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You may often hear the term ‘including but not limited to’ in English conversations and written text but what does this term mean? We are going to look at the meaning of this phrase and how we can use it in a conversation. We will also look at where this term came from and a little background from behind it.
“Including But Not Limited To” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The phrase “including but not limited to” is used to indicate that a list or examples provided are not exhaustive. It suggests that the items mentioned are part of a larger group or category, but there may be additional items or examples not explicitly listed.
“Including But Not Limited To” Meaning
The phrase “including but not limited to” is used to indicate that a list of items or examples is not exhaustive. It suggests that the items mentioned are part of a larger group or category, and there may be other items or factors that are also included but not explicitly listed. This phrase is commonly used in legal, formal, and business contexts to clarify that the provided examples are only a subset of what is applicable.
Examples:
- “The job responsibilities include but are not limited to managing the team, overseeing projects, and reporting to senior management.”
- “The warranty covers defects, including but not limited to manufacturing errors and material defects.”
Origin of This Idiom
The phrase “including but not limited to” does not have a specific origin but is commonly used in legal and formal language to indicate that a list is not exhaustive. It ensures clarity by stating that the items mentioned are part of a larger group, and other relevant items may also apply. This expression has evolved as a standard way to communicate inclusivity in legal documents, contracts, and formal communications.
Usage of “Including But Not Limited To”
- In a job description:
“The successful candidate will perform various tasks, including but not limited to data analysis, report generation, and client communication.”
- In a contract or legal document:
“The fees for services rendered include but are not limited to consultation, materials, and travel expenses.”
- Talking about project requirements:
“The project will require various resources, including but not limited to software tools, hardware, and technical support.”
- In a discussion about responsibilities:
“Your duties will involve various tasks, including but not limited to training new staff and conducting performance reviews.”
Related Terms to “Including But Not Limited To”
- Such as – used to introduce examples without implying that the list is complete.
- Including – a term that indicates that the items mentioned are part of a larger group.
- Among others – suggesting that there are additional items or examples not explicitly stated.
- For example – used to provide specific instances without limiting the scope.
- Not exclusive to – indicating that other items or examples are also applicable.
- In addition to – suggesting that there are more items alongside those mentioned.
- Like – used to indicate similar items without suggesting a complete list.
- Et cetera (etc.) – a Latin abbreviation used to indicate that additional items are included but not listed.
- And others – a phrase used to imply there are additional relevant items or individuals.
- This includes, but is not confined to – a more formal variation that conveys the same idea of inclusivity.
Other Ways to Say the Phrase
There are other ways in which you can express the meaning of the term ‘including but not limited to.’
Here are some other things you can say which convey the same meaning.
- Some of the things included are
- An example of what is included
“Including But Not Limited To” Examples
Examples in Statements
This is a statement made by a restaurant.
- ‘The dish may contain allergens which include but are not limited to shellfish, dairy, and gluten.’
Here is a statement made by a school.
- ‘We offer a range of subjects of which maths, science, and drama are included but not limited to.’
Conversation Examples
The term ‘including but not limited to’ can be found in different conversations. Here are some examples to show how it can be used.
The first conversation is between a new employee and his boss.
- Person 1: “Welcome to the team, is there any question?”
- Person 2: “Yes, what exactly will my duties be?”
- Person 1: “They will include but not be limited to filing, typing, and taking phone calls.”
The next conversation is between a store manager and a customer.
- Person 1: “I am looking for some bread.”
- Person 2: “We have many different kinds.”
- Person 1: “What kinds do you have?”
- Person 2: “The types of bread we have included but are not limited to rye, seeded, and tiger bread.”
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