might not include

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might not include" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing possibilities or uncertainties regarding what is or isn't part of something. Example: "The final report might not include all the data collected during the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"That might or might not include hitting your wife".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The fee might or might not include the cost of a hearse.

The Guardian - Money

And witnesses should be instructed that a lineup might not include the perpetrator.

The New Yorker

The final name might not include the word "museum" at all.

The New York Times

Sunday's ceremony might not include Kate, but the party planned for a later date certainly will.

The New York Times

And he said he might not include the increase in hard-money limits that the Senate approved.

The New York Times

But for chefs whose heritage might not include fish on Christmas Eve, it's the smaller whelks all the way.

The New York Times - Food

In time for the holiday shopping season, it put together a campaign warning people that Google results might not include the best merchants or prices.

The New York Times

In some narrow way, audited financial statements like the income statement might not include material problems, which means the company might pass an audit under the current rules.

The New York Times

Mr. Karlsson, who said his soundtrack for Battlefield was inspired by Mahler, Bartok, Schnittke, Schoenberg and the Balanescu Quartet (an avant-garde string ensemble), was aware that his audience might not include many classical aficionados.

The New York Times - Arts

It appears that DiPietro will be kept in Bridgeport this season as an insurance policy -- and an investment for next season, which might not include Osgood or Snow, both of whom are in the final year of their contracts.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might not include" when expressing uncertainty about the contents or components of something. For example, "The package might not include batteries."

Common error

While acceptable, excessive use of "might not include" can weaken your writing's impact. In formal contexts, consider more direct alternatives like "excludes" or "omits" for a stronger statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might not include" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or uncertainty regarding the inclusion of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound phrase. Examples show its use in various contexts, from product descriptions to policy discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

46%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might not include" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the possibility that something is not part of a larger whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. While primarily found in news and scientific articles, it's suitable for neutral and professional communications. When writing, remember that while appropriate, overusing this phrase can dilute your message. Consider stronger alternatives like "excludes" or "omits" for increased directness. By understanding its function and nuances, you can effectively use "might not include" to express uncertainty while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might exclude

Similar to "may exclude", but retains the original modal verb.

may exclude

This suggests a possibility of deliberate exclusion, which is more direct than the original phrase.

could omit

Implies that something could be left out, with a slightly stronger sense of intention.

may not encompass

Suggests that something might not fully cover or contain all aspects, focusing on scope.

could leave out

Similar to "omit", but slightly less formal and more conversational.

may not cover

Indicates that something might not provide complete coverage or address all aspects.

could fail to include

Highlights a potential failure to include something, adding a nuance of oversight.

might lack

Similar to "may lack", but retains the original modal verb.

might not feature

Suggests something might not be prominently displayed or present.

may lack

Focuses on the absence of something, rather than the act of exclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "might not include" in a sentence?

You can use "might not include" to express the possibility that something is absent or excluded from a set or list. For example, "The price "might not include" taxes."

What phrases are similar to "might not include"?

Alternatives to "might not include" include "may exclude", "could omit", or "may not encompass", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "may not include" instead of "might not include"?

"May not include" is also correct and conveys a similar meaning. The choice between "may" and "might" often depends on personal preference or subtle contextual differences, with "may" sometimes suggesting a slightly higher probability.

What is the difference between "might not include" and "does not include"?

"Might not include" expresses a possibility or uncertainty, while "does not include" states a definite fact. Use "might not include" when you are unsure, and "does not include" when you are certain.