including

The word “including” means used to introduce one or more examples that form part of a larger group. In plain terms, used to name specific examples from within a bigger group.

“Including” is pronounced ihn-KLOO-dihng (/ɪnˈkluːdɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “including” used in a sentence: “Several countries, including France and Spain, signed the agreement.”

“Including” is a preposition.

“Including” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Both introduce examples from a larger group and are usually interchangeable: 'countries including France' equals 'countries such as France.' 'Including' slightly stresses that the items are part of the whole, while 'such as' frames them purely as illustrations. In everyday writing the difference is minimal.

The opposite is 'excluding' or 'except,' which leaves items out rather than counting them in. 'Everyone including Sam' means Sam is part of the group, while 'everyone excluding Sam' means he is left out. 'Not including' works the same way as 'excluding.'

Usually yes. When 'including' adds extra, non-essential examples, a comma sets it off: 'She packed everything, including her passport.' If the phrase is essential to the meaning, the comma can be dropped. The comma signals that a list of examples is following.

'Includes' is the main verb: 'the price includes tax.' 'Including' is a preposition or participle that introduces examples within a sentence: 'the price covers extras, including tax.' Use 'includes' to state what a whole contains, and 'including' to tag on examples mid-sentence.