What is including? Pronunciation and usage in English

including means . Learn how to pronounce and use including through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of including

includingpreposition

/ɪnˈkluːdɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of including

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "including" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "in-": This sounds like "in" as in "in" a box.
  • "clud-": This is the tricky part. It’s a diphthong – a combination of two vowel sounds. It sounds like "cloo-d" (similar to the "cloo" in "clue"). Think of it as starting with a slightly rounded “oo” sound and then sliding into a “d” sound.
  • "-ing": This is a simple "-ing" sound, like in "singing" or "running."

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced roughly as:

in-CLOO-ding

Let’s break it down syllable by syllable:

  • in – As in “in” a box (short "i" sound)
  • CLOO – This is the key! Focus on that rounded "oo" sound followed by the "d."
  • ding – As in "ding!" (a short "i" sound)

Tips & Considerations:

  • Don’t overemphasize the “d”: The "d" in "clud" isn't a strong, hard "d" like in "dog." It's more of a soft, blended sound.
  • Practice the “cloo”: Repeat the sound “cloo” several times to get it right. You can try saying "clue" and then stretching the "oo" sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "including" and click the speaker icon for the pronunciation.
    • Forvo: (https://forvo.com/word/including/) – This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce including" on YouTube for videos demonstrating the sound.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a beginner English learner, or do you have some experience?
  • Is there a particular aspect of the pronunciation that you're struggling with the most?

Usage and examples with the word including in English

Let's break down how to use "including" effectively in English. It's a versatile word that adds precision and completeness to your sentences.

1. Basic Usage: Listing Items

The most common use of "including" is to introduce a list of items that are part of a larger group. It means "and also."

  • Example: "The package included a book, a pen, and a notebook." (The package also contained a book, a pen, and a notebook.)
  • Example: "Our menu includes vegetarian options, seafood dishes, and steak." (Our menu also features vegetarian options, seafood dishes, and steak.)

2. Before a Clause (Introducing a Dependent Clause)

"Including" can introduce a clause (a group of words containing a subject and a verb) that provides more information about something already mentioned.

  • Example: "The trip included stops in Paris, Rome, and London." (The trip also involved stops in Paris, Rome, and London – it wasn't just a single destination.)
  • Example: "The cost includes taxes and shipping." (The cost also encompasses taxes and shipping.)

3. With "Such as" – Providing Examples

"Including" is often used in conjunction with "such as" to give examples of something.

  • Example: “Her hobbies include reading, hiking, and painting, such as watercolor." (Reading, hiking, and painting are examples of her hobbies. Watercolor is a specific example of painting.)
  • Example: "The ingredients include flour, sugar, and eggs, such as organic free-range eggs." (Flour, sugar, and eggs are ingredients. Organic free-range eggs are an example.)

4. Formal/Business Writing - Specifying Details

In more formal contexts, like business reports or legal documents, "including" can be used to specify detailed elements.

  • Example: “The contract includes clauses regarding dispute resolution and liability.” (The contract also has clauses about dispute resolution and liability.)
  • Example: “The proposal includes a detailed timeline and budget." (The proposal also features a detailed timeline and budget.)

Key Points & Considerations:

  • Commas: When "including" introduces a list, generally use a comma before "including" and a comma after the last item in the list.

    • Correct: "The box included a remote control, batteries, and a user manual."
    • Incorrect: “The box including a remote control, batteries, and a user manual.”

  • Parallel Structure: Make sure the items in your list are in a parallel structure (same grammatical form). Don’t mix nouns with verbs, for example.

    • Correct: “The activities included swimming, hiking, and reading.”
    • Incorrect: “The activities included swimming, hiking, and to read.”

  • Don't Overuse: While "including" is useful, don’t overuse it. Sometimes a simple “and” or a straightforward list is clearer.

Here's a table summarizing the different ways to use "including":

Usage Example Explanation
Basic Listing “The menu includes pizza, pasta, and salad.” Adding items to a larger group.
Dependent Clause “The report included an analysis of sales data.” Providing more detail about the report.
With "Such as" “Her skills include programming, design, and marketing, such as UX design.” Giving specific examples.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What type of writing are you working on (e.g., creative writing, academic essay, business email)?
  • Can you provide an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word including

Practice with vocabulary including

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The comprehensive plan addresses various challenges, _________ supply chain disruptions and rising material costs.
  2. We encourage all staff to participate in the training, _________ those unfamiliar with the new software.
  3. All relevant stakeholders, _________ department heads and union representatives, were invited to the negotiation.
  4. _________ the challenging economic climate, the company reported record profits this quarter.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Many companies are adopting sustainable practices, _______ reducing their carbon footprint and using renewable energy sources. A) such as B) comprising C) including D) particularly
  2. All essential documents, _______ the contract and the architectural plans, must be submitted by Friday. A) particularly B) alongside C) including D) comprising
  3. The city offers a wide array of cultural attractions, _______ museums, galleries, and historical sites. A) such as B) including C) for example D) like
  4. The new software significantly enhances productivity _______ employees. A) for B) among C) to D) towards
  5. He was appointed as the head of the department _______ his extensive experience. A) because of B) due to C) on account of D) thanks to

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The company's expansion plans involve several new markets, with a particular focus on Asia and Latin America. Rewrite using "including":
  2. Original: The research team analyzed various data sources, among which were government reports and industry publications. Rewrite using "including" or related word forms:
  3. Original: The seminar will cover essential business skills; these comprise leadership, negotiation, and strategic planning. Rewrite the sentence, but do NOT use "including" (use a suitable replacement word):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. including
  2. particularly (or especially)
  3. including
  4. Despite

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) such as, C) including, D) particularly
  2. A) particularly, B) alongside, C) including
  3. A) such as, B) including, C) for example, D) like
  4. A) for
  5. A) because of, B) due to, C) on account of, D) thanks to

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company's expansion plans involve several new markets, including Asia and Latin America.
  2. The research team analyzed various data sources, including government reports and industry publications.
  3. The seminar will cover essential business skills, such as leadership, negotiation, and strategic planning.

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