In professional writing—whether legal, corporate, academic, or technical—the phrase “including but not limited to” is frequently used to introduce examples without limiting scope. It signals that the items listed are representative, not exhaustive. However, repeating this phrase too often can make writing sound stiff, overly formal, or unnecessarily wordy.
This comprehensive guide provides a full set of refined synonyms, usage guidance, email examples, and industry-specific variations to help you communicate with authority and accuracy.
🏛️ Formal Alternatives (Meaning, Explanation, Tone, Example, Best/Worst Use)
Below are the most formal and legal-friendly synonyms.
1. Including, without limitation
Meaning: Introduces examples while explicitly stating the list is not complete.
Explanation: Common in contracts, policies, and legal frameworks.
Example: “The policy applies to all digital assets, including, without limitation, user data and archived files.”
Best Use: Legal documents, contracts, compliance notes.
Worst Use: Casual emails.
Tone: Highly formal, authoritative.
2. Among others
Meaning: Indicates there are additional unlisted elements.
Explanation: Concise and professional.
Example: “The committee reviewed budget proposals for marketing, research, and operations, among others.”
Best Use: Reports, professional emails.
Worst Use: Technical specifications requiring precision.
Tone: Formal-neutral.
3. Not limited to
Meaning: Explicitly states the list is incomplete.
Explanation: Slightly softer than the full legal phrasing.
Example: “Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, project reporting and documentation.”
Best Use: Job descriptions, policies.
Worst Use: Informal writing.
Tone: Formal.
4. Encompassing
Meaning: Covering a broad range.
Explanation: Implies a wide scope.
Example: “The role involves tasks encompassing data analysis and stakeholder communication.”
Best Use: Formal reports, HR descriptions.
Worst Use: Casual emails.
Tone: Elevated formal.
5. Comprising (but not limited to)
Meaning: Introduces an incomplete list.
Explanation: Adds specificity and formality.
Example: “The final deliverables comprise, but are not limited to, diagrams and technical models.”
Best Use: Technical and legal writing.
Worst Use: Customer service communication.
Tone: Highly formal.
6. Including various
Meaning: Suggests multiple types.
Explanation: A softer, less rigid alternative.
Example: “The platform supports multiple integrations, including various payment gateways.”
Best Use: Corporate updates, product documentation.
Worst Use: Legal agreements.
Tone: Formal-neutral.
7. Inclusive of
Meaning: Contains the listed items.
Explanation: Professional and precise.
Example: “The package is inclusive of training materials and support services.”
Best Use: Business proposals.
Worst Use: Informal speech.
Tone: Polished formal.
8. As illustrated by
Meaning: Uses examples for clarity.
Explanation: Good for academic or analytical writing.
Example: “Our methodology improves accuracy, as illustrated by recent case studies.”
Best Use: Research papers, presentations.
Worst Use: Contractual writing.
Tone: Academic-formal.
9. Exemplified by
Meaning: Uses specific examples to clarify.
Explanation: Academic and analytical.
Example: “The dataset contained irregularities, exemplified by missing entries.”
Best Use: Analysis, reports.
Worst Use: Email instructions.
Tone: Academic.
10. In particular
Meaning: Highlights specific examples.
Explanation: Suggests emphasis rather than limitation.
Example: “Several teams contributed, in particular the engineering division.”
Best Use: Reports, presentations.
Worst Use: Legal documents.
Tone: Formal but softer.
📘 Semi-Formal & Neutral Alternatives
1. Such as
Meaning: Introduces examples.
Example: “The app offers multiple features, such as reminders and notifications.”
Best Use: Everyday professional writing.
Worst Use: Legal contexts.
Tone: Neutral.
2. For example
Meaning: Offers sample items.
Example: “Employees may request equipment upgrades, for example, laptops or monitors.”
Best Use: Emails, instructions.
Worst Use: Contracts.
Tone: Neutral.
3. For instance
Meaning: Provides a sample.
Example: “We analysed several metrics, for instance, customer churn rate.”
Tone: Neutral, clear.
4. Specifically
Meaning: Highlights important items.
Example: “We need to focus on key metrics, specifically revenue and retention.”
Best Use: Reports.
Tone: Semi-formal.
5. To name a few
Meaning: Indicates a longer list exists.
Example: “We’ll be reviewing several departments, to name a few: finance and operations.”
Tone: Friendly professional.
6. Such examples include
Meaning: Introduces examples.
Example: “Such examples include market trends and consumer feedback.”
Tone: Semi-formal.
7. Incorporating
Meaning: Including as part of a whole.
Example: “The upgrade includes new functionality incorporating analytics tools.”
Tone: Neutral.
8. Which may include
Meaning: Potential examples.
Example: “Tasks may vary, which may include report creation.”
Tone: Professional-neutral.
9. Among the following
Meaning: Indicates listed items are part of a larger set.
Example: “The shortlisted candidates are among the following applicants.”
Tone: Semi-formal.
10. Covering
Meaning: Spanning multiple items.
Example: “Training sessions will be held covering safety and compliance topics.”
Tone: Neutral.
😄 Informal or Casual Alternatives
1. Like
Example: “We’ll need some items, like cables and adapters.”
Tone: Very casual.
2. Stuff like
Example: “Bring essentials, stuff like snacks and water.”
Tone: Casual.
3. Things such as
Example: “We discussed several ideas, things such as layout changes.”
Tone: Informal.
4. And so on
Example: “We’ll test login, payment, and so on.”
Tone: Casual, broad.
5. And similar items
Example: “Please submit receipts, invoices, and similar items.”
Tone: Light casual.
🏢 Industry-Specific Variations
Business
- “Including various operational components”
- “Such as key performance indicators”
Corporate
- “Including but not exclusive to”
- “Involving core processes such as…”
Academic
- “As illustrated by”
- “Exemplified through”
Customer Service
- “Which may include inquiries related to…”
- “Such as common troubleshooting steps”
Legal
- “Including, without limitation”
- “Comprising but not restricted to”
Email Communication
- “Such as”
- “For example”
- “Among others”
📩 Email Examples Using These Synonyms
1. Subject: Updated Project Scope
Hi Maria,
To clarify the scope, the next phase will focus on core features, including various user experience improvements.
Best regards,
Liam
2. Subject: Documentation Request
Dear Team,
Please submit all compliance documents, including, without limitation, audit logs and verification forms.
Regards,
Stephanie
3. Subject: Equipment Needs
Hi Jacob,
We need several new devices, such as monitors and docking stations.
Thanks,
Elena
4. Subject: Data Review
Hello David,
The findings highlight several issues, as illustrated by the discrepancies in the Q1 report.
Best,
Nora
5. Subject: Meeting Prep
Hi All,
Tomorrow’s agenda covers key topics, among others, process automation and staffing updates.
Thanks,
Olivia
6. Subject: Job Responsibilities
Dear Applicant,
The role involves multiple duties, not limited to client onboarding and documentation management.
Sincerely,
HR Team
7. Subject: Product Update
Hi Team,
We’ve added new features, for example, live reporting and automated alerts.
Regards,
Chris
8. Subject: File Submission
Hi Ava,
Please upload all required materials, specifically your final presentation slides.
Thanks,
Mark
9. Subject: Budget Clarification
Dear James,
We reviewed several expenditure categories, including various operational costs.
Best,
Chloe
10. Subject: Candidate Evaluation
Hi Panel,
We assessed several competencies, exemplified by leadership and analytical skills.
Regards,
Tara
💬 Short Dialogue Examples
A: “What skills should I highlight?”
B: “Focus on core strengths, such as communication and planning.”
A: “What files do you need?”
B: “All essential documents, including, without limitation, your ID and certificates.”
A: “What topics does the course cover?”
B: “A wide range, including research methods and ethics.”
A: “Which teams are joining?”
B: “Several groups, among others, HR and Finance.”
A: “What issues were found in testing?”
B: “Multiple issues, exemplified by login errors.”
📊 Comparison Table
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Including, without limitation | Very formal | Legal documents | “Applies to all assets, including, without limitation…” |
| Among others | Formal | Reports | “Reviewed several proposals, among others…” |
| Such as | Neutral | Emails | “Such as performance ads…” |
| For example | Neutral | Explanations | “For example, the system logs…” |
| Specifically | Semi-formal | Highlighting details | “Specifically the Q3 numbers…” |
| To name a few | Semi-formal | Light professional | “Departments such as HR and Finance, to name a few…” |
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing the phrase in a short document
- Using legal-heavy terms in casual contexts
- Using “like” in professional communication
- Adding too many examples that overwhelm the sentence
- Making the list sound exhaustive when it’s meant to be open-ended
- Forgetting to match formality to audience
- Using vague items that add no clarity
⛔ When NOT to Use This Phrase
- When the list must be complete
- When clarity is more important than flexibility
- In instructions requiring exact steps
- When the examples confuse rather than clarify
- When speaking verbally in highly formal situations
- In performance reviews where ambiguity is harmful
❓ FAQs
1. Is “including but not limited to” too formal?
Yes, in everyday business writing it can sound overly legalistic.
2. What is the simplest alternative?
“Such as.”
3. What’s the best legal alternative?
“Including, without limitation.”
4. Can I use these phrases in emails?
Yes—use softer options like “for example” or “such as.”
5. Should I avoid casual alternatives at work?
Yes, unless you know the audience well.
6. Does the phrase imply the list is incomplete?
Yes, that is the primary purpose.
7. Is “like” acceptable professionally?
Usually no—use “such as” instead.
