includes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "includes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is part of a larger group or set. Example: "The package includes a user manual, warranty information, and a quick start guide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Best practice from the independence referendum must be followed – and that includes extending the vote in an EU referendum to 16- and 17-year-olds across the UK.

The Guardian

On a composite "healthy lives" score, which includes deaths among infants and patients who would have survived had they received timely and effective healthcare, the UK came 10th.

The Guardian

It is understood that the Boston archive includes claims by both dead and living IRA members that Adams as a senior commander in the organisation in 1972 came up with the idea of "disappearing" McConville rather than publicly admit the terror group had killed her.

The Guardian

And he heads a business empire that includes vastly more than just his three television channels.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a result, Letta's left-right coalition now has a stable majority that includes about 60 of Berlusconi's former supporters.

The Guardian - Opinion

His painting includes references to Arabic calligraphy as well as western graffiti styles.

The Guardian

Ukraine's prime minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, is to chair the first in a series of meetings that will include national MPs, government figures and regional officials in line with proposals drafted by the OSCE – a transatlantic security and rights group that includes Russia and the US.

The Guardian

The V&A's archive (which is mainly post-1920) includes jokes that would have been rejected by comedians on the working-men's clubs circuit, even in the Seventies.

The Guardian

The Trans Pacific Partnership, although billed as a trade agreement, includes provisions on intellectual property and copyright that are usually outside the boundaries of trade, critics say.

The Guardian - Business

Osaka's Dōtonbori district is a Disneyland of food, where the restaurant signage includes a giant mechanical crab, a blowfish the size of a hot air balloon and a giant squid that puffs steam.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Jenkins has already let it be known that he expects the 140,000 global workforce of Barclays – which includes high street banking, investment banking and fund management – to fall to 100,000 over the years as new technology replaces jobs.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "includes" to introduce a non-exhaustive list. If you intend to list all components, consider using "comprises" or "consists of".

Common error

While "includes" is versatile, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "comprises", "encompasses", or "incorporates" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "includes" is as a verb in the third-person singular present tense. It is used to indicate that something is part of a larger group or set. Ludwig confirms this is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "includes" functions as a versatile verb used to indicate that something is part of a larger group or set. According to Ludwig, its usage is correct and frequent across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. While "includes" is generally suitable, varying your language with synonyms like "comprises" or "encompasses" can enhance your writing. It is important to use "includes" to introduce a non-exhaustive list and consider alternatives if a complete listing is intended. Mastering the nuances of "includes" and its synonyms will help writers communicate more effectively and precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprises

Emphasizes the components that make up a whole.

consists of

Highlights the elements that form a particular entity.

contains

Highlights the presence of specific elements within something.

encompasses

Suggests a broader scope, implying that something covers a wide range of elements.

incorporates

Indicates the integration of elements into a larger structure.

is composed of

Specifies the constituents of a whole, often in a more formal context.

features

Focuses on the prominent or noteworthy aspects of something.

covers

Implies that something addresses or deals with a specific range of topics or items.

takes in

Informal way to say includes.

lists

Presents a enumeration of items.

FAQs

How can I use "includes" in a sentence?

"Includes" indicates that something is part of a larger group or set. For example, "The package "includes a user manual", warranty information, and a quick start guide."

What can I say instead of "includes"?

You can use alternatives like "comprises", "consists of", or "encompasses" depending on the context.

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

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Includes" suggests a partial list, while "comprises" suggests a complete list.

What's the difference between "includes" and "contains"?

"Includes" suggests that something is a part of a larger whole, while "contains" implies that something has specific elements within it. For example, "The report includes several key findings" vs. "The report contains sensitive information."