to contain

USAGE SUMMARY

"to contain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about something holding something else, or as a synonym of "to include." For example: "This box contains an assortment of candies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A firewall to contain Sanders?

The New Yorker

He became harder to contain.

The New York Times

We tried to contain him".

The New York Times - Sports

"We've got to contain those guys.

The New York Times

But fires are hard to contain.

The New Yorker

The opposition benches struggled to contain themselves.

The Economist

Hughes tried to contain the damage.

The New Yorker

That served to contain the decline".

The New York Times

I struggled to contain my panic.

The New York Times - Magazine

But they need to contain a charge.

The New York Times

But digital information is difficult to contain.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to contain", ensure that the subject performing the action of containing is clearly defined and logical. For instance, a box can "contain" items, but an abstract concept can "contain" ideas or elements.

Common error

Avoid using "to contain" when a more precise verb would better convey the intended meaning. For example, instead of saying "The report contains ambiguity", consider "The report exhibits ambiguity" or "The report includes ambiguous sections."

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to contain" primarily functions as a verb, often used to describe the action of holding, including, or restraining something. Ludwig AI provides examples in diverse contexts, showing its versatile application in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to contain" is a versatile and frequently used infinitive, primarily functioning as a verb. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media sources. Its primary purpose is to inform about the capacity or intention of holding, including, or restraining. When using "to contain", ensure that the subject and context are clearly defined, and consider related alternatives such as "to include" or "to restrain" for nuanced expressions. Avoid misusing it in abstract contexts where a more precise verb might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to include

Focuses on the act of incorporating something as part of a whole, rather than holding it within boundaries.

to comprise

Highlights the components that make up a whole, shifting the emphasis from holding to constituting.

to hold

Emphasizes the act of keeping something in a physical space or a specific condition, simplifying the concept of containment.

to restrain

Focuses on the act of keeping something under control or within limits, often implying resistance or opposition.

to control

Highlights the power or authority exerted to manage or limit something, changing the focus from physical containment to governance.

to encompass

Suggests including a wide range of elements, implying a broader scope than simply holding or including.

to incorporate

Emphasizes the act of integrating something into a larger structure or system, shifting the focus from mere inclusion to functional integration.

to embody

Suggests representing something in a tangible or visible form, differing from literal containment.

to suppress

Focuses on preventing something from being expressed or developed, differing from physical containment by implying active opposition.

to curb

Highlights the act of restraining or checking something, often undesirable, thus carrying a negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "to contain" in a sentence?

Use "to contain" to indicate that something holds or includes something else, such as "This bottle is designed to contain liquids" or "The new policy aims to contain the spread of misinformation".

What are some alternatives to "to contain"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to include", "to comprise", "to hold", or "to restrain".

When is it appropriate to use "to contain" instead of "to include"?

"To contain" is best used when referring to something holding something within its boundaries, whereas "to include" simply means to be a part of. For example, "This file is intended to contain sensitive data" versus "The document includes several charts".

Is there a difference between "to contain" and "to control"?

Yes, "to contain" implies holding something within limits or boundaries, while "to control" implies managing or directing something. For example, "The dam is built to contain the river's flow", versus "The government seeks to control inflation".