Finding the right words is more than just about clarity—it’s about making others feel valued, respected, and understood. Phrases like “including but not limited to” are often used in professional, legal, or academic settings, but they can feel stiff or overly formal in everyday communication. That’s why having thoughtful alternatives helps you strike the right balance between warmth and precision, while still keeping your message professional and clear.
Below, we’ll explore 30 other ways to say “including but not limited to,” complete with meanings, explanations, and practical examples so you can choose the right one for every situation.
What Does “Including But Not Limited To” Mean?
The phrase “including but not limited to” is often used to introduce examples without restricting the list. It communicates that while some items are being named, there are other possible items not mentioned.
For example:
“The role requires skills in communication, problem-solving, and leadership, including but not limited to project management.”
Here, the phrase signals that project management is just one example, but the list could go on.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Including But Not Limited to”?
Yes, but with context.
- Professional: Absolutely. It’s standard in legal documents, agreements, and policies.
- Polite: Neutral—it doesn’t carry warmth or friendliness. It’s more about being precise.
If you want to sound more approachable in personal or workplace communication, softer alternatives are often better.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Clear and legally safe.
- Avoids limiting the scope of a statement.
- Widely recognized and understood in professional contexts.
Disadvantages:
- Sounds stiff or overly formal in casual conversation.
- Can feel cold or impersonal in empathetic communication.
- Sometimes makes writing less engaging.
Synonyms For “Including But Not Limited to”
- Such as
- For example
- Including
- Among others
- Such as but not limited to
- For instance
- Like
- Consisting of
- Among the following
- Such as the following
- Along with
- As well as
- To name a few
- Inter alia
- Comprising
- Covering
- Embracing
- With examples like
- Counting
- Composed of
- Encompassing
- Enclosing
- Together with
- Not restricted to
- Made up of
- In particular
- As part of
- To illustrate
- Such examples include
- Plus
1. Such As
Definition: Used to introduce examples.
Meaning: Suggests a few instances without limiting the scope.
Explanation: Friendly and simple, often used in everyday communication.
Example: “The role involves tasks such as client communication, scheduling, and data entry.”
Best Use: Casual and semi-formal contexts.
Tone: Warm, conversational, clear.
2. For Example
Definition: A phrase that introduces one or more instances.
Meaning: Offers clarity through specific examples.
Explanation: Works well in both professional and casual writing.
Example: “You’ll learn many skills, for example, coding, problem-solving, and teamwork.”
Best Use: Explaining or teaching.
Tone: Helpful, approachable, informative.
3. Including
Definition: To comprise as part of a whole.
Meaning: Suggests items are part of something larger.
Explanation: A softer, more natural way than the full phrase.
Example: “We provide many services, including customer support and training.”
Best Use: Everyday communication, business writing.
Tone: Simple, professional, flexible.
4. Among Others
Definition: Indicates that additional items exist beyond those listed.
Meaning: Softens lists without formality.
Explanation: Keeps things open-ended while sounding approachable.
Example: “Our team has experience in design, marketing, and finance, among others.”
Best Use: Emails, workplace communication.
Tone: Polite, professional, slightly casual.
5. Such As But Not Limited To
Definition: A direct variation of the original phrase.
Meaning: Same as “including but not limited to” but less rigid.
Explanation: Still formal but a little softer.
Example: “Duties include tasks such as but not limited to filing and reporting.”
Best Use: Policies, guidelines.
Tone: Formal, professional, slightly softer.
6. For Instance
Definition: A phrase that highlights specific examples.
Meaning: Used to clarify.
Explanation: More conversational than “for example.”
Example: “Many apps help with productivity, for instance, Notion and Trello.”
Best Use: Friendly explanations.
Tone: Informal, clear, approachable.
7. Like
Definition: Used informally to introduce examples.
Meaning: Suggests similarity or inclusion.
Explanation: Natural in spoken language.
Example: “We need office supplies like pens, paper, and folders.”
Best Use: Everyday speech, casual writing.
Tone: Relaxed, conversational.
8. Consisting Of
Definition: Specifies components of a group.
Meaning: Points to the structure of something.
Explanation: More precise than “including.”
Example: “The package is consisting of three modules: design, testing, and training.”
Best Use: Technical or descriptive writing.
Tone: Formal, specific.
9. Among the Following
Definition: Introduces a non-exhaustive list.
Meaning: A polite way to leave the door open.
Explanation: Slightly formal, still clear.
Example: “Key features are found among the following: speed, reliability, and security.”
Best Use: Reports, instructions.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
10. Such As The Following
Definition: A structured way to list items.
Meaning: Presents examples in an organized manner.
Explanation: Useful for lists or instructions.
Example: “Required tools include items such as the following: hammer, wrench, and screwdriver.”
Best Use: Guidelines, academic writing.
Tone: Clear, structured, professional.
11. Along With
Definition: Together with or in addition to.
Meaning: Shows examples that are part of a bigger set.
Explanation: Softer than “including” and flows naturally.
Example: “The package comes with tutorials along with free updates.”
Best Use: Semi-formal emails, product descriptions.
Tone: Friendly, professional, clear.
12. As Well As
Definition: Adds extra items in a smooth way.
Meaning: Expands the list without limiting it.
Explanation: Polished yet approachable.
Example: “The role requires teamwork as well as problem-solving skills.”
Best Use: Job descriptions, policies, everyday writing.
Tone: Professional but approachable.
13. To Name a Few
Definition: Highlights some examples from a larger set.
Meaning: Implies the list continues beyond what’s mentioned.
Explanation: Casual, makes writing more human.
Example: “She’s skilled in marketing, design, and leadership, to name a few.”
Best Use: Conversational writing or presentations.
Tone: Warm, informal, relatable.
14. Inter Alia
Definition: A Latin phrase meaning “among other things.”
Meaning: Adds authority and formality.
Explanation: Common in legal and academic documents.
Example: “The contract covers confidentiality, liability, and payment terms, inter alia.”
Best Use: Legal, scholarly, or very formal documents.
Tone: Formal, intellectual, precise.
15. Comprising
Definition: Consisting of or made up of.
Meaning: Refers to the structure or elements.
Explanation: More formal than “including.”
Example: “The panel is comprising experts in health, law, and finance.”
Best Use: Reports, policies, research.
Tone: Formal, structured.
Read More: 30 Other Ways to Say ‘I Look Forward to Working With You’ (With Examples)
16. Covering
Definition: Encompassing or dealing with.
Meaning: Suggests wide inclusion.
Explanation: Great for broad scopes.
Example: “The course is covering topics in history, culture, and politics.”
Best Use: Education, marketing materials.
Tone: Neutral, informative.
17. Embracing
Definition: To accept or include fully.
Meaning: Positive and inclusive in tone.
Explanation: Suggests openness and range.
Example: “Our company values embracing diversity, creativity, and collaboration.”
Best Use: Mission statements, speeches, motivational writing.
Tone: Warm, uplifting, inclusive.
18. With Examples Like
Definition: Introduces instances directly.
Meaning: Gives clarity with illustrations.
Explanation: Feels more conversational.
Example: “You can find many healthy snacks, with examples like nuts and dried fruit.”
Best Use: Informal teaching, blog posts.
Tone: Clear, simple, approachable.
19. Counting
Definition: Including as part of a total.
Meaning: Adds specific items within a set.
Explanation: Short and conversational.
Example: “We had over 200 attendees, counting staff and volunteers.”
Best Use: Casual or informal reports.
Tone: Relaxed, friendly.
20. Composed Of
Definition: Made up of different parts.
Meaning: Focuses on structure and makeup.
Explanation: Similar to “consisting of,” but slightly softer.
Example: “The bouquet is composed of roses, lilies, and daisies.”
Best Use: Descriptions, formal reports.
Tone: Neutral, descriptive.
21. Encompassing
Definition: Including a wide range.
Meaning: Suggests broad coverage.
Explanation: Stronger than “including.”
Example: “The conference is encompassing sessions on technology, art, and innovation.”
Best Use: Formal communication, marketing, education.
Tone: Expansive, professional.
22. Enclosing
Definition: Surrounding or containing.
Meaning: Suggests something wrapped within a larger scope.
Explanation: Often used for physical or abstract groups.
Example: “The policy is enclosing both employee conduct and safety regulations.”
Best Use: Legal or business writing.
Tone: Formal, structured.
23. Together With
Definition: In addition to.
Meaning: Adds more items smoothly.
Explanation: Works well in professional or personal tone.
Example: “The event will feature keynote speakers together with live workshops.”
Best Use: Invitations, announcements, semi-formal notes.
Tone: Friendly, inclusive.
24. Not Restricted To
Definition: Indicates the scope is not limited.
Meaning: Very close to the original phrase.
Explanation: A softer rephrasing.
Example: “Your responsibilities are not restricted to data entry and filing.”
Best Use: Work policies, contracts.
Tone: Professional, formal.
25. Made Up Of
Definition: Composed or formed from.
Meaning: Highlights components in a relatable way.
Explanation: More casual than “comprising.”
Example: “The recipe is made up of flour, sugar, and butter.”
Best Use: Everyday communication, simple explanations.
Tone: Conversational, clear.
26. In Particular
Definition: Specifically mentioning examples.
Meaning: Draws attention to certain items.
Explanation: Feels precise but approachable.
Example: “We’re looking for strong skills in communication, in particular writing.”
Best Use: Emails, job ads, teaching.
Tone: Polite, clear, semi-formal.
27. As Part Of
Definition: Being a portion of something larger.
Meaning: Suggests inclusion within a whole.
Explanation: Natural for everyday language.
Example: “She works as part of the marketing team.”
Best Use: Work communication, teamwork context.
Tone: Warm, approachable.
28. To Illustrate
Definition: Introduces examples for clarity.
Meaning: Clarifies by pointing out cases.
Explanation: Helpful in teaching and writing.
Example: “The new system saves time, to illustrate, tasks finish in half the time.”
Best Use: Academic, educational, presentations.
Tone: Helpful, informative.
29. Such Examples Include
Definition: A formal way to list examples.
Meaning: Points to specific cases.
Explanation: Slightly heavier than “for example.”
Example: “Common challenges, such examples include delays and miscommunication.”
Best Use: Reports, business writing.
Tone: Formal, structured.
30. Plus
Definition: Adds items informally.
Meaning: Suggests something extra.
Explanation: Relaxed and casual.
Example: “We offer coffee, tea, plus free snacks.”
Best Use: Casual notes, marketing, social media.
Tone: Friendly, informal, upbeat.
Conclusion
Finding alternatives to “including but not limited to” helps you adapt your communication to the tone, context, and audience. Some phrases work best in legal and formal documents (like inter alia or not restricted to), while others shine in warm, conversational writing (like to name a few or plus). By choosing carefully, you can make your writing feel both clear and human.
Emma Brooke is a passionate language enthusiast and expert at Grammar Apex, dedicated to helping writers, students, and professionals refine their grammar and writing skills. With a keen eye for detail and a love for linguistic precision, Emma provides insightful tips, clear explanations, and practical guidance to make complex grammar rules easy to understand.