“Include” allows you to exclude

January 15th, 2009 at 07:00am Barry Wood

When you use the verb “include” before a list of items, the implication is that you are not going to mention everything you could. Or maybe that’s all you know for sure.

It’s inappropriate to write, “Today’s lunch menu includes four choices: hamburger, hot dog, fish sandwich and hoagie.” There are four options, and they’re all listed. “Includes” should leave something to the imagination.

It’s more accurate to substitute “has” or “offers” for “includes” in the above example.

Also, “include” makes it unnecessary to add phrases like “and more” or “and others.” For example:

“Entertainment at the open house will include games, movies, a talent show and more.”

“U.S. presidents who were from Viriginia include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and others.”

The use of “include” tells the reader that you’re not going to name everything, so don’t tack on phrases like the above that make that point again. Let “include” do its job.

Entry Filed under: definitions, strict usage