Include IN or ON? Which is the correct preposition?

Vocabulary / By

We usually use the preposition “in” with the verb “to include”. This is because we often want to include something within the boundaries of something else(which is a common use of the preposition “in”).

Examples:

I want to be included in everything.

Yes, she is included in our report.

Include In

We use the preposition “in” when we want to show that something exists in a volume. This volume is like a boundary and can be physical or metaphorical.  Let’s look at some examples of include with the preposition “in”:

The appendix is included in the show notes.

This tax is included in everything you buy.

Include On

It is possible to use “included on” but not as common as “included in”.  We only use “included on” when the following noun needs the preposition “on” which we use for surfaces.

They had their names included on the album cover. 

Include For

We only use “for” with “include” when “for” functions as a regular preposition that connects two parts of a sentence(i.e it is not connected to “include”)

The instructions are included for reference at another date. 

Include Into

“Include into” is not very common nor necessary in English. Though we use “into” to show movement from one place to another, that is not necessary with “include”.

I want to include you in my group.

I want to include you into my group.

Include in the list or on the list?

Both “include in the list” an “include on the list” could possibly be correct. It depends if you want to focus on the boundaries of inclusion(use in) or the paper that the list is on. I personally would use “include in the list”.

Include in the report or on the report?

Both “include in the report” an “include on the report” could possibly be correct. It depends if you want to focus on the boundaries of inclusion(use in) or the paper that the list is on. I personally would use “include in the list”.

Conor
Latest posts by Conor (see all)