include out
C1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
To make something/someone part of a larger whole, group, or set; to contain as a part or element.
Can also mean to consider something as part of a calculation, plan, or discussion; to encompass or involve.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Include out" is not a standard English phrase. The verb "include" inherently means to bring something *in*. To express the opposite meaning, one would use "exclude," "leave out," or "omit." The phrase "include out" is considered illogical or non-standard, though it is sometimes used humorously or ironically to mean 'to exclude' by deliberately juxtaposing contradictory terms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The non-standard phrase "include out" is equally rare and non-idiomatic in both varieties. The standard antonym "exclude" is used identically.
Connotations
If used, "include out" would be interpreted as a deliberate error, bureaucratic jargon, or a humorous oxymoron.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency. Primarily found in discussions about language errors, humour, or as a malapropism.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
include somebody/something (in something)be included (in/on something)include something as somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Include me out" (A famous malapropism attributed to actor Samuel Goldwyn, humorously using the contradictory phrase to mean 'exclude me').”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The quarterly report should include out the projections for the Asian market." (Non-standard usage; correct: 'exclude' or 'omit').
Academic
The researcher decided to include out the outlier data from the final analysis to avoid skewing the results. (Non-standard; correct: 'exclude').
Everyday
"Don't include me out of the party plans!" (Common learner error; correct: 'leave me out' or 'don't exclude me').
Technical
Use the SQL 'NOT IN' clause to effectively include out those records from the query result. (Non-standard jargon; correct: 'exclude').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The tour price includes accommodation and breakfast.
- Does the committee include representatives from marketing?
American English
- The fee includes tax and shipping.
- We should include a section on cybersecurity in the proposal.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb. 'Inclusively' is the related form.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb. 'Inclusively' is the related form.
adjective
British English
- All included amenities are listed in the brochure.
- The included software is basic.
American English
- Look for 'all-included' vacation packages.
- The included warranty lasts for one year.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My breakfast includes juice and toast.
- Please include your name on the paper.
- The total cost includes service charges.
- Did you remember to include Sarah in the invitation list?
- The survey was designed to include a wide range of age groups.
- Many analysts now include climate risk in their financial models.
- His seminal work includes out any discussion of the earlier controversial findings, a deliberate omission noted by critics. (Illustrates non-standard use.)
- The treaty's provisions implicitly include, rather than include out, the disputed territories.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of INclude as bringing something IN. To do the opposite, you need a word that starts with 'EX-' (like EXit, EXpel), which is EXclude.
Conceptual Metaphor
INCLUSION IS CONTAINMENT (being inside a container); EXCLUSION IS REMOVAL/EJECTION (being forced outside).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation of "include out" as «включать наружу» is nonsensical. The correct opposite is «исключать» (exclude) or «не включать» (not include).
- Confusion arises because Russian can use negation with the verb включать to mean 'not include' (e.g., не включать), leading to a literal but incorrect English construction.
Common Mistakes
- Using "include out" instead of "exclude" or "leave out."
- Saying "The list includes out my name" instead of "The list excludes my name."
- Creating the oxymoronic phrase "Please include me out."
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct and standard antonym for 'include'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'include out' is not standard English. It is an oxymoron. The correct verb for the opposite meaning is 'exclude,' 'leave out,' or 'omit.'
It is famously known as a humorous malapropism, often attributed to film producer Samuel Goldwyn. It is used deliberately for comic effect by contradicting itself.
They sometimes directly translate the structure of "не включать" (not include) into the non-existent phrase "include out," instead of using the correct single verb "exclude."
Not directly. 'Include' has a positive or neutral meaning of adding something to a set. To express a negative, you need a separate verb like 'exclude' or a negated clause (e.g., 'not include').