In professional writing—contracts, proposals, workplace documentation, and formal emails—the phrase “including but not limited to” is everywhere. It’s accurate, but it can also feel repetitive, overly legalistic, or stylistically heavy. Whether you’re drafting policies, outlining responsibilities, or providing examples, using polished alternatives helps you communicate clearly without losing precision.
This guide provides 35 professional, modern, and context-ready synonyms—each with meaning, examples, and usage notes. Use them to upgrade your writing while maintaining clarity and legal accuracy.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use alternatives to including but not limited to when you want to:
- give examples without implying a complete list
- sound less formal or less legalistic
- improve readability in reports, emails, and presentations
- maintain flexibility in policies, contracts, or instructions
- avoid repeating the same phrase multiple times in one document
Choose your substitute based on tone—formal, legal, conversational, or instructional.
Professional Alternatives to “Including but Not Limited To”
Below are 35 polished alternatives, each with meaning, usage notes, examples, and why they work.
1. Such as
Meaning: Introduces examples without implying a full list.
Example: The role requires strong communication skills, such as presenting and report writing.
Why it works: Simple, clear, and versatile.
2. Among other things
Meaning: Highlights that the list is incomplete.
Example: The system tracks activity logs, among other things.
Why it works: Concise and natural in professional writing.
3. Including the following
Meaning: Introduces a list of key examples.
Example: The package includes the following features: analytics, backups, and reporting.
Why it works: Clear and structured.
4. For example
Meaning: Gives one or more examples.
Example: We use several project tools, for example, Notion and Jira.
Why it works: Universally understood and easy to use.
5. Such as, but not limited to
Meaning: A softer version of the original phrase.
Example: Duties include tasks such as, but not limited to, scheduling and documentation.
Why it works: Retains flexibility while sounding smoother.
6. Including examples like
Meaning: Presents sample items.
Example: The software supports multiple file types, including examples like PDF and PNG.
Why it works: Modern and reader-friendly.
7. Among others
Meaning: Indicates additional items exist beyond those listed.
Example: We collaborate with several partners, among others, Deloitte and KPMG.
Why it works: Formal yet concise.
8. Such examples include
Meaning: Introduces representative examples.
Example: Positive feedback methods vary; such examples include recognition boards and peer shoutouts.
Why it works: Clear and instructional.
9. As well as
Meaning: Adds complementary items or examples.
Example: The team handles hiring as well as onboarding and training.
Why it works: Smooth and natural.
10. Including items like
Meaning: Gives specific examples.
Example: Please bring all necessary documents, including items like your ID and work permit.
Why it works: Friendly and accessible.
11. Consisting of
Meaning: Lists components of something.
Example: The bundle consists of templates, guides, and worksheets.
Why it works: Structured and formal.
12. Such items as
Meaning: Presents representative examples.
Example: The budget covers such items as travel, materials, and equipment.
Why it works: Works well in administrative or financial writing.
13. For instance
Meaning: Introduces an example or illustration.
Example: Some features—for instance, real-time alerts—require premium access.
Why it works: Natural in both spoken and written communication.
14. Including, without restriction to
Meaning: A more formal variant used in legal or compliance contexts.
Example: The policy applies to all devices, including, without restriction to, personal laptops.
Why it works: Maintains legal accuracy.
15. Encompassing
Meaning: Indicates the scope or coverage.
Example: The training program encompasses communication, leadership, and technical modules.
Why it works: Strong and academic.
16. Covering areas like
Meaning: Highlights example categories.
Example: The course covers areas like data analysis and visualization.
Why it works: Great for educational or business contexts.
17. Comprised of
Meaning: Lists components (slightly formal).
Example: The committee is comprised of managers, analysts, and advisors.
Why it works: Clear and professional.
18. Incorporating elements such as
Meaning: Introduces essential base elements.
Example: The design incorporates elements such as color coding and icon labels.
Why it works: Ideal for design, UX, or product documentation.
19. With examples that include
Meaning: Provides illustration without limiting scope.
Example: We offer several support options, with examples that include chat and email assistance.
Why it works: Professional and polished.
20. Among the examples are
Meaning: Puts emphasis on sample items.
Example: Among the examples are late submissions and repeated absences.
Why it works: Clear and slightly formal.
21. As illustrated by
Meaning: Introduces evidence or cases.
Example: The issue affects user experience, as illustrated by slow load times.
Why it works: Great for reports and presentations.
22. Including but not restricted to
Meaning: Similar to the original but more polished.
Example: The document requires verification details, including but not restricted to proof of identity.
Why it works: Provides legal clarity.
23. By way of example
Meaning: Formally introduces an illustration.
Example: Several factors influence productivity, by way of example, workload distribution.
Why it works: Professional and academic.
24. Such examples as
Meaning: Presents representative items.
Example: We analyzed several trends, such examples as market fluctuations and consumer behavior.
Why it works: Useful in analytical writing.
25. In particular
Meaning: Highlights specific examples.
Example: We need to address several issues, in particular, delayed responses.
Why it works: Sharp and direct.
26. Notably
Meaning: Emphasizes key examples.
Example: Several candidates stood out, notably Maria and Jonathan.
Why it works: Professional and elegant.
27. Especially
Meaning: Highlights the most important example(s).
Example: The update improves performance, especially on larger files.
Why it works: Natural and effective.
28. Including items such as
Meaning: Introduces example items.
Example: Please submit all expenses, including items such as receipts and invoices.
Why it works: Clear and helpful.
29. With features like
Meaning: Highlights example features.
Example: The app comes with features like offline access and cloud sync.
Why it works: Great for product descriptions.
30. Which may include
Meaning: Suggests a possible (not exhaustive) set of examples.
Example: The position includes responsibilities which may include scheduling and reporting.
Why it works: Precise and legally safe.
31. Including key areas such as
Meaning: Highlights important categories.
Example: The strategy focuses on improvement, including key areas such as quality and efficiency.
Why it works: Perfect for business writing.
32. Such components as
Meaning: Lists essential parts.
Example: The process involves such components as data collection and validation.
Why it works: Accurate and formal.
33. Ranging from… to…
Meaning: Shows the breadth of a category.
Example: The event offers sessions ranging from leadership training to technical workshops.
Why it works: Dynamic and expressive.
34. Examples include
Meaning: Lists sample items clearly.
Example: Common challenges—examples include time constraints and unclear requirements.
Why it works: Simple and professional.
35. Including, among others
Meaning: Lists examples while implying a larger group.
Example: The project involves several departments, including, among others, Finance and HR.
Why it works: Polished and suitable for formal contexts.
Quick One-Line Templates
- “The report covers areas such as…”
- “Key responsibilities include, among others, the following…”
- “Services offered include examples like…”
- “The policy applies to items including but not restricted to…”
- “The role involves tasks ranging from… to…”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing overly formal phrases in casual communication
- Adding too many examples, making the sentence bulky
- Using synonyms that unintentionally limit the list
- Repeating the same phrase multiple times in one document
- Choosing a legal-sounding term when simple examples would suffice
Aim for clarity, accuracy, and tone appropriateness.
FAQ
1. Is “including but not limited to” still acceptable in formal writing?
Yes—especially in legal, HR, and policy documents—but alternatives can improve readability.
2. Which synonym is safest for contracts?
Use precise options like “including but not restricted to” or “including, without limitation”.
3. Which option works best for emails?
Simpler choices such as “such as”, “for example”, or “among others”.
4. Does replacing the phrase change its meaning?
Not if you choose an alternative that clearly indicates the list is incomplete.
5. Can I use these alternatives in academic writing?
Yes—phrases like “for instance”, “as illustrated by”, and “such examples include” work well.
Conclusion
The phrase “including but not limited to” serves an important purpose, but it doesn’t need to appear in every document. By choosing modern, polished alternatives, you improve readability, maintain professionalism, and tailor your tone to the context. With these 35 advanced substitutes, you can write with clarity, confidence, and precision—no legalese required.
