Include vs. Including

Attribute	Include	Including
Definition	Contain or have as a part of a whole	Adding something as part of a whole
Usage	Used to specify what is contained within a larger entity	Used to specify the act of adding something to a larger entity
Grammatical Form	Verb	Verb
Example	The book includes a chapter on history	The package includes a free gift

Definition

Include and including are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Include is a verb that means to contain something as part of a whole. For example, "The package includes a gift and a card." Including, on the other hand, is a preposition that means to add something as part of a group or list. For example, "The menu has a variety of options, including vegetarian dishes."

Usage

Include is typically used when listing items that are part of a larger group or set. It is commonly used in sentences like "The price includes shipping and handling fees." Including, on the other hand, is used to introduce additional information or examples. For instance, "The presentation covered a range of topics, including market trends and consumer behavior."

Placement

Include is usually placed before the items that are being listed as part of a whole. For example, "The package includes a book, a bookmark, and a pen." Including, on the other hand, is placed before the additional information or examples that are being added to a group or list. For instance, "The itinerary includes visits to several museums, including the Louvre and the British Museum."

Connotation

Include tends to have a more formal connotation and is often used in official documents or business communications. It implies a sense of completeness and thoroughness. Including, on the other hand, is more casual and is commonly used in everyday speech. It suggests that the list or group is not exhaustive and may have more items or examples.

Flexibility

Include is a more rigid term in that it specifies exactly what is part of a whole. It leaves little room for interpretation or additions. Including, on the other hand, is more flexible and allows for the possibility of adding more items or examples to a group or list. It is often used when the speaker wants to leave the door open for additional information.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between include and including:

• Include: The package includes a set of tools, a user manual, and a warranty card.
• Including: The workshop covers a range of topics, including time management, communication skills, and conflict resolution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, include and including are two words that are similar in meaning but have distinct differences in usage, placement, connotation, flexibility, and examples. Understanding when to use each word can help improve clarity and precision in communication. Whether you are writing a formal report or having a casual conversation, choosing the right word can make a significant difference in how your message is perceived.