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No abbreviation in formal essays?
I learned from my English class that contraction and abbreviation aren't allowed in formal essays. So if I want to say "... etc.", do I write out the whole phrase "et cetera"? It seems logical but I've never seen anyone doing this...
Thanks in advance!
Jun 22, 2011 6:26 AM
Answers · 5
3
Neither the phrase 'et cetera' nor the abbreviation 'etc.' are typically used in a formal essay. When being formal, you typically don't want to be so vague as to say 'etc.' It is sometimes acceptable, but I would recommend you try to avoid either one altogether.
June 22, 2011
Use "...and so on." Alternately, write a full list of examples.
"Formal essay" means you write out full sentences with proper grammar. Using "etc" is cutting your writing down to note form.
June 22, 2011
I agree with Cera. Here is an example of a formal expository essay for you plus tips
http://www.italki.com/knowledge/page/EXAMPLE%20OF%20AN%20EXPOSITORY%20ESSAY.htm
June 22, 2011
No. You write "etc.".
June 22, 2011
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