What Does "Including But Not Limited To" Mean?

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The meaning, usage, and correct punctuation of this common phrase

Co-authored by Bertha Isabel Crombet, PhD

Last Updated: December 30, 2024 Fact Checked

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• “Including But Not Limited To” Meaning
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• How to Use
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• Proper Punctuation
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• Where the Phrase Comes From
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• Similar Phrases

|Show more |Show less

The phrase, “including but not limited to” is often found in legal documents. You may have encountered this expression before when signing a lease or buying home insurance. Although it sounds a bit tricky, “including but not limited to” simply refers to a set of examples that don’t totally represent all of the possible options. But what should you do if you stumble upon it in a contract? And how can you use it in writing and/or conversation? Here’s a comprehensive guide to this legal expression, including but not limited to its origins, meaning, and how to use it. See what we did there?

“Including But Not Limited To” Quick Overview

“Including but not limited to” means that the list of examples following the phrase isn’t complete, and there may be other examples that aren't included. Someone saying, "My favorite ice cream flavors include but are not limited to vanilla, chocolate, and mint" means they may have other favorite flavors they didn't include in the list.

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Section 1 of 5:

“Including But Not Limited To” Meaning

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1. "Including but not limited to" introduces a list of examples that does not include every possible option. For example, when applying for a job, the position details might read: “Responsibilities include but are not limited to overseeing large-scale projects, doing payroll for employees, and cold-calling potential customers.” This means that there may be other job responsibilities that weren't listed.

   • When submitting a college paper, your professor’s rubric might read: “An ‘A’ paper includes but is not limited to thoughtful commentary, concrete examples from the text, and flawless grammar.” That means there may be other, unlisted things they'd also expect in an 'A' paper.
   • When signing up for home insurance, the fine print might read: “Coverage includes but is not limited to property damage, pet damage, and legal fees.” That means the coverage may include other things that weren't listed.
   • This expression allows people to provide a list of examples without needing to include every possible option. It prevents these lists from being overly long and complicated.
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Section 2 of 5:

How to Use "Including But Not Limited To"

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1. Use "including but not limited to" to introduce a list of things that isn't complete. It’s a great way to describe guidelines, parameters, or examples while still letting the person you're talking to know that not everything has been included in your list. Here are a few examples of how you can integrate this idiom into your daily life.

   • “My favorite cookies include but are not limited to chocolate chip, strawberry crinkle, and oatmeal.”
   • “The differences between Canada and the U.S. include but are not limited to weather, population, and affinity for maple syrup.”
   • “The criteria that needs to be met for this assignment includes but is not limited to a 1000 word count minimum, six sources, and author interviews.”
   • “My Christmas wishlist includes but is not limited to workout clothes, perfume, and makeup.”
   • “Being a good Christian includes but is not limited to being kind to others, going to church, and accepting Jesus Christ as your savior.”

Section 3 of 5:

"Does "including but not limited to" need commas?

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1. The phrase can work with or without commas. Commas, like some other punctuations, can be a bit subjective. They are meant to signal a pause in a sentence that is less pronounced than a period. Keeping this in mind, "including but not limited to" can function in either of the following ways.

   • Without commas: "We accept all kinds of payments, including but not limited to, credit card, cash, and Apple Pay."
     • The only extra comma present is before the introduction of the list, which creates a small pause.
   • With commas: "There are so many beautiful beaches in Florida, including, but not limited to, Clearwater Beach and Sanibel Island."
     • The two extra commas here offer a pause within a pause, which is still totally grammatically sound.
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Section 4 of 5:

Where Does “Including But Not Limited To” Come From?

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1. Although its origins are uncertain, we know it first appeared in legal papers. It was initially used to describe who would be covered under certain legal situations. For example, if someone bought property from the owner, then they would become “included” in its ownership.

   • The idiom has evolved and changed with modern usage, applicable in formal and informal situations alike.
   • The phrase has countless applications across fields, including law, academia, and the workplace.
   • “Including but not limited to” can be used in social situations to provide a list of examples that don’t define the entire list.

Section 5 of 5:

Similar Phrases

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1. Here are a few alternatives to “including but not limited to." If you’re all burnt out on this idiom, these other expressions can be used in written documents or in conversation. All of them offer examples that represent part of the group, but not the whole group.

   • “Except as noted.” This common phrase can be used to describe a caveat or loophole in a contract. It can similarly be used in conversation. Prefacing a list of pre-determined items, “except as noted” lets the reader know that the rules stand… with a few exceptions. Examples:
     • “Except as noted in the paragraph below, no pets will be allowed.”
     • “Except as noted in Section 5, all other holidays will be unpaid.”
     • “Except as noted on the playbill, all songs will be original.”
   • “Unless otherwise stated.” This expression seeks to clearly point out that unless a term is explicitly stated, the good old rules still apply. You can modify this in conversation by saying, “Unless otherwise said.” Moreover, you could also say, “Unless stated otherwise.” Examples:
     • “All the amenities in the common room are available to everyone, unless otherwise stated.”
     • “Everyone here is invited to my birthday party… unless otherwise stated.”
     • “Unless stated otherwise, there will not be time for questions afterwards.”
   • “E.g.” From the Latin “exempli gratia”, e.g. means “for example.” Usually, e.g. is followed by one or two examples and is not meant to detail a long list. You can use it in writing or in conversation after making a statement that you want to provide examples for. Examples:
     • “I love card games, e.g. poker and crazy eights.”
     • “He needs to take it to the next level, e.g. ask you to be exclusive!”
     • “We have tons of seasonal flavors, e.g. peppermint and snickerdoodle.”
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