Exclude vs Include: Deciding Between Similar Terms

Are you confused about when to use exclude and when to use include? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words may seem similar, but they have distinct meanings that can make a big difference in your writing.

Which of the two is the proper word to use? Well, it depends on what you want to say. If you want to say that something is not included, then exclude is the word for you. On the other hand, if you want to say that something is part of a group or category, then include is the word you need.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the definitions of these two words. Exclude means to leave something or someone out, to not allow them to participate or be part of something. For example, “The party invitation explicitly excluded children.”

Include, on the other hand, means to make something or someone part of a group or category. For example, “The museum’s collection includes paintings from the 19th century.”

Understanding the difference between these two words is crucial for clear and effective communication. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways in which exclude and include are used, and provide tips on how to use them correctly in your writing.

Define Exclude

Excluding refers to the act of intentionally leaving something or someone out of a particular group, activity, or situation. It is a deliberate decision to not allow or consider something or someone. Exclusion can be a result of various reasons such as personal preference, lack of qualifications, or as a form of punishment or discipline. It can also be a way of creating boundaries and protecting oneself from potential harm or negativity.

Define Include

Including, on the other hand, means to involve or encompass something or someone in a particular group, activity, or situation. It is an intentional decision to allow or consider something or someone. Inclusion can be a result of various reasons such as diversity and equality, qualifications, or as a form of reward or recognition. It can also be a way of building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging.

Here is a table summarizing the differences between exclude and include:

Exclude	Include
Leaving something or someone out	Involving or encompassing something or someone
Deliberate decision to not allow or consider	Intentional decision to allow or consider
Can be a form of punishment or discipline	Can be a form of reward or recognition
Can be a way of creating boundaries	Can be a way of building relationships

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, using the right words can make all the difference in the clarity and effectiveness of your message. Two words that are often misused are “exclude” and “include.” In this section, we will explore how to use these words properly in a sentence.

How To Use “Exclude” In A Sentence

The word “exclude” means to leave something or someone out or to prevent them from participating in something. Here are some examples of how to use “exclude” in a sentence:

• The guest list for the party will exclude anyone under the age of 21.
• Please exclude my name from the list of potential candidates.
• The new policy will exclude employees who have been with the company for less than six months.

As you can see, “exclude” is used to indicate that something or someone is not included or allowed to participate in something.

How To Use “Include” In A Sentence

The word “include” means to make something or someone a part of something else or to consider them as part of a group. Here are some examples of how to use “include” in a sentence:

• The price of the ticket includes a meal and a drink.
• Please include your contact information on the form.
• The survey includes questions about your satisfaction with the product.

As you can see, “include” is used to indicate that something or someone is part of a group or included in something.

Overall, it’s important to use “exclude” and “include” correctly in your writing to avoid confusion and ensure that your message is clear and effective.

More Examples Of Exclude & Include Used In Sentences

In this section, we will explore more examples of how to use the words “exclude” and “include” in a sentence.

Examples Of Using “Exclude” In A Sentence

• The hotel room rate does not include taxes and fees.
• Please exclude me from the email list.
• The survey excluded participants under the age of 18.
• The dress code excludes shorts and flip-flops.
• The restaurant menu excludes gluten-free options.
• The study excluded individuals with a history of heart disease.
• The job posting excludes candidates without a college degree.
• The package deal excludes airfare.
• The promotion excludes clearance items.
• The rental agreement excludes pets.

Examples Of Using “Include” In A Sentence

• The price of the car includes a warranty.
• The recipe includes three cups of flour.
• The tour package includes transportation and meals.
• The brochure includes a map of the hiking trails.
• The vacation package includes a spa treatment.
• The report includes data from the last quarter.
• The admission fee includes access to all exhibits.
• The hotel rate includes breakfast.
• The job offer includes health insurance benefits.
• The software package includes a user manual.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words exclude and include, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Exclude When You Mean Include

One of the most common mistakes is using exclude when you actually mean include. For example, saying “The package excludes a free gift” when you actually mean “The package includes a free gift.” This mistake can lead to confusion and miscommunication, as the opposite meaning is conveyed.

Using Include When You Mean Exclude

Conversely, using include when you actually mean exclude is also a common mistake. For instance, saying “The package includes everything except the free gift” when you actually mean “The package excludes the free gift.” This mistake can also cause confusion and misinterpretation.

Assuming The Words Are Interchangeable

It’s important to remember that exclude and include are not interchangeable. They have different meanings and should be used accordingly. Using them interchangeably can lead to misunderstandings and errors.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes, it’s important to take a moment to consider the meaning of the words before using them. If you’re unsure, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure you’re using the correct word. Additionally, proofreading your work can help catch any mistakes you may have made.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “exclude” and “include,” context is key. Both words have similar meanings, but the subtle differences between them can significantly impact the message being conveyed. Understanding the context in which these words are being used can help determine the appropriate choice.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Consider the following examples of different contexts:

Context	Appropriate Choice
Inclusion in a group	Include
Exclusion from a group	Exclude
Filtering search results	Exclude
Setting boundaries	Exclude
Inviting someone to an event	Include

As seen in the table above, the choice between “exclude” and “include” can vary depending on the context. For example, if you are inviting someone to an event, you would use “include” to indicate that they are being welcomed to participate. On the other hand, if you are filtering search results, you would use “exclude” to indicate that certain results should be removed from consideration.

It is important to consider the context and intended message when choosing between “exclude” and “include.” By doing so, you can ensure that your message is clear and effectively communicates your intentions.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using exclude and include are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply. Here are a few examples:

1. Inclusive Language

When using inclusive language, the rules for exclude and include may not apply in the traditional sense. Inclusive language is language that avoids using words or phrases that exclude particular groups of people. For example, instead of saying “mankind,” inclusive language would use “humankind.” In this case, the word “exclude” would not be appropriate, as the goal is to be as inclusive as possible. Instead, the word “include” would be more appropriate, as the goal is to include everyone.

2. Mathematical Operations

In mathematical operations, the rules for exclude and include may also differ. For example, in set theory, the symbol “∪” represents the union of two sets, which includes all elements in both sets. The symbol “∩” represents the intersection of two sets, which includes only the elements that are in both sets. In this case, “exclude” and “include” are not used in the traditional sense, but rather to indicate which elements are part of the set and which are not.

3. Legal Terminology

In legal terminology, the rules for exclude and include may also vary. For example, in a contract, the term “including” may be used to indicate that a list is not exhaustive, and that other items may be included. In this case, “exclude” would not be appropriate, as the list is not meant to be exclusive. Instead, “include” is used to indicate that the list is not complete.

By understanding these exceptions, you can use exclude and include more effectively in your writing and communication.

Practice Exercises

Improving one’s understanding and use of exclude and include can be challenging, but with practice, it can become easier. Here are some practice exercises to help readers improve their skills:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either exclude or include:

1. The package will _______ a free gift.
2. Please _______ me in your plans for the weekend.
3. We need to _______ certain details from the report.
4. Your membership will _______ access to exclusive content.

Answer Key:

1. include
2. include
3. exclude
4. include

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete the following sentences with either exclude or include:

1. We decided to _______ the new product line from the marketing campaign.
2. The invitation _______ a dress code.
3. The teacher asked the students to _______ their phones during class.
4. The hotel package _______ breakfast and dinner.

Answer Key:

1. exclude
2. includes
3. exclude
4. includes

Exercise 3: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank:

1. The museum exhibit will _______ a guided tour.
   a) exclude
   b) include
2. The dress code for the event _______ formal attire.
   a) excludes
   b) includes
3. The hotel package _______ a spa treatment.
   a) excludes
   b) includes

Answer Key:

1. b) include
2. b) includes
3. b) includes

By practicing with exercises like these, readers can improve their understanding and use of exclude and include in sentences. With time and effort, the correct usage of these words will become second nature.

Conclusion

After reading this article, it is clear that the proper use of “exclude” and “include” can greatly impact the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Here are some key takeaways:

Include:

• Use “include” when you want to specify what is part of a group or category.
• Be specific about what is being included to avoid confusion or ambiguity.
• Consider using synonyms like “incorporate” or “encompass” to add variety to your writing.

Exclude:

• Use “exclude” when you want to specify what is not part of a group or category.
• Be specific about what is being excluded to avoid confusion or ambiguity.
• Consider using synonyms like “omit” or “eliminate” to add variety to your writing.

Overall, mastering the use of “exclude” and “include” can greatly enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. However, grammar and language use are complex topics that require ongoing learning and practice. I encourage readers to continue exploring these topics to improve their writing skills.