English

contain

kənˈteɪn
Meaning: to have something inside or include something as a part
Part of Speech: Verb

Listen to pronunciation

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Verb inflections

Form Inflected form
Base contain
3rd person singular present contains
Present participle containing
Past contained
Will future will contain
Going-to future going to contain
Imperative negative don't contain / do not contain

Example sentences

This box contains old photographs from my childhood.
The label says this drink contains ten percent alcohol by volume.
The label says this drink contains ten percent alcohol by volume.
Some mushrooms contain a deadly poison.
Some mushrooms contain a deadly poison.
A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses.
A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses.
The book contains many beautiful illustrations.
The book contains many beautiful illustrations.
The children could hardly contain their excitement before the trip.
The children could hardly contain their excitement before the trip.
The contract contains a clause that allows for early termination.
The contract contains a clause that allows for early termination.
He could not contain his fury when he heard the news.
He could not contain his fury when he heard the news.
Please disregard the previous email as it contained incorrect information.
Please disregard the previous email as it contained incorrect information.
The book contains a great deal of peripheral detail.
The book contains a great deal of peripheral detail.

Usage Notes

Can refer to physical objects being inside something, or abstract concepts being included. It can also mean to control or restrain (e.g., 'contain your excitement').

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