can include

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can include" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not limited to a specific set of items or examples, but may also encompass additional elements. Example: "The workshop will cover various topics, and the materials can include handouts, videos, and interactive activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It can include foods.

The New York Times

You can include artefacts.

The Guardian - Books

Punishments can include public caning.

The Guardian

It also can include huge tax headaches.

The New York Times

Side effects can include impotence and incontinence.

The New York Times - Health

The sloshed can include governments themselves.

The Economist

Messages can include photos and PDFs.

The New York Times - Tech

They can include daily phone calls.

The Guardian

Keywords can include surnames, schools and hometowns.

The New York Times - Tech

Those can include the seemingly picayune.

The New York Times

The farms can include livestock, too.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can include" to suggest that the listed items are examples, but not an exhaustive list. This allows for flexibility and avoids limiting the scope unnecessarily.

Common error

Avoid using "can include" when you intend to provide a complete list. Opt for phrases like "includes" or "consists of" to indicate a comprehensive enumeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can include" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express possibility or permission regarding the inclusion of certain elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. For example, "Messages can include photos and PDFs."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

37%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can include" is a versatile and commonly used expression to introduce examples or possibilities without being exhaustive. Grammatically sound and widely accepted, as per Ludwig AI, it functions to suggest the potential inclusion of elements, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. Its prevalence in news media and general writing underscores its utility in everyday communication. Remember to use "can include" when you want to provide examples, not a complete list, ensuring clarity and flexibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may comprise

Suggests a formal and comprehensive inclusion, implying that the listed items are the main components.

could encompass

Indicates a broader scope of inclusion, implying potential but not guaranteed elements.

might involve

Focuses on the actions or steps that could be part of a process, rather than just listing components.

potentially contain

Highlights the possibility of finding certain elements within something.

may feature

Emphasizes prominent or noteworthy aspects that are included.

is capable of including

Highlights ability or capacity to include elements but is less direct.

is able to incorporate

Focuses on the act of bringing elements together into a unified whole.

extends to include

Indicates an addition or expansion to what is already included.

ranges from

Focuses on the different possibilities or the spectrum of things that are included.

is known to encompass

Emphasizes that inclusion is a recognized or established fact.

FAQs

How do I use "can include" in a sentence?

Use "can include" to introduce examples of items or elements that are part of a larger category, without implying that the list is exhaustive. For example, "The benefits package can include health insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan."

What can I say instead of "can include"?

You can use alternatives like "may comprise", "could encompass", or "might involve" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can includes"?

No, the correct form is "can include". "Include" should remain in its base form after the modal verb "can".

What's the difference between "can include" and "must include"?

"Can include" suggests that something is optional or an example, while "must include" indicates that something is required or essential. Using "must include" means that something is mandatory, unlike using "can include".