“Including but not limited to” signals that the examples named are not the complete list. Depending on the level of formality, you can use “including, among other things,” “including, without limitation,” “such as,” or “examples include.” In legal writing, small wording changes can matter, so do not replace established contract language casually.
Pick the Phrase for the Level of Formality
- Including, among other things
- Including, without limitation
- Including, but not exclusively
- Such as
- For example
- For instance
- Among others
- Including, for example
- Examples include
- Includes, without limitation
What Each Alternative Signals
Including, among other things
A natural formal alternative that makes the non-exhaustive meaning explicit. Example: The role includes, among other things, preparing reports and coordinating meetings.
Including, without limitation
Common in legal and contractual writing where the drafter wants to emphasize that the list is not exhaustive. Example: Covered costs include, without limitation, travel and accommodation.
Including, but not exclusively
A formal alternative that explicitly says other items may also be included. Example: The policy applies to digital records, including, but not exclusively, email and cloud storage.
Such as
The simplest everyday way to introduce examples, usually implying that the list is illustrative rather than complete. Example: Bring identification such as a passport or driving licence.
For example
Best when you are giving one or more illustrations rather than defining a category. Example: Some costs may be reimbursed, for example travel and parking.
For instance
Similar to “for example,” with a slightly more written or explanatory feel. Example: Several options are available; for instance, you can attend online.
Among others
Useful after a short list when you want to indicate that other examples exist. Example: The panel included researchers, clinicians, and policy advisers, among others.
Including, for example
A clear way to signal that the items that follow are examples rather than the whole category. Example: Eligible costs include, for example, travel, accommodation, and registration fees.
Examples include
Plain wording that makes it obvious the items are examples rather than an exhaustive definition. Example: Examples include laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Includes, without limitation
A compact legal-style construction when “includes” is the main verb. Example: Confidential information includes, without limitation, financial and technical data.
Be Careful in Contracts and Policies
In ordinary prose, “such as” or “examples include” is often clearer than a long legal formula. In contracts, policies, regulations, or other documents where the scope of a list has legal consequences, keep the approved wording unless a qualified reviewer confirms a change is safe.
“For example” and “for instance” introduce illustrations; they do not always carry exactly the same drafting effect as “including but not limited to.”