it was including

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was including" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a way to describe a scenario in which something was among a group or list of things. For example: "The items in the box were alphabet blocks, a teddy bear, and several other toys; it was including a toy train."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Gold chip GOLD PRICES are near an 18-year low of $276.75 per ounce, and the new European Central Bank recently spooked the market by announcing that it was including less gold than expected in its reserves.

Forbes

It was, including gold Rolex watches and private jets for its most favoured clients.

The Economist

Netflix also announced that it was including Arabic, Korean and simplified and traditional Chinese to the 17 languages already available.

The New York Times

The engine was straining pitifully and I can only wonder what it must be like when it has a full load – as it was, including the driver, there were just three of us.

The Guardian - Travel

Finally, they were allowed to continue on the proviso that they put everything back exactly the way it was, including the trash!" Nowadays, Martha's Vineyard attracts a steady stream of tourists eager to visit the locations where Jaws was filmed.

The Guardian - Film

"If it too doesn't repeat," said Gilster, "then we won't know what it was, including the possibility of some kind of local signal whose source just hasn't been figured out".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

As its content resembled that of MCAPs, it was included in this study.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

(It was included).

The New Yorker

"It was included in the dossier against our wishes.

The New York Times

He said it was included "against our wishes".

The Guardian

Therefore, it was included.

Health Economics Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was including", ensure that the subject clearly refers to a defined collection or group. For example, "The package was including a book and a pen."

Common error

Avoid using "it was including" when a simple past tense, such as "it included", is more appropriate. The continuous tense implies an ongoing action, which might not be the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was including" functions as a verb phrase employing the past continuous tense. It describes a state of containing or encompassing something as part of a larger whole. Ludwig AI suggests this construction is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was including" is a grammatically correct past continuous construction used to describe the act of something containing or encompassing something else in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While alternatives like "it included" are often more concise, "it was including" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the inclusion. This phrase is commonly found in news media and scientific contexts and should be used when you want to highlight the act of including over a period, rather than a simple statement of inclusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it included

Slightly more concise phrasing, omitting the continuous tense.

it encompassed

Uses a more formal verb with a similar meaning of containing.

it comprised

Indicates that something was made up of specific components.

it contained

Focuses on the act of holding or consisting of something within.

it featured

Highlights the presence or showcasing of something.

it incorporated

Suggests a deliberate inclusion of something.

it involved

Implies that something was a necessary part or aspect.

it took in

Suggests something was taken as a part of a larger whole.

it held

Simple phrasing denoting that it contained something.

it absorbed

Suggests that something was taken as a part of a larger whole.

FAQs

How can I use "it was including" in a sentence?

Use "it was including" to describe something that was among a group or list of items. For example: "The list of services "it was including" cleaning and maintenance."

What are some alternatives to "it was including"?

Alternatives include "it included", "it comprised", or "it contained". The best choice depends on the specific context and intended nuance.

Is "it was including" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was including" is grammatically correct, though less common than the simple past tense "it included". It uses the past continuous tense to describe a state or condition in the past.

What is the difference between "it was including" and "it included"?

"It included" is a simple past tense, while "it was including" is past continuous. Use "it included" to state a fact about what was part of something. Use "it was including" to emphasize the act of including as an ongoing or developing situation in the past.