Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
shall include
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"shall include" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a form of the verb "to include" and can be used when you want to state something that is a part of a larger whole. For example, "This course shall include a lecture on American history."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Therefore, we shall include the share of different sub-sectors in the growth regression.
The slected group shall include, accord.
News & Media
We shall include the most eyebrow-raising in our future coverage.
News & Media
It begins, "The term 'person' or 'persons' shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization".
News & Media
The final bill says that the research financed by the federal government shall include women and members of minority groups.
News & Media
The Mississippi amendment reads, "The term 'person' or 'persons' shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization".
News & Media
But while the bill says those are possible uses, it also says permitted uses of the money shall include, but not be limited to, roads and utilities.
News & Media
The certificates made and signed by the Elections Canvassing Commission pursuant to section 102.121 shall include the amended returns accepted through the dates set forth in this opinion.
News & Media
This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers.
News & Media
In case there was any question whether this leaves room for doubt, the International FA Board notes that: "Facts connected with play shall include whether a goal is scored or not and the result of the match".
News & Media
In Colorado, voters are being asked to decide whether to amend the state constitution to read "the terms 'person' or 'persons' shall include any human being from the moment of fertilization".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "shall include" in legal documents or formal guidelines when specifying mandatory components or elements. This clarifies expectations and leaves no room for ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "shall include" in everyday writing as it can sound overly formal and stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "must include" or "should include" depending on the context.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "shall include" functions as a directive, outlining mandatory components or elements. It is commonly used to set forth requirements, stipulations, or definitions, as seen in Ludwig's examples. The auxiliary verb "shall" adds a sense of obligation or necessity.
Frequent in
News & Media
38%
Science
32%
Formal & Business
30%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "shall include" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for indicating mandatory components or requirements, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is particularly prevalent in formal and scientific writing, including legal documents and official guidelines. While it is essential for clarity in these contexts, overuse in informal writing should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "must include" or "should include" for a more natural tone. The phrase's high frequency and authoritative source backing solidify its role as a key element in precise and directive communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
must include
Indicates a requirement, similar to "shall include", but with a slightly less formal tone.
will include
Suggests a future action of inclusion, differing from the more prescriptive "shall include".
should include
Implies a recommendation rather than a strict obligation, making it less forceful than "shall include".
is to include
Expresses a plan or intention for inclusion, varying from the directive nature of "shall include".
necessarily includes
Emphasizes the inherent nature of the inclusion, unlike the declarative "shall include".
comprises
Indicates that something is made up of specific parts, a more concise alternative to "shall include".
encompasses
Suggests a broader inclusion, covering more aspects than strictly listed with "shall include".
consists of
Highlights the components that form a whole, different from the directive "shall include".
takes into account
Focuses on consideration rather than direct inclusion, varying from the assertive "shall include".
is defined as including
Provides a definition specifying included elements, differing from the declarative "shall include".
FAQs
How to use "shall include" in a sentence?
Use "shall include" when you want to specify that something must contain certain elements. For example, "The report shall include a summary of findings and recommendations".
What can I say instead of "shall include"?
You can use alternatives like "must include", "will include", or "is required to include" depending on the level of formality and the context.
Which is correct, "shall include" or "should include"?
"Shall include" indicates a requirement, while "should include" suggests a recommendation. Use "shall include" when something is mandatory and "should include" when it is advisable but not strictly enforced.
What's the difference between "shall include" and "comprises"?
"Shall include" often introduces a list of items that are part of something, whereas "comprises" indicates that something is entirely made up of the listed items. "Shall include" leaves room for other unlisted items, while "comprises" implies completeness.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested