Include vs Including: When And How Can You Use Each One?

When it comes to writing, choosing the right word can make all the difference. One of the common areas of confusion is the difference between “include” and “including”. In this article, we will explore the nuances of these two words and provide clarity on their usage.

It is important to note that both “include” and “including” are proper words in the English language. However, they are not interchangeable and have distinct meanings.

The word “include” means to comprise or contain as part of a whole. For example, “The package will include a book and a DVD”. In this sentence, the book and the DVD are part of the package and are included in it.

On the other hand, “including” means to add as part of something else. It is used to introduce additional items or information. For example, “The package contains several items, including a book and a DVD”. In this sentence, the book and the DVD are mentioned as part of the package, but there are other items included as well.

Now that we have established the difference between the two words, let’s delve deeper into their usage.

Define Include

Include is a transitive verb that means to comprise or contain as a part of a whole. It is often used to indicate that something is part of a larger group or category. For example, if you say “the package includes a free gift,” you are indicating that the gift is part of the package and is included with the other items.

Include can also be used to indicate that someone or something is part of a larger group or event. For instance, if you say “the guest list includes several celebrities,” you are indicating that the celebrities are part of the guest list and will be attending the event.

Define Including

Including is a preposition that means to comprise or contain as part of a whole. It is often used to indicate that something or someone is being added to a larger group or category. For example, if you say “the package includes a free gift, including a personalized note,” you are indicating that the personalized note is an additional item that is being included with the package.

Including can also be used to indicate that something or someone is part of a larger group or event. For example, if you say “the guest list for the party is extensive, including several celebrities,” you are indicating that the celebrities are part of the guest list and will be attending the event along with many other people.

It is worth noting that including is often used to provide additional information or clarification about what is being included. For example, if you say “the package includes a free gift, including a personalized note,” you are providing more information about what the free gift entails.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, choosing the right words can make a big difference in the clarity and effectiveness of your message. Two words that are often confused are “include” and “including.” While they may seem interchangeable, they actually have slightly different meanings and uses. In this section, we’ll explore how to use these words correctly in a sentence.

How To Use “Include” In A Sentence

The word “include” is a verb that means to make something part of a larger group or set. It is often used to indicate that something is part of a larger whole. For example:

• The package includes a set of instructions for assembly.
• The list of ingredients includes sugar, flour, and eggs.
• The report includes data from the last quarter.

As you can see from these examples, “include” is used to specify what is part of a larger group or set. It is often followed by a noun or a list of items. It is important to note that when using “include,” the items listed are the only things that are part of the larger group or set.

How To Use “Including” In A Sentence

The word “including” is a preposition that means to add something or someone as part of a larger group or set. It is often used to indicate that there are additional items beyond what has already been mentioned. For example:

• The package includes a set of instructions for assembly, including a list of tools needed.
• The recipe calls for several ingredients, including sugar, flour, and eggs.
• The report covers several topics, including marketing, sales, and customer service.

As you can see from these examples, “including” is used to add to what has already been mentioned. It is often followed by a noun or a list of items. It is important to note that when using “including,” the items listed are not the only things that are part of the larger group or set. There may be additional items beyond what has been mentioned.

Overall, it is important to use “include” and “including” correctly in your writing to ensure that your message is clear and effective. By understanding the differences between these two words, you can use them appropriately in your sentences and convey your ideas more accurately.

More Examples Of Include & Including Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand how to use the words “include” and “including” correctly, it’s important to see them in action. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in a sentence:

Examples Of Using “Include” In A Sentence

• The price of the meal includes a drink and dessert.
• My favorite pizza toppings include pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives.
• The package includes a free trial of the software.
• The museum’s collection includes paintings from the Renaissance period.
• The benefits of the job include health insurance and paid time off.
• The list of ingredients includes flour, sugar, and eggs.
• The book includes a glossary of terms at the end.
• The exhibit includes artifacts from ancient civilizations.
• The concert lineup includes popular bands from the 90s.
• The hotel amenities include a gym and pool.

Examples Of Using “Including” In A Sentence

• The party guest list includes everyone from coworkers to family members, including children.
• The new product line will feature a variety of colors, including shades of blue and green.
• The project requires a team of professionals, including designers, engineers, and marketers.
• The festival will have food vendors selling a variety of dishes, including vegetarian options.
• The training program covers a range of topics, including communication skills and leadership development.
• The tour of the city includes stops at popular landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum.
• The job posting lists several requirements, including a bachelor’s degree and proficiency in a second language.
• The charity event will feature a silent auction with items donated by local businesses, including a weekend getaway.
• The fashion show will showcase a range of styles, including vintage and modern designs.
• The conference will have keynote speakers from various industries, including technology and finance.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “include” and “including,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, this can lead to confusion and misunderstandings in both spoken and written communication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Include” When You Mean “Including”

One of the most common mistakes is using “include” when you actually mean “including.” For example, saying “The package includes a book, a pen, and a notebook” is incorrect if you actually mean that the package contains those items. Instead, you should say “The package includes a book, a pen, and a notebook, among other things.”

Using “Including” When You Mean “Include”

On the other hand, some people use “including” when they actually mean “include.” For instance, saying “The package includes a book, a pen, and a notebook, including other things” is incorrect because “including” implies that those three items are just a part of a larger group. Instead, you should say “The package includes a book, a pen, and a notebook, as well as other items.”

Not Being Clear About What Is Included

Another mistake is not being clear about what is included or not included in a list. For example, saying “The package includes a book, a pen, and a notebook” without specifying that those are the only items included can be confusing. To avoid this, you should be clear about what is included and what is not.

Offering Tips On How To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

• Double-check your use of “include” and “including” to make sure you are using the correct word.
• Be clear about what is included and what is not included in a list.
• If you are unsure about which word to use, consult a dictionary or a style guide.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words “include” and “including,” context is key. The choice between these two words can depend on the context in which they are used. It’s important to understand the nuances of each word in order to use them correctly and effectively in your writing.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some different contexts and how the choice between “include” and “including” might change:

1. Lists

When creating a list of items, you might use “include” or “including” depending on how you want to present the information. For example:

• The ingredients for the recipe include eggs, flour, sugar, and milk.
• The ingredients for the recipe, including eggs, flour, sugar, and milk, are listed below.

In the first sentence, “include” is used to introduce the list of ingredients. In the second sentence, “including” is used to add more detail to the list.

2. Sentence Structure

The choice between “include” and “including” can also depend on the structure of the sentence. For example:

• The report includes a summary of the findings.
• Including a summary of the findings, the report is complete.

In the first sentence, “include” is used as the verb in the sentence. In the second sentence, “including” is used as a preposition to introduce additional information about the report.

3. Tone and Emphasis

The choice between “include” and “including” can also affect the tone and emphasis of your writing. For example:

• The package includes a free gift.
• The package, including a free gift, is now available.

In the first sentence, “include” is used to simply state that there is a free gift included in the package. In the second sentence, “including” is used to emphasize the value of the package by highlighting the free gift.

As you can see, the choice between “include” and “including” can depend on a variety of factors. By understanding the context in which you are using these words, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “include” and “including” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. In certain cases, the standard usage may not apply, and it’s important to understand these exceptions to avoid confusion and ensure clarity in your writing.

Exceptions For “Include”

One exception to the standard usage of “include” is when it is used in a negative context. In this case, “include” can be replaced with “exclude” to convey the opposite meaning. For example:

• The package does not include batteries. (standard usage)
• The package excludes batteries. (negative usage)

Another exception to note is when “include” is used in the context of a list or series. In this case, it may be more appropriate to use a colon or dash to introduce the list rather than “include.” For example:

• The ingredients for the recipe include: flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. (standard usage)
• The ingredients for the recipe are: flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. (alternative usage)

Exceptions For “Including”

When it comes to “including,” one exception to keep in mind is when it is used in the context of a partial list. In this case, it may be more appropriate to use “such as” or “for example” to introduce the list. For example:

• There are many types of fruit available, including apples, oranges, and bananas. (standard usage)
• There are many types of fruit available, such as apples, oranges, and bananas. (alternative usage)

Another exception to note is when “including” is used in the context of a sentence that already includes the subject. In this case, “including” can be replaced with “and” to avoid redundancy. For example:

• The team members, including John, are working on the project. (standard usage)
• The team members, John included, are working on the project. (alternative usage)

By understanding these exceptions, you can use “include” and “including” with confidence and precision in your writing.

Practice Exercises

Improving your understanding and use of include and including in sentences can take some practice. Here are some exercises to help you:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Sentence	Missing word (include or including)
The recipe for lasagna __________ ricotta cheese.	include
She invited everyone to the party, __________ her ex-boyfriend.	including
The package __________ a surprise gift.	includes
The tour of the museum __________ a visit to the gift shop.	includes

Answer key: 1. include, 2. including, 3. includes, 4. includes

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

• Rewrite the following sentences to use include or including correctly:
• “The job description requires experience in programming, database management, and web design. The salary is $60,000.”
• “The party guests brought snacks, drinks, and games. We had a great time.”

Answer key: 1. The job description requires experience in programming, database management, and web design, including knowledge of HTML. The salary is $60,000. 2. The party guests brought snacks, drinks, and games, including Twister and Jenga. We had a great time.

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of include and including in sentences. Don’t forget to check your answers to ensure you are using the words correctly.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “include” and “including,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and uses in the English language.

Key Takeaways:

• “Include” is a verb that means to contain or have something as a part of a whole, while “including” is a preposition that means to add something to a group or list.
• When using “include,” the item being included is a necessary part of the whole, while “including” implies that the item is optional or additional.
• It is important to use these words accurately and appropriately to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

As with any aspect of language and grammar, it is always beneficial to continue learning and improving our understanding. By expanding our knowledge of these words and their uses, we can enhance our communication skills and convey our intended meanings more effectively.