Cool MateContain vs Include
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Contain
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Include
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
| Contain | Include | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈteɪn/","/kənˈteɪnz/","/kənˈteɪnd/","/kənˈteɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈteɪn/","/kənˈteɪnz/","/kənˈteɪnd/","/kənˈteɪnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈkluːd/","/ɪnˈkluːdz/","/ɪnˈkluːdɪd/","/ɪnˈkluːdɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈkluːd/","/ɪnˈkluːdz/","/ɪnˈkluːdɪd/","/ɪnˈkluːdɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To hold or keep something inside. | to have something as part of a group or whole |
| Example | The box can contain many toys. | You should include your contact information in the application. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | contain a substance, contain feelings, contain information, contain an outbreak, contain a fire | include in a list, include as part, include among |
| Antonyms | release, exclude, free | exclude, omit, leave out |
| Common mistakes | 'Contain' is often confused with 'include' — understanding the difference in implying limits is key., Some learners may forget to use 'contain' with proper objects., Mistakenly using 'contained' as an intransitive verb. | Confused with 'exclude' and use the wrong word., Omitting the object after 'include'., Using 'include' incorrectly in negative sentences. |
| Usage notes | Use 'contain' when discussing physical objects, substances, or abstract concepts like emotions. It's not typically used for non-physical situations. | Use 'include' to specify that something is part of a larger list or group. Avoid using it when talking about things that are not part of that list. |
Frequently asked questions: Contain vs Include
What's the difference between Contain and Include?
Contain: To hold or keep something inside. Include: to have something as part of a group or whole
Which is more advanced: Contain and Include?
Contain is the highest level, at A2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Contain and Include the same CEFR level?
Contain: A2, Include: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Contain and Include?
Contain: verb, Include: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Contain: The box can contain many toys. Include: You should include your contact information in the application.
Can I use Contain and Include interchangeably?
Not always. Contain and Include are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.