I am, Yours, etc

Status
Not open for further replies.

kadioguy

Key Member
Joined
Mar 4, 2017
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Chinese
Home Country
Taiwan
Current Location
Taiwan
etc
abbreviation

et cetera — sometimes used especially formerly to shorten a letter-closing formula

I am, Yours, etc

(from Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary)
--------
I found the following about 'Letter Closing Examples', but I still don't know what 'I am, Yours, etc' means.

How to End a Letter (With Closing Examples)
https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-end-a-letter-2062308


 
Long ago it was customary to end letters with long phrases like I am, and shall ever remain, your obedient servant, FUDDLES.

People on friendly terms would shorten such tedious messages to things like I am, etc., FUDDLES.

You will never need to know this unless you read old letters or literature containing them.
 
Long ago it was customary to end letters with long phrases like I am, and shall ever remain, your obedient servant, FUDDLES.
Is this servant's name FUDDLES?
 
The person writing the letter is not actually a servant. The person may be a subordinate, or even an equal, but is just using self-deprecating language in the interests of etiquette. It's similar to the use of 敝 for oneself vs. 貴 for the letter recipient in Chinese.

But in this case, the letter writer's name would be Fuddles.
 
Last edited:
But in this case, the letter writer's name would be Fuddles.

Why not But in this case, the letter writer's name will be Fuddles?
Is your sentence a implied conditional?

Do you mean But in this case, the letter writer's name would be Fuddles (if I knew the answer)​?

Does 'would' here mean 'used for saying or asking what someone thinks about a possible situation', whereas 'will' mean 'used for showing that you are fairly certain that something is true'?
-------
(update)
I think no one will reply, so I am posting a new thread here.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Ask a Teacher

If you have a question about the English language and would like to ask one of our many English teachers and language experts, please click the button below to let us know:

(Requires Registration)
Back
Top