excluding someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excluding someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a particular person is not included in a group or situation. Example: "The committee will be meeting next week, excluding someone who has not submitted their application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But does excluding someone with a permanent disability benefit the game?

The New York Times

We can disagree about that issue, we can try to persuade each other about that issue, but that should never be a reason for excluding someone.

The New Yorker

Workplace bullying, which can include everything from belittling comments to excluding someone from an important meeting, may be tougher on employees than sexual harassment, according to new research.

The New York Times

Excluding someone on the basis of religion is barred under federal law because, like race and sex, this category of discrimination has proven so persistent and deleterious.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bite marks, however, can be helpful in excluding someone as a suspect, or determining that the suspect could be the one who inflicted the bite, many experts and defense lawyers agree.

The New York Times

Excluding someone for having too much debt was odd, she said; the hard questions about loans usually involve applicants who have used bankruptcy to try to escape loans, she said, and Mr. Bowman has not.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"We must exclude someone from our gathering, or we shall be left with nothing".

The Guardian - Opinion

As is the way of these things, the arguments that serve to include them simultaneously serve to exclude someone else.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm not going to exclude someone from an evaluation because they're playing overseas," Ellis said.

The Guardian - Sport

I would've been excluded, someone else would've been excluded because of me – I wouldn't have done that personally, they'd have just left.

The Guardian - Tech

Irresponsibility on such a grand scale does not exclude someone from the status of heroic outsider, a category also available to self-destructive rock stars.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about workplace dynamics, "excluding someone" can be used to describe instances of workplace bullying or creating an unwelcoming environment. Be sure to provide context and examples to support your claims.

Common error

Avoid using "excluding someone" when you simply mean disagreeing with someone's viewpoint. Exclusion implies a more active and often discriminatory action, whereas disagreement can be a healthy part of discussion and debate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excluding someone" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of omitting or preventing someone from participating or being included. Ludwig provides examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "excluding someone" is a versatile gerund phrase frequently used to describe the act of omitting or rejecting an individual from a group or activity. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, though most prevalent in news and media. When using this phrase, be mindful of its potentially negative connotations and ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning, differentiating it from mere disagreement. Consider alternatives like "leaving someone out" or "omitting someone" based on the specific context. The phrase carries a neutral register, fitting both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Omitting someone

A more formal way of saying leaving someone out.

Leaving someone out

Focuses on the act of omitting someone from a group or activity.

Shutting someone out

Suggests actively preventing someone from participating or being involved.

Ostracizing someone

Implies a deliberate and often public act of excluding someone from a community.

Freezing someone out

Implies a cold and deliberate act of excluding someone socially.

Marginalizing someone

Refers to pushing someone to the edge of a group or society, often due to discrimination.

Rejecting someone

Indicates a refusal to accept someone, whether in a personal or professional context.

Bypassing someone

Suggests overlooking someone, often in a decision-making process.

Disqualifying someone

Means rendering someone ineligible for something.

Eliminating someone

Implies removing someone, often in a competitive situation.

FAQs

How can I use "excluding someone" in a sentence?

You can use "excluding someone" to describe the act of leaving a person out of a group or activity. For example, "Excluding someone from the team based on their background is discriminatory."

What are some alternatives to "excluding someone"?

Some alternatives include "leaving someone out", "omitting someone", or "shutting someone out", depending on the specific context.

Is "excluding someone" a formal or informal phrase?

"Excluding someone" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, consider using alternatives like "omitting someone" or "disqualifying someone".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "excluding someone"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the act of deliberately leaving a person out, often with negative connotations. Ensure that the context supports the implication of intentionality. If the exclusion is unintentional or accidental, different phrasing may be more appropriate.