could include

USAGE SUMMARY

'could include' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used when providing a list of examples but can also be used to express possibility or uncertainty. Example sentence: The different types of apples that could include Gala, Granny Smith, and Golden Delicious.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That could include trees.

The New York Times

"It could include anybody".

The New Yorker

Matrices could include intaglio gems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Potential buyers could include buyout firms.

The New York Times

Those could include some August performance figures.

The New York Times

That could include Mr. Assad himself.

The New York Times

Long-term complications could include seizures.

The New York Times - Health

That could include prominent companies like Facebook.

The New York Times - Tech

That could include re-signing Jason Taylor.

The New York Times - Sports

("I think that could include golf carts").

The New York Times

That could include many of us.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could include" to suggest possibilities rather than definitive components, especially in speculative or exploratory contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "could include" when you intend to list all possible items. Opt for phrases like "includes", "comprises", or "consists of" to indicate a complete list.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could include" functions as a qualifying verb phrase, introducing examples or possibilities without implying an exhaustive list. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is commonly used in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could include" is a versatile phrase used to introduce examples or possibilities, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a qualifying verb phrase, suggesting that the items listed are not exhaustive. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, media and science. Common alternatives include "may encompass" and "might involve", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using "could include", ensure you're not intending to provide a complete list, and tailor the phrase to reflect the intended level of certainty or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may encompass

Suggests a broader scope of inclusion, with a higher degree of possibility, but with a more formal tone.

might involve

Implicates potential consequences or steps within a process, rather than simple inclusion.

can feature

Highlights prominent aspects or characteristics, emphasizing a specific element within a larger entity.

might consist of

Implies a more definitive composition, suggesting that the listed items form the main components.

potentially contain

Emphasizes the possibility of holding or possessing certain elements, often used when uncertainty is a factor.

possibly integrate

Focuses on the action of combining or incorporating, suitable when discussing systems or processes.

can extend to

Suggests a range or reach, indicating that something affects or covers additional items or areas.

entails

Indicates a necessary consequence or condition, shifting the focus from inclusion to logical implication.

incorporates

Highlights the act of blending or merging elements into a unified whole, implying a deliberate action.

spans

Suggests a range or extent, indicating coverage over a particular set of items or ideas.

FAQs

How to use "could include" in a sentence?

"Could include" is used to list some, but not necessarily all, of the items that belong to a category. For instance, "The syllabus for the course "could include" readings from Plato, Aristotle and Kant."

What can I say instead of "could include"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "may encompass", "might involve", or "can feature" to convey a similar meaning with subtle differences in emphasis.

Which is correct, "could include" or "may include"?

Both "could include" and "may include" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Could" suggests a possibility, while "may" indicates permission or probability. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

"Could include" suggests a list of examples that are possible but not exhaustive or required. "Must include", on the other hand, indicates a list of items that are essential and necessary.