- to twenty-page scholarly research project. In addition, this course will further introduce students to the M.A. program in English at South Dakota State University and provide insight into issues related to the profession of English studies.

ENGL 792.ST1 Grant Writing

This online course will familiarize students with the language, rhetorical situation, and components of writing grant proposals. Students will explore various funding sources, learn to read an RFP, and develop an understanding of different professional contexts and the rhetorical and structural elements that suit those distinct contexts. Students will write a sample proposal throughout the course and offer feedback to their peers, who may be writing in different contexts, which will enhance their understanding of the varied applications of course content. Through their work in the course, students will gain confidence in their ability to find, apply for, and receive grant funding to support their communities and organizations.