To include means to contain something as a part of a whole, or to make a person or thing part of a group, list, or activity. It is the opposite of exclude.
What Does Include Mean?
Include comes from the Latin includere, from in- ("in, into") and claudere ("to shut, close"). The original sense was to enclose or shut something inside. By the 15th century, English had adopted it to mean "to comprise as a part". The same Latin root gives us conclude, exclude, preclude, and occlude.
In modern British English, include is one of the most versatile and frequently used verbs. You will encounter it in course syllabuses, job descriptions, product listings, academic writing, and everyday conversation. It signals that what follows is not the complete picture — just one or more elements of a larger whole. This is an important distinction: unlike consist of or comprise, which imply totality, include implies that other parts may exist beyond those mentioned.
Compare these three sentences: "The price includes breakfast" (breakfast is one component, but other things may also be included); "The price consists of accommodation and breakfast" (those two items are the complete breakdown); "The price comprises accommodation and breakfast" (formal; same as consist of). Choosing the right word shows precision in academic and professional writing.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Level & note |
|---|---|
| The box includes a toy and some stickers. | A2 — simple present, listing contents |
| The course includes a grammar module and a writing unit. | B1 — course description, typical classroom context |
| Please make sure you include your contact details at the top of the form. | B1 — imperative, formal instruction |
| The report included several recommendations that had not been discussed previously. | B2 — past simple, formal/academic register |
| A comprehensive review of the literature should include not only primary sources but also critical commentaries and meta-analyses. | C1 — academic writing, modal should + complex object |
Collocations
| Collocation | Example |
|---|---|
| price includes | The price includes delivery and installation. |
| package includes | The holiday package includes flights, hotel, and transfers. |
| list includes | The reading list includes both classic and contemporary texts. |
| features include | Key features include a built-in camera and a long-lasting battery. |
| responsibilities include | Your responsibilities will include managing the daily schedule. |
| topics include | Topics include grammar, pronunciation, and writing skills. |
| costs include | Running costs include rent, utilities, and staff wages. |
| ingredients include | Key ingredients include oats, honey, and dried fruit. |
| examples include | Common phrasal verbs — examples include give up, look after, and put off. |
| not included | Meals are not included in the room rate. |
Usage Notes
- Include vs consist of / comprise: Use include when listing only some of the parts. Use consist of or comprise when listing all parts. "The committee includes three teachers" (there are other members too); "The committee consists of five members" (that is the full membership).
- Including as a preposition: Including can function as a preposition to add examples mid-sentence: "Many European countries, including France and Germany, have adopted the policy." It is interchangeable with such as in this role.
- Passive voice — be included: The passive be included is very common in formal and commercial writing: "VAT is included in the price"; "Your name has been included on the shortlist."
- Register: Include is neutral and works in all registers — from casual conversation to academic prose. It does not need to be avoided or replaced in formal writing.
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
The price includes of breakfast.
The price includes breakfast. (no preposition after include)
The syllabus is including four units.
The syllabus includes four units. (include is a stative verb — do not use it in the continuous form)
The report included everything. It included the budget, the timeline, and the risks.
The report covered everything. It included the budget, the timeline, and the risks. (when indicating completeness, prefer covered/addressed; reserve include for listing some components)
Word Family
Synonyms
Etymology
From Latin includere ("to shut in, enclose"), formed from in- ("in") + claudere ("to shut"). Entered Middle English in the 15th century, initially in the sense of physically enclosing something. The abstract sense of "to reckon as part of a whole" developed shortly afterwards. Related Latin roots produced conclude (shut together → end), exclude (shut out), preclude (shut before → prevent), and occlude (shut against). The suffix -clude in all these words shares the same claudere origin.