comma after 'etc.' [abbreviation]: strippers, bongs, etc., and guns

wizard8451

Senior Member
Mexico, Spanish
If 'etc.' does not end a sentence, should you use a comma - i.e. "The room was full of party decorations, including strippers, bongs, etc., and machine guns.
 
  • You might use a comma after an "et cetera" in mid sentence. However, since in your sentence you are already using the open-ended word "includes", the "etc." is unnecessary.

    I will also point out that most people would not think of strippers, bongs, or machine guns as "party decorations"!!
     

    river

    Senior Member
    U.S. English
    Yes, the abbreviation etc. is traditionally both preceded and followed by a comma.

    Lions, tigers, bears, etc., in transit must be confined to cages.
     

    Harry Batt

    Senior Member
    USA English
    Where is the lead-pipe rule which states that you cannot end a sentence with etc.? I do it all the time except when I end a series of names with etal.
     
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