only includes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only includes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify that something is limited to certain items or elements without including anything else. Example: "The package only includes the main product and does not come with any additional accessories."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

David Cameron's cabinet only includes one mother.

Independent

> only includes information through 1993!

Columbia University

"That only includes complete toilets," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And that cost only includes pipes.

The Guardian

Data only includes major party candidates.

The New York Times

Ithaca campus only (includes Cornell Tech).

Cornell University

A fine-grained service only includes a single operation.

SOA and Web Services Interface Design Principles, Techniques, and Standards

"Our agreement only includes the pre-'67 frontiers".

The New York Times

This only includes assaults where no injury was involved.

The Guardian

And that only includes his creative outpourings in one decade.

Independent

The Copyright Renewal Database only includes "Class A" renewals.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only includes", ensure that the exclusion of other elements is clear to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about what is and isn't part of the included set.

Common error

Avoid implying that "only includes" covers all relevant aspects when it doesn't. Always clarify what is specifically left out if there's a risk of misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only includes" functions as a limiting verb phrase. It specifies that a subject is restricted to certain components or elements, excluding others. Ludwig AI shows this usage is widespread across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only includes" functions as a limiter, clearly specifying the components or elements that a subject is restricted to. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. When using "only includes", ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is included and, if necessary, what is excluded to avoid any ambiguity. Alternatives like ""exclusively comprises"" or ""is limited to"" can provide similar precision in different tones. Overall, "only includes" is a versatile phrase for defining scope and preventing misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only contains

A more direct synonym, emphasizing the contents are restricted.

solely encompasses

Emphasizes exclusivity with a more formal tone.

exclusively comprises

Highlights that the content is limited to the specified elements.

specifically features

Directly points out the items that are intentionally present.

is limited to

Indicates a clear restriction on what is included.

is restricted to

Focuses on the limiting aspect of what is included.

merely consists of

Downplays the quantity or scope of what is included.

particularly highlights

Suggests a focus on certain items within a larger context.

chiefly involves

Indicates the main components of something.

primarily covers

Focuses on the main subjects or topics included.

FAQs

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

Use "only includes" to specify that a set is limited to certain elements. For example, "The price "only includes" the base model; additional features are extra."

What are some alternatives to "only includes"?

You can use alternatives like "exclusively comprises", "solely encompasses", or "is limited to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "includes only" instead of "only includes"?

While "includes only" is sometimes used, ""only includes"" is generally clearer and more common in formal writing. However both are grammatically correct, the first shifts emphasis to the verb instead of the limitation.

How does the meaning of "only includes" differ from "mainly includes"?

"Only includes" means that nothing else is part of the set. "Mainly includes" suggests that these are the primary components, but others might also be present.