Usage of INCLUDING

Question

Hi I was wondering about the usage of INCLUDING...

Can anyone suggest anything?

We use it for introducing examples?
We use it for what????

Including refers to the nearest noun???

The doubt came to me while solving the following question:

Unable to build nests or care for their young, a female cowbird lays up to 40 eggs a year in the nests of other birds, including warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and thrushes.

(A) a female cowbird lays up to 40 eggs a year in the nests of other birds, including
(B) a female cowbird will use the nests of other birds to lay up to 40 eggs a year, including those of
(C) female cowbirds use the nests of other birds to lay up to 40 eggs a year, including those of
(D) female cowbirds lay up to 40 eggs a year in the nests of other birds, including
(E) up to 40 eggs a year are laid by female cowbirds in the nests of other birds, including

But my question is more general.... I don't want you to focus on the question above.... ( I think that we can choose D instead of C just by focusing on the meaning of each answer choice)

GMATNinja   VeritasKarishma

Thank you!!

GMATNinja · Answer

I would avoid trying to fit the word "including" into a box and assigning black and white rules about what it means and how it is used. Yes, it is often used to introduce examples, but there are certainly other ways to use it. For example: "The movie has grossed over $1,000,000,000 in box office receipts, including $50,000,000 from last weekend." In this example, we're using "including" to indicate that the second amount was part of the first amount. And does "including" always refer to the nearest noun? Not necessarily: "I enjoy many foods from Latin America, including ceviche, empanadas, mole poblano, mote con huesillo, bandeja paisa, feijoada, gallo pinto, pupusas, arepas, chirimoya alegre, and choripan." Here we are clearly citing examples of "foods", not examples of "Latin America". (And we could add a whole lot more to that list of foods...

) In other words, there is no formula for dealing with the word "including". I recommend keeping an eye out for questions that use "including" and letting us know if you have any issues with those specific questions. You might find that your understanding of the word and its usage is actually just fine.

I hope that helps!

KarishmaB · Answer

patto :

"including" means "containing". It could give examples or mention specific, extra-interest cases.

Several Muslim sites in France, including mosques have been attacked or vandalized since the Charlie Hebdo massacre.
Through his company, consumers will be able to cheaply make custom DNA strands, including what Heinz calls “creatures.”
French officials were already on edge after a series of apparently unconnected attacks, including the stabbing of police officers.

VerbalBot · Answer

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Usage of INCLUDING

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