Include vs. Incorporate — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 24, 2024
"Include" refers to having something as a part or element, while "incorporate" means to integrate or combine parts into a whole.
Difference Between Include and Incorporate
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Include" is used to specify that something contains or has something else as a part or component. On the other hand, "incorporate" suggests a more active process of integration or amalgamation, where separate elements are combined to form a cohesive whole. When a company decides to incorporate sustainable practices, it means these practices are not just added as an afterthought but are integrated into the company's operations and strategies.
While "include" often points to the addition of parts or elements without necessarily altering the structure or nature of the whole, "incorporate" implies a blending or unification that may modify the overall structure or identity. For example, including a new ingredient in a recipe simply adds it to the list of components, but incorporating a new ingredient might mean adjusting the recipe to ensure the new element complements the others, affecting the dish's overall flavor or texture.
The distinction between these terms can also be seen in their usage in different contexts. "Include" is commonly used in more static contexts, where the focus is on listing or mentioning parts of a whole. "Incorporate," however, is often found in dynamic contexts, implying action and integration, such as in legal, business, or creative processes. When a business incorporates, it undergoes a formal process to become a recognized legal entity, which is a more complex and transformative action than simply including new policies or procedures.
In documentation or instructions, using "include" might suggest that certain elements should be present, while using "incorporate" advises on integrating these elements into a larger system or framework. For instance, a guideline might include a set of rules (list them as necessary components), but it might also advise incorporating these rules into daily operations (suggesting a method to integrate them seamlessly).
Understanding the difference between "include" and "incorporate" is crucial for clear communication, especially in contexts where the distinction between merely adding elements and thoroughly combining them into a new whole matters. Both terms play significant roles in various fields, emphasizing the importance of precision in language to convey the correct extent and manner of integration.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
To have something as a part or component.
To integrate parts into a whole or to become a legal entity.
Process
Adding or listing without altering the whole's structure.
Combining in a way that may change the whole's structure.
Context Usage
Static contexts, focusing on the presence of elements.
Dynamic contexts, emphasizing action and integration.
Example
Including a chapter in a book.
Incorporating feedback into a revised edition of a book.
Implication
Presence of elements.
Integration and unification of elements.
Compare with Definitions
Include
Specifying Presence.
The agenda includes a time for questions and answers.
Incorporate
Creating Cohesion.
The novel incorporates themes of love and loss throughout its narrative.
Include
Without Structural Change.
The playlist includes songs from various genres.
Incorporate
Integration Process.
The new policy incorporates suggestions from multiple stakeholders.
Include
Listing Components.
The package includes a user manual, a charger, and a warranty card.
Incorporate
Legal Formation.
The company was incorporated under the laws of the state.
Include
Element Addition.
The curriculum includes both lectures and workshops.
Incorporate
Combining Elements.
The design incorporates both traditional and modern elements.
Include
Static Inclusion.
The report includes data from the recent survey.
Incorporate
Dynamic Inclusion.
The teacher incorporates technology into every aspect of the curriculum.
Include
Comprise or contain as part of a whole
Other changes included the abolition of the death penalty
The price includes dinner, bed, and breakfast
Incorporate
To unite (one thing) with something else already in existence
Incorporated the letter into her diary.
Include
Make part of a whole or set
We have included some hints for beginners in this section
Incorporate
To admit as a member to a corporation or similar organization.
Include
To contain or take in as a part, element, or member.
Incorporate
To cause to merge or combine together into a united whole.
Include
To consider as part of or allow into a group or class
Thanked the host for including us.
Incorporate
To cause to form into a legal corporation
Incorporate a business.
Include
To bring into a group, class, set, or total as a (new) part or member.
I will purchase the vacation package if you will include car rental.
Incorporate
To give substance or material form to; embody.
Include
To consider as part of something; to comprehend.
The vacation package includes car rental.
Does this volume of Shakespeare include his sonnets?
I was included in the invitation to the family gathering.
Up to and including page twenty-five
Incorporate
To become united or combined into an organized body.
Include
(obsolete) To enclose, confine.
Incorporate
To become or form a legal corporation
San Antonio incorporated as a city in 1837.
Include
(obsolete) To conclude; to terminate.
Incorporate
(Linguistics) To move from the head of one phrase to the head of another, forming a new word by affixing onto that head, as in certain languages when a noun object of a verb is affixed to the verb.
Include
(programming) To use a directive that allows the use of source code from another file.
You have to include the strings library to use this function.
Incorporate
Combined into one united body; merged.
Include
(programming) A piece of source code or other content that is dynamically retrieved for inclusion in another item.
Incorporate
Formed into a legal corporation.
Include
To confine within; to hold; to contain; to shut up; to inclose; as, the shell of a nut includes the kernel; a pearl is included in a shell.
Incorporate
(transitive) To include (something) as a part.
The design of his house incorporates a spiral staircase.
To incorporate another's ideas into one's work
Include
To comprehend or comprise, as a genus the species, the whole a part, an argument or reason the inference; to contain; to embrace; as, this volume of Shakespeare includes his sonnets; he was included in the invitation to the family; to and including page twenty-five.
The whole included race, his purposed prey.
The loss of such a lord includes all harm.
Incorporate
(transitive) To mix (something in) as an ingredient; to blend
Incorporate air into the mixture by whisking.
Include
To conclude; to end; to terminate.
Come, let us go; we will include all jarsWith triumphs, mirth, and rare solemnity.
Incorporate
(transitive) To admit as a member of a company
Include
Have as a part, be made up out of;
The list includes the names of many famous writers
Incorporate
(transitive) To form into a legal company.
The company was incorporated in 1980.
Include
Consider as part of something;
I include you in the list of culprits
Incorporate
To include (another clause or guarantee of the US constitution) as a part (of the Fourteenth Amendment, such that the clause binds not only the federal government but also state governments).
Include
Add as part of something else; put in as part of a set, group, or category;
We must include this chemical element in the group
Incorporate
To form into a body; to combine, as different ingredients, into one consistent mass.
Include
Allow participation in or the right to be part of; permit to exercise the rights, functions, and responsibilities of;
Admit someone to the profession
She was admitted to the New Jersey Bar
Incorporate
To unite with a material body; to give a material form to; to embody.
Incorporate
(obsolete) Corporate; incorporated; made one body, or united in one body; associated; mixed together; combined; embodied.
Incorporate
Not consisting of matter; not having a material body; incorporeal; spiritual.
Incorporate
Not incorporated; not existing as a corporation.
An incorporate banking association
Incorporate
Not consisting of matter; not having a material body; incorporeal; spiritual.
Moses forbore to speak of angles, and things invisible, and incorporate.
Incorporate
Not incorporated; not existing as a corporation; as, an incorporate banking association.
Incorporate
Corporate; incorporated; made one body, or united in one body; associated; mixed together; combined; embodied.
As if our hands, our sides, voices, and mindsHad been incorporate.
A fifteenth part of silver incorporate with gold.
Incorporate
To form into a body; to combine, as different ingredients, into one consistent mass.
By your leaves, you shall not stay alone,Till holy church incorporate two in one.
Incorporate
To unite with a material body; to give a material form to; to embody.
The idolaters, who worshiped their images as gods, supposed some spirit to be incorporated therein.
Incorporate
To unite with, or introduce into, a mass already formed; as, to incorporate copper with silver; - used with with and into.
Incorporate
To unite intimately; to blend; to assimilate; to combine into a structure or organization, whether material or mental; as, to incorporate provinces into the realm; to incorporate another's ideas into one's work.
The Romans did not subdue a country to put the inhabitants to fire and sword, but to incorporate them into their own community.
Incorporate
To form into a legal body, or body politic; to constitute into a corporation recognized by law, with special functions, rights, duties and liabilities; as, to incorporate a bank, a railroad company, a city or town, etc.
Incorporate
To unite in one body so as to make a part of it; to be mixed or blended; - usually followed by with.
Painters' colors and ashes do better incorporate will oil.
He never suffers wrong so long to grow,And to incorporate with right so farAs it might come to seem the same in show.
Incorporate
Make into a whole or make part of a whole;
She incorporated his suggestions into her proposal
Incorporate
Include or contain; have as a component;
A totally new idea is comprised in this paper
The record contains many old songs from the 1930's
Incorporate
Form a corporation
Incorporate
Unite or merge with something already in existence;
Incorporate this document with those pertaining to the same case
Incorporate
Formed or united into a whole
Common Curiosities
Why is the distinction between include and incorporate important?
The distinction is crucial for clarity, especially in legal, business, and technical contexts where the extent of integration matters.
Can "include" and "incorporate" be used interchangeably?
While they might seem similar, their usage depends on the context and the degree of integration implied, so they are not always interchangeable.
How does incorporation apply to businesses?
For businesses, incorporation refers to the legal process of forming a recognized company entity, which is a comprehensive form of integration.
What does it mean to include something?
Including something means to have it as a part or element of a larger group, without implying any alteration to the group's overall structure.
How does incorporating differ from including?
Incorporating involves a deeper level of integration that may alter the whole's structure, unlike simply adding or listing elements.
What is an example of incorporating feedback?
Incorporating feedback means making adjustments to a project or document based on suggestions, ensuring the feedback is seamlessly integrated.
Does "include" imply less effort than "incorporate"?
Not necessarily less effort, but "include" implies a simpler action of adding, while "incorporate" suggests a more complex process of integration.
Can a single item be both included and incorporated?
Yes, an item can be both included as part of a list and incorporated in a way that it becomes integral to the operation or structure of something.
Is incorporation always a formal process?
In business and legal contexts, yes, it involves formal procedures. In general usage, it refers to the act of combining elements thoroughly.
How do "include" and "incorporate" reflect on writing quality?
Using the correct term can enhance clarity and precision, indicating whether elements are merely added or fundamentally integrated.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Discord vs. Discourse
Next Comparison
Broom vs. SweeperAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
