Is "exclude sth" formal or informal?

It is more formal and often used in writing or professional speech.

Can "exclude" be used without an object?

"Exclude" always requires a direct object.

Can "exclude" be used in passive voice?

Yes, for example, "He was excluded from the group."

Is "exclude" separable?

Yes, but usually it is followed directly by the object.

Exclude sth Meaning and Examples: How to Use in Sentences

What Does “Exclude sth” Mean?

“Exclude sth” means to intentionally leave something out or not include it in a group, list, or consideration.

Introduction

The phrase “Exclude sth” is a common phrasal verb in English. It is used when someone wants to leave an item, person, or idea out of a particular group or situation. Understanding the exclude sth meaning helps learners express the action of not including something clearly. This phrasal verb is useful in everyday conversation, writing, and professional contexts. Knowing how to use it correctly can improve your communication skills and make your English sound more natural.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: Exclude something
Type: Transitive
Level: B1 (Intermediate)
Short meaning: To leave something out or not include it

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Exclude sth” is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it always takes a direct object (something you exclude).

Separable: Yes, you can place the object between “exclude” and the thing, but usually “exclude” is followed directly by the object.
Pattern: exclude + object (e.g., exclude the fees)

How to Use Exclude sth?

You use “exclude sth” when you want to say that something is deliberately left out. This can be in rules, lists, plans, or groups. For example, in a meeting, you might exclude certain topics from discussion. In contracts, some items might be excluded from coverage. The verb is formal and often used in written or spoken English to clarify what is not included.

Examples

When planning a party, you might exclude some guests to keep the event small. Here are some examples of exclude sth in a sentence:

The price excludes taxes and shipping fees.
They decided to exclude the outdated data from the report.
The package excludes any additional accessories.
Our policy excludes coverage for accidental damage.
The teacher excluded late homework from the final grade.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes learners confuse “exclude” with similar verbs or use it incorrectly. Here are some examples:

Incorrect: *Exclude to the fees from the total.*
Correct: Exclude the fees from the total.
Incorrect: *We exclude on him from the team.*
Correct: We exclude him from the team.

Remember, “exclude” is followed directly by the object without prepositions like “to” or “on.”

Differences / Synonyms

“Exclude sth” is similar to verbs like “leave out,” “omit,” and “except,” but there are differences:

Exclude means to deliberately not include something.
Leave out is informal and means to not include something, sometimes accidentally.
Omit means to leave something out, often by mistake or intentionally.
Except is used to show something is not included in a general statement.

Use “exclude” when you want to emphasize a clear decision to not include something.

Common Collocations

We often exclude specific things or people. Here are common collocations with “exclude”:

Exclude taxes: Not including taxes in a price.
Exclude fees: Not including extra charges.
Exclude people: Not allowing certain individuals to participate.
Exclude data: Leaving out information or statistics.
Exclude items: Not including specific objects or parts.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of exclude sth:

Exclude Sb

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “exclude sth”:

Anna: Does the hotel price include breakfast?

John: No, the price excludes breakfast. You have to pay extra.

Anna: Okay, thanks for letting me know. I’ll budget for that.

Practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “exclude”:

The warranty ________ damages caused by accidents.
We decided to ________ outdated records from the database.
The cost of shipping is ________ from the total price.
They ________ several applicants from the final selection.

FAQ

Q: Is “exclude sth” formal or informal?
A: It is more formal and often used in writing or professional speech.
Q: Can “exclude” be used without an object?
A: No, “exclude” always requires a direct object.
Q: What is the opposite of “exclude sth”?
A: The opposite is “include sth.”
Q: Can “exclude” be used in passive voice?
A: Yes, for example, “He was excluded from the group.”
Q: Is “exclude” separable?
A: Yes, but usually it is followed directly by the object.