the items include

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the items include" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when listing or specifying components or elements that are part of a larger group or collection. Example: "In the box, the items include a charger, a user manual, and a warranty card."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

The items include a collection of eighth-century Assyrian jewelry known as the Nimrud artifacts.

The New York Times

The items include handwritten letters, typewriters, tools, clothing and several hundred books.

The New York Times

The items include food coupons, booklets, proof sheets, early artists' designs and printer's plates.

The New York Times - Arts

Lists of what is needed are pinned to the wall: the items include dictionaries, rucksacks, toothbrushes and bicycles.

The Guardian

The items include furniture, photographs, and souvenirs from her films, and come from her homes in Connecticut and New York.

The New York Times

The items include soldiers, a Southern plantation scene and the Lincoln-Douglas debates' stop in 1858 at Knox College.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The search recovered some of the items, including some bags of cement.

The Guardian

The bulk of the items included here were written between 1960 and 1974.

The Guardian - Books

The items included a magazine article from 1869 that analyzed the Crandall case.

The New York Times

The items included humidifiers, hand sanitizer gel, medical examination gloves, nail clippers, combs and toothbrushes.

The New York Times

The items included a ricin-tainted dust mask, the affidavit said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the items include", ensure the listed items are representative but not necessarily exhaustive. If the list is exhaustive, consider using phrases like "the items consist of" or "the items comprise".

Common error

Avoid using "the items include" when you intend to provide a complete list. This phrase suggests that there may be other unmentioned items. For a complete list, opt for "the items consist of" or "the items comprise".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the items include" functions as an introductory phrase to a list. According to Ludwig, the phrase introduces a list of elements that are part of a larger group or set, providing specifics after a general subject. This aligns with its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the items include" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a list of items or components that are part of a larger set. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, especially news, scientific, and business writing. Remember to use this phrase when the list is representative but not necessarily exhaustive; otherwise, consider using "the items consist of". The phrase is relatively common, with numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. It's essential to maintain a neutral register and avoid overusing "include" for complete lists. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "the items include" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

items included are

Reorders the sentence while maintaining the same meaning, focusing on the items themselves.

components consist of

Emphasizes that the listed items are the parts that make up a larger whole.

the list comprises

Uses "comprises" to indicate that the following items make up the whole list, suggesting completeness.

the package contains

Implies the items are physically contained within something, like a box or shipment.

contents encompass

A more formal way of saying the items are included, suggesting a wide range.

elements involve

Suggests the items are necessary or integral parts of a process or system.

the range encompasses

Similar to "contents encompass" but emphasizes variety or scope of selection.

the collection features

Highlights specific items as notable or representative of a larger collection.

the set entails

Indicates the items are necessarily part of the set, often implying a requirement.

inventory embraces

Suggests a comprehensive inclusion of items, like an inventory count.

FAQs

How can I use "the items include" in a sentence?

Use "the items include" to introduce a list of things that are part of a larger group or set. For example, "The survival kit is essential, "the items include" a knife, water bottle, and first-aid supplies."

What's the difference between "the items include" and "the items consist of"?

"The items include" implies that the list provided is not exhaustive, while "the items consist of" suggests a complete and comprehensive listing. The first indicates a partial inventory; the latter suggests an entire composition. Consider using phrases like "the package contains" when the inventory is partial.

What are some alternatives to "the items include"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "the contents are", "the set features", "the components comprise", or "the list comprises" to convey similar meanings.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the items includes"?

No, "the items includes" is grammatically incorrect. The verb "include" should agree with the plural subject "items". The correct form is ""the items include"".