containing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "containing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that something holds or includes a certain quantity or type of something. For example, "The package contained a variety of snacks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two were given a gel containing PRO 2000 (in different concentrations for each group), along with advice about how to use it, a regular supply of condoms and counselling on safe sexual practice and sexual health.

The Economist

The third group had the condoms, the advice and the counselling, but the gel was a placebo, containing no active ingredient.In this section Davy Jones's lock-up Girls on top Dashed hopes An early Christmas present?

The Economist

One is to use gels containing antiretroviral drugs.

The Economist

http://t.co/LlbcPLkkmn it's Fahrenheit 451, but with computers Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 7.50pm BST19:50 Here's some video of Alan Rusbridger, editor of the Guardian, talking about why and how the newspaper destroyed computer hard drives containing copies of some of the secret files leaked by Edward Snowden.

The Guardian

9.44pm Before44 Before we wrap up the blog, here's a link to Wednesday's Guardian front page story, which picks up on some important comments from the White House about UK security tactics - namely a demand for the destruction of hard drives containing material leaked by Edward Snowden.

The Guardian

With republicans also facing allegations that they were behind the Special Branch office break-in in Castlereagh police station on St Patrick's night and that a list was being compiled containing the details of British politicians, Mr Adams claimed the party was under attack from elements within British military intelligence to undermine its role in the peace process.

The Guardian

Families who have been processed and released to join relatives while they wait for their court hearings still arrive in droves at the Sacred Heart Catholic church hall in downtown McAllen clutching A4 manilla envelopes containing official notices about their cases.

The Guardian

In a new policy paper on how to respond to their growing popularity the RSPH says: "Electronic cigarettes are significantly less harmful than smoked tobacco, and despite some products being visually similar to cigarettes, they are essentially nicotine containing products, or NCPs, like patches and gum".

The Guardian

Jean-Marie Le Pen, the founder of France's far-right Front National, allegedly held a hidden Swiss bank account via a trust overseen by his butler, containing €2.2m including €1.7m in gold ingots and coins, the investigative website Mediapart has reported.

The Guardian

Firefighters were containing the blaze and "there is no danger of the fire spreading", Alexander Gavrilov, first deputy director of the Moscow branch of the emergency situations ministry, told journalists at the scene shortly after midnight.

The Guardian

I divide my time between London and the US, and travel like a packhorse, toting several suitcases containing clothes, accessories, books, CDs, DVDs and the odd household chattel from one residence to another.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the contents of something, use "containing" to clearly and directly indicate what is included within, such as "a box containing books".

Common error

Avoid using "containing" when you mean "composed of" or "made from" if the focus is on the material rather than the inclusion. For instance, use "a statue made of bronze" instead of "a statue containing bronze" if the material is the key aspect.

Linguistic Context

The word "containing" functions primarily as a present participle modifying a noun. It describes something that holds or includes specific items or components. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage aligns with standard English grammar and is widely acceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "containing" functions as a versatile present participle used to describe the inclusion of specific elements within something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It's applicable across various registers, from news articles to formal reports, but clarity is crucial to avoid ambiguity. When the user wants to signify a specific part of an object is recommended to use alternatives such as "including", "comprising", or "filled with" to provide context and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

including

Replaces "containing" with a more direct synonym indicating inclusion.

holding

Simple and direct, emphasizing the act of keeping something inside.

comprising

Offers a more formal alternative to "containing", often used to list the parts of a whole.

incorporating

Indicates the integration of something as a part of a larger whole.

consisting of

Emphasizes the elements that make up the whole, similar to "comprising".

enclosing

Focuses on the act of surrounding or holding within boundaries.

housing

Implies providing a space for something to be kept.

filled with

Highlights the abundance of something within a space.

accommodating

Suggests having the capacity to hold or include something.

equipped with

Suggests that something is provided as a standard feature or component.

FAQs

How can I use "containing" in a sentence?

Use "containing" to describe something that holds or includes specific items or components. For example, "The file "containing sensitive data" requires encryption".

What are some alternatives to "containing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "including", "comprising", or "filled with". For instance, instead of "a recipe containing nuts", you could say "a recipe "including nuts"".

Is there a difference between "containing" and "comprising"?

"Containing" suggests that something is held within, while "comprising" indicates what makes up the whole. "The report containing the data" means the report includes the data, while "the report "comprising three sections"" means the report is made up of those sections.

When should I use "containing" over "including"?

Use "containing" when you want to emphasize the act of holding or having something within. Use "including" when you want to list some, but not necessarily all, of the items. For example, "The set "containing all the tools"" implies a complete set, while "the set including a hammer" only mentions one item.