contains

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "contains" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to one thing that is holding a number of items inside it. For example: "This box contains several books."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The commission report contains a word not often heard in governing circles in the United Kingdom - research.

The Guardian

In a hypothetical Venn diagram, one circle representing extremist Christians and the other fundamentalist capitalists, the lens-shaped overlap contains Sam Brownback, the newly re-elected governor of Kansas.

The Guardian

It may be a slim volume, but it contains worlds.

The Guardian - Books

"This release contains certain 'forward-looking statements', which are based on management's views and assumptions regarding future events.

The Guardian

Our Kindle edition contains all your favourite content from our two papers, optimised for the best reading experience on Amazon's popular e-reader.

The Guardian

The museum nearby contains amazing frescos, including one that looks startlingly modern, taken from the Tomb of the Diver.

The Guardian - Travel

Hillary Clinton said on Tuesday: "The server contains personal communications from my husband and me … The server will remain private".

The Guardian

Supermarkets Carrefour Cité Europe (9am-10pm weekdays, 9am-8pm Sundays) The mother of all supermarkets is in the Cité Europe shopping mall near the Eurotunnel, which also contains scores of shops from Go Sport to Toys R Us.

The Guardian - Travel

Tomato is one of the few foods that contains all five tastes, she informs us.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One box contains chips covered in processed cheese, the other has doner meat shavings.

The Guardian

Instead, as we approach the opening notes of the conference, the mood contains more than a whisper of hope.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contains", ensure the subject is a container (physical or abstract) and the object is what's being held within. For clarity, specify quantities or types of content when relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "contains" when the subject isn't a true container. For example, instead of saying "The argument contains flaws", consider "The argument has flaws" or "The argument exhibits flaws".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "contains" is that of a transitive verb. It describes the action of a subject holding or including something within itself. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from reports containing information to objects containing physical components.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "contains" is a versatile and widely used term for indicating inclusion or composition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across various sources, particularly in news and media. To ensure accurate usage, remember that the subject should be a container, either physical or conceptual, and specify content for added clarity. While alternatives like "includes" or "comprises" exist, "contains" uniquely emphasizes something being held within. Therefore, by considering these insights, you can confidently and effectively use "contains" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

includes

Focuses on the act of encompassing something as part of a larger whole.

comprises

Highlights the elements that make up a whole, often implying a complete listing.

is composed of

Emphasizes the constituent parts of something.

encompasses

Suggests a wide range of inclusion, covering many aspects or elements.

incorporates

Implies a deliberate inclusion of something into a larger system or structure.

holds

Indicates that something physically or conceptually possesses or retains something else.

consists of

Similar to 'comprises', but can sometimes imply a less exhaustive listing.

features

Highlights notable or prominent aspects or components.

is made up of

Focuses on the building blocks or ingredients of something.

carries

Implies the presence or possession of something, often intangible.

FAQs

How can I use "contains" in a sentence?

Use "contains" to indicate that something holds or includes specific elements. For example, "This recipe contains nuts" or "The report contains important findings".

What are some alternatives to "contains"?

You can use alternatives like "includes", "comprises", or "encompasses" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "contains" or "includes"?

Both "contains" and "includes" can be correct, but "contains" implies that something is held within, while "includes" suggests something is part of a larger set or group.

What's the difference between "contains" and "consists of"?

"Contains" indicates that something holds or includes elements, while "consists of" implies that something is composed entirely of the listed elements. The phrase "consists of" provides a complete listing.