only include

USAGE SUMMARY

"only include" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to specify what should (or should not) be included in a particular range or selection. For example, you could say, "The grocery store only includes organic products."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The report also only include capital spending.

The Guardian

Why did they only include a portion of 2008?

The New York Times

I would argue we should only include organised participation.

The Economist

Glast, for example, will only include a more advanced replacement for Compton's Egret instrument.

The New York Times - Science

"Usually you would only include the income and expenses relevant to the business activity.

The Guardian

The reviews that find e-cigarettes help people quit smoking only include randomized controlled trials.

The Guardian

The next figures are due in August, but will only include migration statistics up to March.

The Guardian

The Puppies did not only include white male candidates on their ballot.

The Guardian - Books

The machines only include Thunderbolt 3 ports, a new standard which uses the USB-C connector.

The Guardian - Tech

"We only include links to impartial sites, so not commercial comparison sites, for example.

The Guardian - Money

QUESTION FROM LAH: Did you only include writers who you've published?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only include", ensure that the exclusion of other items is intentional and clearly communicated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The report should "only include" data from the last quarter to focus on recent trends."

Common error

Avoid using "only include" when the items are not truly exclusive. It's a mistake to say "The application will "only include" name and address" if other fields might be relevant or required later.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only include" functions as a restrictive modifier, specifying the limits of what is being considered or part of a set. As Ludwig shows, it clarifies the scope of inclusion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only include" is a versatile phrase used to explicitly limit the scope of what is being considered. As Ludwig shows, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse sources from scientific journals to news articles. Its function is to restrict, its purpose is clarity, and its register is typically neutral. To avoid ambiguity, ensure that the exclusion is intentional and clearly conveyed. Remember, as Ludwig AI underlines, using "only include" when the criteria aren't exclusive can be misleading.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusively encompass

This emphasizes the restrictive nature of inclusion, highlighting that nothing else is considered.

solely comprise

This alternative indicates that the listed items are the only components, focusing on composition.

strictly limit to

This phrase highlights the action of setting a boundary, emphasizing limitation.

merely consist of

This implies simplicity and that there are no hidden or additional elements.

just incorporate

This suggests a minimal or basic level of inclusion, focusing on simplicity.

exclusively contain

This focuses on the contents, indicating that nothing else is present.

specifically feature

This highlights the deliberate and particular selection of items to be included.

definitively list

This suggests a complete and authoritative enumeration of items.

particularly emphasize

This highlights a focus on specific items, suggesting importance.

restrict consideration to

This limits the scope of attention or analysis to a certain set of items or factors.

FAQs

How can I use "only include" in a sentence?

You can use "only include" to specify a limited set of items or criteria. For example, "The analysis will "only include" participants who completed the full survey."

What's a good alternative to "only include"?

Alternatives include "solely comprise", "exclusively contain", or "strictly limit to", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "only include"?

While "include" already implies a selection, "only include" adds emphasis on the exclusivity of the selection. It highlights that nothing else is considered or part of the group. The redundancy can add clarity.

How does "only include" differ from "also include"?

"Only include" specifies a limited set, whereas "also include" adds additional items to an existing set. "Only include" is restrictive, while "also include" is additive.