Quick Tip: Punctuation for 'etc.'

Etc. is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase 'et cetera'. Given that it is an abbreviation, the use of etc. requires a period. If 'etc.' is used at the end of a sentence, then it only requires the period that usually accompanies it. For instance,

Protein X is expressed in a number tissues including muscle, spleen, bone, etc.

However, if 'etc.' is used in the middle of a sentence, it may require a comma after the period. For instance,

Muscle, brain, spleen, etc., express a negligible amount of protein X.

---

For all of your manuscript editing needs, please contact Excision Editing here, or simply pick a plan here and get access to our fantastic manuscript editing services!

You can also follow us on Twitter for helpful writing tips and the occasional discount! @ExcisionEditing