include
Verb
To contain or have as a part of the whole; to make someone or something a part of something else.
Example Sentences
Please include your full name and contact details on the form.
The final report must include contributions from every team member.
This package doesn’t include taxes or additional fees.
She decided to include a personal note in each invitation she sent out.
The group’s bylaws have been updated to include new members from various backgrounds.
You should include more references in your research paper to support your arguments.
Realizing the importance of diverse perspectives, they worked diligently to include voices from different cultural backgrounds, thereby enriching the conversation and fostering more inclusive solutions.
If we include these additional safety measures in our protocol, we can greatly reduce the risk of potential hazards while ensuring everyone feels secure throughout the project.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To add or encompass something within a larger scope or group.“Include” is a verb used to signify adding something or someone as part of a larger whole. When you use “include,” you’re making it clear that a particular element, person, or detail is counted or encompassed within a group, list, plan, or other context. In writing or speaking, “include” helps specify what belongs in a given category—whether it’s participants in an event, items in a package, or details in a document. For example, you might say, “Please include your signature on the form,” which indicates that the signature is necessary among the other required pieces of information. Or in a more general sense, “The museum exhibit will include works from modern artists,” highlighting that these works are part of a broader display. Context plays a significant role. In academic or technical writing, “include” can set boundaries and clarify the scope of a topic—for instance, a research paper might specify which data points are included versus excluded. In a team environment, saying “Let’s include everyone’s opinions in our final decision” showcases a spirit of collaboration. By using “include,” you emphasize completeness, fairness, or thoroughness, signaling that you’re not leaving out any critical piece. In more casual settings, “include” remains a straightforward way to highlight what is or isn’t part of something. You might remind a friend to “Include the photos in your email,” or instruct someone on which ingredients belong in a recipe. Overall, “include” stands out as a core verb that invites clarity about who or what belongs within any group, category, or action.
Alternatives
If you prefer variations on “include,” there are multiple synonyms and expressions. For example, “contain” suggests that something holds or has a component within it—like “The box contains supplies for the workshop.” “Encompass” signals a slightly broader or more formal notion, implying something covers a range of elements: “This course will encompass topics from ancient to modern history.” Meanwhile, “incorporate” highlights blending something into a whole, as in “We need to incorporate these suggestions into our plan.” Other options depend on your desired tone and context. “Add,” for instance, is more straightforward and common in everyday speech: “Let’s add your idea to the list.” In contrast, “embrace” can carry a more open, welcoming connotation, useful when emphasizing acceptance: “Our committee aims to embrace different viewpoints.” Each term preserves the concept of inclusion but offers subtle shades of meaning, from strictly factual to more emotive or expansive. Choosing the right synonym can heighten clarity, showcase variety in writing, and adapt to either formal or informal settings. As always, think about who you’re communicating with and what effect you want your wording to have—this will help you pick the most fitting alternative to “include.”
Writing
In writing, “include” clarifies exactly what belongs in a statement, argument, or list. First, identify whether you’re enumerating items, describing scope, or outlining parts of a project. For instance, when stating a paper’s focus, you might write, “Our research will include an analysis of demographic data,” which tells readers what specific information they should expect. This precision helps maintain coherence and prevents ambiguity by making each component explicit. Overusing “include,” however, can cause redundancy. If every paragraph starts with “This includes X,” the text might feel repetitive. To remedy this, vary your language by substituting synonyms or rearranging sentences to incorporate details more smoothly. For instance, “Our examination covers demographic data as well,” or “The analysis integrates prior studies on related topics.” Such shifts maintain clarity while adding stylistic nuance. Beyond enumerating components, “include” can be a powerful tool to emphasize completeness or intentional selection. Saying “We included multiple perspectives to ensure balance” demonstrates you deliberately chose various viewpoints for a reason. In formal or academic contexts, backing up why you’re including certain items—mentioning criteria or methodology—makes your work more thorough. By carefully placing “include” within your writing, you create precise, informative structures that guide readers through your logic and scope without confusion.
Casual Conversation
In everyday chats, you’ll often say “include” when you want someone to add or consider something. For example, “Be sure to include sunscreen in your beach bag,” or “Let’s include Mark in the dinner plans.” It’s a quick, go-to verb that clearly indicates adding elements, details, or people to a plan or list. Because “include” is familiar and direct, you can use it in typical conversation: “Don’t forget to include the extra chairs for the party,” or “I should include a reminder in my message.” It’s also a neat way to avoid leaving someone out, emphasizing inclusivity: “Should we include Sarah in the email thread?” This everyday usage ensures that nobody is overlooked and that all items or individuals get the attention they deserve. If you want a softer approach, you might use synonyms like “add” or “bring,” especially in super casual contexts—“Bring your dog along” rather than “Include your dog,” for instance. Still, “include” remains a versatile choice that signals the significance of making sure everything or everyone is accounted for. Using it is a simple way to keep your communication clean, concise, and courteous in casual settings.
Etymology
The word “include” originates from the Latin “includere,” a combination of “in-” (meaning “in” or “within”) and “claudere” (meaning “to close”). Put together, “includere” conveyed the notion of enclosing something inside. As Latin evolved into French and later merged with English through the Norman influence, “include” settled into Middle English vocabulary. Over time, its sense of “containing or adding within” solidified. Interestingly, “claudere” also gave rise to words like “close,” “exclude,” and “conclude,” which all trace back to notions of shutting or finishing. But “include” stands out because it implies opening up to let elements come together within a boundary or container. Its usage took hold in legal, religious, and administrative documents, often highlighting which entities or clauses were being counted under a particular rule or condition. Historically, specifying “which items are included” helped avoid misunderstandings in contracts or decrees. In modern English, “include” remains integral to articulating scope—be that a simple grocery list or an extensive policy. From everyday tasks like “include your references at the end of your paper” to far-reaching declarations of inclusion (like “The proposal includes equitable benefits for all employees”), the term has consistently underscored what belongs within a given domain. Whether in everyday instructions or complex negotiations, “include” continues to embody that critical act of bringing items or people within a collective whole.