It contains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It contains" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something includes or has certain elements or components within it. Example: "The report is comprehensive; it contains all the necessary data and analysis for our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It contains everything beautiful".

The New York Times - Books

It contains mild innuendoes.

The New York Times

It contains considerable profanity.

The New York Times

It contains K-12.

The New York Times

It contains a school.

The New Yorker

It contains an envelope.

The New Yorker

It contains no calories.

The Economist

It contains all possibilities.

The New York Times - Arts

It contains ideas.

The Economist

It contains extraordinary characters.

The New York Times - Magazine

It contains confidential stuff.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the contents of something, be specific about what "it" refers to and what is being "contained". Clear antecedents improve clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it contains" without clearly defining what "it" refers to. Ensure the subject is obvious to the reader, preventing confusion about what is being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "It contains" functions as a declarative statement, used to indicate the presence of specific elements or components within a defined subject. Examples provided by Ludwig show its usage across diverse contexts, from describing the contents of a book to the ingredients of a recipe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

27%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Huffington Post

3%

The New Yorker

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "It contains" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe the composition or contents of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While largely neutral in tone, it's essential to ensure clarity by explicitly defining the subject "it" refers to. When writing, consider synonyms like "it includes" or "it comprises" to add nuance to your descriptions. By paying attention to these details, you can use "It contains" effectively and accurately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It includes

This alternative is the most direct synonym, simply replacing "contains" with "includes".

It comprises

This alternative implies a complete listing of what is included.

It encompasses

This suggests a broader scope of inclusion, almost as if surrounding the contents.

It holds

This indicates that the item can accommodate something

It features

This highlights specific, noteworthy aspects of the content.

It is composed of

This emphasizes the elements that make up the whole.

It is made up of

This is a more casual way of saying "it is composed of".

It incorporates

This highlights the mixing together of elements as part of the contents.

It embodies

This suggests that the contents represents a bigger and more abstract content.

It integrates

This implies that all contents create a unified and functional entity.

FAQs

How can I use "It contains" in a sentence?

Use "It contains" to specify the components, elements, or contents included within something. For instance, "The recipe is simple; "it contains" only five ingredients".

What are some alternatives to "It contains"?

Alternatives include "it includes", "it comprises", or "it features". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to use "It contains" or "It includes"?

"It contains" and "It includes" are generally interchangeable and have a similar level of formality. "It comprises" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but context is key.

When should I use "It contains" instead of "It consists of"?

"It contains" implies that there might be other elements not explicitly mentioned, while "It consists of" suggests a complete listing. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects whether the listing is exhaustive.