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What does Include mean and how is it used in English? Through this article, Mytour will provide you with answers to these questions, as well as help you differentiate some synonymous words with Include through practical exercises.
Guidelines on Using the Term Include in English
1. What does Include mean?
- Definition: Include is a verb in English (v) that means to encompass, to comprise.
- Pronunciation: /ɪnˈklud/
2. How to Use the Word Include in English
- Behind Include in a sentence is a part, a component of something. Include is used equivalently to mean 'comprising, including' in a listing form.
Example: Some Halong Bay tours may incorporate a visit to the Sung Sot Cave. (Some Halong Bay tours may include a visit to the Sung Sot Cave).
- Include is used with the meaning of 'adding, supplementing.'
Example: I need to add 2 packets of sugar to my shopping list. (You need to include 2 packets of sugar on your shopping list).
1. Which preposition does Include go with?
- Include is paired with the preposition 'in': Include someone in (something)
-> This means inviting someone to an event, a task, or adding something.
For example: I'm delighted because Thao included me in her party. (I'm very happy because Thao invited me to her party).
- Include pairs with the preposition 'among': Include someone/something among something
-> This means considering someone/something as part of a group/organization...
For instance: An is included among the team by my team leader. (An is seen as a member within the team by my team leader).
- Include combines with the preposition 'out of': Include someone out of something
-> This implies excluding someone from something.
For example: I'm not keen on this event. I attempted to exclude myself from it. (I'm not interested in this event. I tried to disengage myself from it).
4. Distinguishing Between Include, Contain, and Consist of
Include, Contain, and Consist of are verbs that all convey the meaning of 'to comprise,' but the nuances of 'comprising' are different. Learners often find it confusing to choose when to use these words. In this section, Mytour will share with you how to differentiate Include, Contain, and Consist of along with accompanying exercises for you to practice.
- A holds B and C: meaning A is a container for B and C.
- A is composed of B and C: meaning A is formed by B and C.
- A encompasses B and C: meaning A includes B, C, and other things.
As mentioned earlier, Include signifies 'comprising'. Following Include, there's no need to list all the components that make up the whole.
For example: Her backpack comprises 3 notebooks, 2 pens, and 2 erasers. (Her backpack includes 3 notebooks, 2 pens, and 2 erasers: However, it may contain other items as well).
Or Mytour's goals involve evaluating applications, offering software usage tips, and more. (Mytour's objectives include reviewing applications, providing software usage tips, and more).
- Contain also conveys the meaning of 'comprising', 'encompassing', and more towards 'containing', indicating one object holding another. Following Contain, the listed components are all the parts of the whole.
For instance: The container holds a red hat and a blue hat. (The box contains a red hat and a blue hat).
- Consist of also means 'to comprise', but it leans more towards the idea of 'being formed by or made up of something'. Following Consist of is how the components have constituted the subject preceding it.
For example: The narrative consists of 3 parts (The story is made up of 3 parts: meaning 3 parts form this story).
5. Practical Exercises
To reinforce your understanding, practice using include, consist of, and contain with the short exercises below:
1. The invoice........gratuity and service charges.
2. This musical ensemble........ five talented musicians.
3. The cinema ticket is pricey. It........popcorn and a beverage.
4. Fruits and vegetables........abundant in vitamins. They are beneficial for your health.
5. The novel ........10 chapters.
6. Avoid excessive fast food consumption because it........ a considerable amount of fat.
Answers:
1 - includes. 2 - consists of. 3 - includes. 4 - contains. 5 - consists of. 6 - contains.
Above are the usage instructions for Include in English. Follow along to gain a better understanding. Additionally, you can explore the Top English communication learning software that Mytour previously introduced!
