We’ve all been there. You need to express a range of possibilities or inclusions without sounding too rigid or repetitive. Enter the phrase “including but not limited to.” It’s a favorite for lawyers, academics, and business professionals who want to keep their language both inclusive and precise.
But let’s face it using the same phrase over and over can get a little stale. So, if you’re looking to shake things up, here are twelve other ways to express the same idea, each one suited to different situations, audiences, and tones.
But before we dive in, let’s acknowledge why phrases like these are so important. Whether you’re working on a formal contract, sending an email to a colleague, or drafting a marketing pitch, the language you choose can significantly influence how your message is received. Some phrases sound more casual, others more professional, and understanding when to use which can really up your communication game.
Ready? Let’s go!
1. “For example”
Simple, clear, and to the point this one is a classic. “For example” is often seen as a more conversational choice than “including but not limited to,” and can be used to highlight specific instances without overwhelming your reader with legalese or corporate jargon.
When to use:
- In informal or semi-formal contexts where you’re making your point more relatable.
- Particularly useful in presentations or content creation when you’re illustrating a broader idea with specific examples.
Example: “Our services cover a wide range of solutions, for example, web design, content creation, and digital marketing.”
Why it works:
This phrase is versatile and works in both casual and professional settings. Just be careful not to overuse it; you don’t want to sound like you’re listing every little thing.
2. “Such as”
Short and sweet, “such as” is an effective alternative that fits well in both formal and informal contexts. It adds clarity without the stiffness that sometimes comes with more complex phrases.
When to use:
- In professional documents, casual emails, or even in customer service communications where you want to sound straightforward.
Example: “Our company provides a variety of benefits, such as health insurance, paid leave, and performance bonuses.”
Why it works:
It’s precise and easy to digest. People won’t miss your point, and it avoids the legalistic tone that “including but not limited to” often carries.
3. “Among others”
Here’s a great option for a more refined tone. “Among others” is commonly used in more formal business or academic writing, and it has a certain air of sophistication.
When to use:
- In high-level professional documents, emails to superiors, or academic writing where a precise yet polite tone is needed.
Example: “Our department oversees several initiatives, among others, talent development and corporate sustainability.”
Why it works:
This phrase suggests there’s a broader list without overloading the reader with information. It also feels less mechanical than “including but not limited to.”
4. “Not excluding”
While this one might feel a bit more formal, “not excluding” gets straight to the point and does so with clarity. It’s often used in contracts, legal documentation, and other settings where you need to avoid ambiguity.
When to use:
- Formal contracts, legal agreements, or any situation where you need to leave things open-ended without creating confusion.
Example: “The company provides a range of services, not excluding software development, consultation, and project management.”
Why it works:
It’s perfect for any situation where you want to sound authoritative yet still inclusive.
5. “Including but not limited to” (rephrased)
Okay, we couldn’t completely leave out the phrase in question. However, you can still modify it for clarity or flow, such as “inclusive of the following” or “inclusive of, but not limited to.”
When to use:
- Formal legal documents or contracts, especially when you need to ensure clarity and cover all bases.
Example: “The event includes, but is not limited to, live performances, workshops, and networking opportunities.”
Why it works:
It retains the original intent while sounding just a bit less stiff.
6. “In particular”
This one’s a great alternative for when you want to highlight certain examples from a larger group without making it sound like you’ve listed everything. It’s especially useful when you want to draw attention to a select few items.
When to use:
- During presentations, formal emails, or written reports where you need to specify examples.
Example: “The team is working on several projects, in particular the new mobile app design and the client-facing website.”
Why it works:
“In particular” is direct and indicates importance, without overstating anything. It’s a smooth transition into specifics.
7. “As an illustration”
This is a bit more academic and works well when you need to present a more formal tone. It’s often seen in white papers, academic papers, or detailed business reports.
When to use:
- When you’re explaining something in-depth, such as in reports, presentations, or academic writing.
Example: “There are various ways to handle customer complaints, as an illustration, implementing an AI-driven chatbot or setting up a dedicated support team.”
Why it works:
It’s a refined alternative that signals a clear shift to specific examples, often used in more technical or formal environments.
8. “As exemplified by”
This phrase leans a little more formal and adds an authoritative touch. It’s perfect for instances where you want to emphasize that an example serves as a representative of a larger idea.
When to use:
- In professional or academic writing, particularly when discussing case studies or examples that support a larger argument.
Example: “The program is successful, as exemplified by the high engagement rates in the first quarter.”
Why it works:
It subtly elevates the tone, making it ideal for industries like academia, law, or high-level business.
9. “To name a few”
A more conversational phrase, “to name a few” works well in casual discussions, particularly when speaking to a group or presenting an idea. It’s informal and lighthearted but still communicates the idea that the list isn’t exhaustive.
When to use:
- During casual conversations, meetings, or in marketing content when you want to keep things approachable.
Example: “We offer a variety of workshops, to name a few, leadership development, coding bootcamps, and design thinking.”
Why it works:
It brings a friendly tone to your conversation, helping to make your message feel approachable.
10. “In the form of”
This phrase adds a bit more structure to your language. It’s often used in contexts where you’re providing something in a specific format or category.
When to use:
- In business presentations, reports, or creative brainstorming sessions where you’re discussing specific types of content or outputs.
Example: “The new initiative will provide support in the form of training, mentorship, and networking events.”
Why it works:
“In the form of” gives your message clarity and structure without being overly wordy.
11. “Such as, among others”
This combo is perfect when you want to include examples while also implying that they’re part of a larger set. It’s a balance of specificity and inclusivity.
When to use:
- When you need to offer examples without overwhelming your audience, but you still want to suggest that more exists beyond what you’ve listed.
Example: “Our organization provides various tools such as online courses, workshops, and certifications, among others.”
Why it works:
It gives just enough information while hinting at a broader scope.
12. “To illustrate”
Another great option for both casual and formal settings, “to illustrate” is an excellent way to introduce examples or case studies. It works particularly well in written content and presentations.
When to use:
- In written reports, academic papers, or presentations where you need to show rather than tell.
Example: “The project has had significant growth, to illustrate, the client base has increased by 40% over the last year.”
Why it works:
It’s an elegant way to signal that you’re about to offer concrete examples to support a larger point.
