include
C2 (Very High Frequency)Neutral (Used across all registers from formal to informal)
Definition
Meaning
to make something part of a larger set, group, or whole; to contain or have as a component.
To consider or treat someone/something as part of a category; to encompass or cover.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Focuses on the act of making something part of a whole or the state of being part of a whole. Implicitly defines a boundary: what is included vs. excluded.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or grammar. Spelling differences may appear in derived forms (e.g., 'including' is consistent).
Connotations
None. Identical.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP include NP (The price includes breakfast)NP include NP as NP (We include her as a member)NP include NP in NP (Did you include me in the list?)NP include -ing (The job includes travelling abroad)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Include me out! (humorous/jocular refusal)”
- “All included (as in all-inclusive)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in pricing, proposals, and specifications (e.g., 'The quoted price includes VAT.').
Academic
Used to specify components of a study, theory, or dataset (e.g., 'The analysis included three control variables.').
Everyday
Used in social planning, lists, and descriptions (e.g., 'Does the tour include lunch?').
Technical
Used in programming, mathematics, and logistics to denote incorporation of elements (e.g., 'The library file must include the header.').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The hotel bill includes the full breakfast.
- Does the rent include council tax?
American English
- The ticket price includes all fees.
- Does the rent include utilities?
adverb
British English
- No direct adverb form. Use 'inclusively'.
- The rules apply inclusively to all members.
American English
- No direct adverb form. Use 'inclusively'.
- The team works inclusively.
adjective
British English
- No primary adjective form. Use 'included' (past participle) or 'inclusive'.
- All taxes are included.
American English
- No primary adjective form. Use 'included' (past participle) or 'inclusive'.
- Gratuity is not included.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My family includes my mum, dad, and sister.
- The price includes a drink.
- Please include your phone number on the form.
- The museum tour includes a visit to the old library.
- The proposal includes several cost-saving measures.
- Factors influencing the decision include market trends and risk assessment.
- The anthology includes works hitherto unpublished in English.
- His responsibilities now include overseeing the entire Asia-Pacific portfolio.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of closing (CLUD) something IN. You are closing it inside a group or set.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER (The group/category/price is a container, and included items are inside it.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid overusing 'включать в себя' where a simpler verb like 'содержать' or 'иметь в составе' fits.
- Do not confuse with 'подключать' (to connect).
- The Russian 'инклюзивный' is a direct borrowing but has a narrower, often social, context.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'include' with 'to' + infinitive (Wrong: 'The rules include to wear a tie'. Correct: 'The rules include wearing a tie'.)
- Confusing 'include' (not exhaustive) with 'consist of' (exhaustive).
- Using 'include' when 'exclude' is meant.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'include' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Include' suggests the listed items are part of the whole, but not necessarily all parts. 'Consist of' lists all the component parts exhaustively.
No. 'Include' is typically followed by a noun phrase or a gerund (-ing form).
Yes, in modern grammar, 'including' is often classified as a preposition meaning 'which includes' or 'such as'.
'Included' is a past participle used after the noun (e.g., 'all meals included'). 'Including' is a preposition used before the noun (e.g., 'all meals, including breakfast').