70 IRL Examples Of Inclusive Language

When discussing inclusive language, many immediately think of avoiding gendered pronouns—and rightly so, as it’s a crucial starting point for integrating inclusivity into our communication. However, the concept extends far beyond this. Biased language subtly infiltrates our daily lives, often in ways we barely notice. The impact of our linguistic choices is profound; we can instigate meaningful change through these everyday decisions.

This guide aims to illuminate the nuances of inclusive language through real-life examples of inclusive language and their non-inclusive counterparts. It reminds us how easily we can fall into the trap of stereotypes and how simple it can be to embrace a more inclusive perspective.

For obvious reasons, these are just a few examples of inclusive languages and do not cover everything, but they can be an introductory guide to the practical applications of inclusive language designed to engage, inform, and inspire a shift toward more thoughtful communication.

Stereotypes And Biases

Let’s face it: we all carry biases, often picked up from our surroundings, the stories and images we’ve been fed by media about specific places, peoples, and groups. These biases usually show up as stereotypes and generalizations—thinking Italians always argue, Germans are overly precise, African Americans are loud, or South Americans are lazy. These stereotypes oversimplify people’s identities and limit our worldview to a single, narrow perspective. And it’s surprisingly easy to slip into these habits when writing or interacting with others.

Below are examples of how stereotype-driven language can appear alongside alternatives that embrace a more inclusive approach.

Gender and Orientation

Language has a sneaky way of reinforcing old gender norms, often without us even realizing it. It’s woven so deeply into the fabric of our culture that it becomes almost invisible. Consider this: how frequently have you heard a woman described as “bossy” or terms like “man-hours” tossed around in work conversations? There’s also the habit of using masculine terms as the default to include everyone or labeling someone as an “alpha” in a way that leans heavily on outdated male stereotypes.

It’s a reflection of how gendered language is not just about words—it’s about the ideas and prejudices they carry and perpetuate. These are some non-inclusive language examples and their inclusive language examples counterparts that challenge these norms and speak in ways that welcome and include everyone.

Ability

Sometimes, our everyday language can exclude or offend without even noticing. This happens because society habitually labels physical conditions or mental traits with negative connotations rather than recognizing them as aspects of diversity and uses these words to explain bad situations and behaviors. For instance, saying someone “turns a blind eye” to ignore issues, calling unconventional behavior “mental,” or describing a hectic situation as “crazy.” Often used casually, these terms have deep roots in perceptions that don’t respect the full range of human experience.

Below a list of examples of non-inclusive sentences and their respective inclusive language ones that can make everyone feel seen and respected.

Religion

In our conversations and writing, it’s easy to overlook how deeply personal and significant religion and beliefs are to each individual. Often, without intending to, we might use phrases or make references that oversimplify or misrepresent someone’s faith or spirituality. This can happen when we use religious terms or symbols casually in everyday language or when we make assumptions about someone’s beliefs based on their background or appearance. Imagine casually using phrases like “Oh, it’s like a Bible to him” to refer to something unrelated to faith or making assumptions about holidays someone celebrates without asking.

This table juxtaposes non-inclusive statements that may unintentionally emphasize a person’s religious identity as their primary attribute with inclusive alternatives that respect the person’s profession or role as their primary identifier, acknowledging religious identity as one aspect of their diverse identity.

Acquired Diversity

Acquired diversity involves the experiences and backgrounds individuals gather throughout their lives, such as cultural exposure, education, and professional experiences. We may inadvertently overlook or simplify these aspects through our language and interactions. For instance, we may assume that someone’s achievements are solely due to their age, class, or geographic origin or pigeonhole their capabilities based on their veteran status or the university they attended. This overlooks the nuanced and layered nature of individual experiences contributing to a person’s unique perspective and skills.

This table contrasts non-inclusive statements that may inadvertently stereotype individuals based on age, class, or veteran status with inclusive alternatives that recognize their abilities, experiences, or challenges without making assumptions based on these characteristics.

Social Motivation

Social motivation—the reasons behind our actions, how we interact with others, and what drives us to contribute to society—can be as diverse as humanity. Yet, it’s easy to fall into the trap of oversimplifying or misjudging someone’s motivations based on narrow perceptions. For instance, attributing a young person’s activism solely to a desire for social media attention or assuming that someone’s charitable work is just a resume booster overlooks the complexity and sincerity of their intentions. It’s crucial to remember that people are motivated by many factors, including deeply held values, personal experiences, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Recognizing the layers and legitimacy behind why individuals engage in social activities encourages a deeper appreciation of how people contribute to the fabric of our communities.

This table contrasts statements that might unintentionally convey narrow or stereotypical views on why people are motivated in specific ways with inclusive alternatives that recognize a broader spectrum of motivations and contributions without making assumptions based on social backgrounds or life circumstances. These IRL examples of inclusive language are a great way to understand the importance of placing each word within context.

Origins And Nationality

Let’s talk about origins—where we come from shapes us, but it’s too easy to oversimplify someone’s background. Have you ever caught yourself or others saying, “He is Asian,” as if that’s the whole story? Such statements lump together incredibly diverse cultures, countries, and individuals, reducing rich histories to a single word. When we label someone just by a continent or region, we miss out on their unique story and the nuances of their origins. It’s like using one color to paint a masterpiece that needs a whole palette.

The following examples of inclusive language vs the non-inclusive version aim to shift the focus from broad, sweeping categories to more specific and respectful acknowledgments of individuals’ origins, promoting a more inclusive and accurate representation of diversity.

How do you start using inclusive language?

After reading our examples of inclusive language, how to start with bias-free language? That’s a great sign you’re aiming for more mindful and respectful communication. Embracing inclusive language goes beyond just picking new words— it’s about actively shaping fair, welcoming, and respectful spaces for everyone. It’s about moving from passive to intentional communication, where diversity in all its richness is acknowledged and celebrated. This shift doesn’t let the world around us dictate our language; instead, it invites us to let the diverse voices around us enrich our experiences. Check out our handy guide on mastering inclusive language—it’s a solid first step.