Enclose vs Inclosed: Which Should You Use In Writing?

Are you confused about whether to use “enclose” or “inclosed” in your writing? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with these two words and their proper usage. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words and provide you with the knowledge you need to use them correctly.

It’s important to note that “enclose” is the proper word to use in most cases. It means to surround or close off on all sides. On the other hand, “inclosed” is an archaic or outdated form of “enclosed.” While it may still be found in some older texts or documents, it is not commonly used in modern English.

Now that we’ve established which word is correct, let’s take a closer look at their meanings. “Enclose” refers to the act of surrounding or closing off on all sides. It can be used in a physical sense, such as enclosing a space with walls or barriers, or in a more abstract sense, such as enclosing an idea or concept within a larger framework.

“Inclosed,” on the other hand, is simply an older form of “enclosed.” It has the same meaning and usage as “enclosed,” but is not commonly used in modern English.

Now that we’ve cleared up any confusion about the proper usage of these two words, let’s dive deeper into their meanings and explore some examples of how they can be used in different contexts.

Define Enclose

Enclose is a verb that means to surround or confine something within a barrier or container. The act of enclosing can be done physically or figuratively, and it is often used to protect or contain something.

For instance, when we enclose a letter in an envelope, we are putting it inside a container to protect its contents and ensure it is delivered to the intended recipient. Similarly, when we enclose a garden with a fence, we are creating a barrier to keep animals or people out and protect our plants.

Enclose can also be used in a figurative sense, such as when we talk about enclosing an emotion or feeling within ourselves. In this case, it means to keep something hidden or private, often as a way to protect ourselves from others.

Define Inclosed

Inclosed is a less common variant of the word enclosed. It has the same meaning as enclosed, but it is not as widely used in modern English.

Like enclosed, inclosed means to surround or confine something within a barrier or container. It can be used in both a physical and figurative sense, and it is often used to protect or contain something.

For example, we might talk about an inclosed garden or an inclosed space, meaning a garden or space that is surrounded by a barrier or enclosure. Similarly, we might talk about inclosed emotions or thoughts, meaning feelings or ideas that we keep hidden or private.

Overall, while inclosed is a valid variant of enclosed, it is not as commonly used as the latter and may be considered archaic or outdated by some speakers of English.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the correct word to use in a sentence can be a challenge, especially when two words have similar spellings and meanings. In this section, we will explore the proper usage of the words “enclose” and “inclosed”.

How To Use “Enclose” In A Sentence

The word “enclose” is a verb that means to surround or close off on all sides. It is often used when referring to enclosing something physical, such as a letter or a space.

Here are some examples of how to use “enclose” in a sentence:

• Please enclose a copy of your resume with your job application.
• The garden is enclosed by a tall fence to keep out the rabbits.
• She enclosed a check for the full amount of the bill in the envelope.

In each of these examples, “enclose” is used to describe the act of surrounding or closing off something physical.

How To Use “Inclosed” In A Sentence

The word “inclosed” is a less common variant of “enclosed”. It is also a verb that means to surround or close off on all sides. However, “inclosed” is considered an archaic spelling of the word and is rarely used in modern English.

Here is an example of how to use “inclosed” in a sentence:

• The letter was inclosed in a plain envelope.

In this example, “inclosed” is used to describe the act of enclosing the letter in an envelope. However, it is important to note that “inclosed” is not commonly used in modern English and may be considered outdated or incorrect by some readers.

Overall, it is important to choose the correct word when writing to ensure clear and effective communication. While “enclose” is the more commonly used spelling of the word, “inclosed” may still be acceptable in certain contexts.

More Examples Of Enclose & Inclosed Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use enclose and inclosed in a sentence. These examples will help you understand the context in which these words are used and how they can be applied in different situations.

Examples Of Using Enclose In A Sentence

• The letter was enclosed in a sealed envelope.
• Please enclose a copy of your resume with your application.
• The garden is enclosed by a tall fence.
• The package was securely enclosed in bubble wrap.
• The zoo encloses the animals in their natural habitats.
• The park is enclosed by a beautiful wrought-iron fence.
• The builder will enclose the porch with glass windows.
• The walls of the castle enclose the courtyard.
• The company will enclose a free gift with your purchase.
• The artist will enclose a certificate of authenticity with the painting.

Examples Of Using Inclosed In A Sentence

• The letter was inclosed with the contract.
• The package was inclosed in a cardboard box.
• The garden was inclosed by a hedge.
• The exhibit was inclosed in glass cases.
• The documents were inclosed in a manila envelope.
• The jewelry was inclosed in a velvet-lined box.
• The letter was inclosed with a check for payment.
• The books were inclosed in a wooden bookcase.
• The contents were inclosed in a plastic bag.
• The letter was inclosed in a larger envelope for protection.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using enclose and inclosed, many people tend to use them interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and errors in communication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Enclosed” As A Past Tense Verb

One common mistake is using “enclosed” as a past tense verb, when it is actually an adjective. For example, saying “I enclosed the document in the envelope” is correct, while saying “I inclosed the document in the envelope” is incorrect. Instead, you should use the past tense form of “enclose,” which is “enclosed.”

Using “Inclosed” As A Variant Of “Enclosed”

Another mistake is using “inclosed” as a variant of “enclosed.” While “inclosed” is a valid word, it is not a synonym for “enclosed.” “Inclosed” means to surround or fence in, while “enclosed” means to surround or close off something in a container or envelope. Therefore, using “inclosed” instead of “enclosed” can lead to confusion and miscommunication.

Not Considering The Context

Finally, it’s important to consider the context in which you are using these words. While they may seem interchangeable, they have different connotations and meanings depending on the situation. For example, “enclose” is often used in formal or professional contexts, while “inclose” is more commonly used in literature or poetry. Therefore, using the wrong word in the wrong context can make you appear unprofessional or inexperienced.

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the differences between “enclose” and “inclose” and to use them correctly in the appropriate context. Additionally, proofreading your writing and double-checking your usage of these words can help ensure clear and effective communication.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “enclose” and “inclosed,” context is key. The meaning of each word can change depending on the situation in which it is used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some different contexts and how the choice between “enclose” and “inclosed” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Appropriate Word Choice
Physical Space	The backyard is enclosed by a fence.	Enclosed
Letter Writing	The documents are inclosed in this envelope.	Inclosed
Legal Documents	The contract encloses all terms and conditions.	Encloses

In the first example, “enclosed” is the appropriate word choice because it refers to a physical space that is surrounded or closed off by a fence. In the second example, “inclosed” is the correct choice because it is referring to a letter or document that is included or enclosed within an envelope. In the third example, “encloses” is the right choice because it refers to a contract that contains or includes certain terms and conditions.

These examples demonstrate how the choice between “enclose” and “inclosed” can depend on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the specific situation and meaning that you are trying to convey when deciding which word to use.

Exceptions To The Rules

Exceptions For Using Enclose

While the general rule for using “enclose” is to refer to enclosing something physically within a container or space, there are exceptions where the term can be used in a more figurative sense. For example:

• Enclose can also mean to surround something or someone with a feeling or atmosphere. For instance, “The warmth of the sun enclosed her as she lay on the beach.”
• Enclose can also be used to describe enclosing something in writing or speech. For example, “The contract enclosed all the necessary terms and conditions.”

Exceptions For Using Inclosed

The word “inclosed” is not commonly used in modern English and is considered archaic. However, there are still some instances where it may be appropriate to use it:

• When writing in a historical or literary context, “inclosed” can be used to maintain authenticity and accuracy. For example, “The letter was found inclosed in an old, dusty box.”
• In legal documents or contracts, “inclosed” may be used as a formal way of referring to enclosed documents or materials. For instance, “Please find inclosed a copy of the contract for your records.”

It is important to note that in most cases, “enclose” is the preferred term to use in modern English.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between enclose and inclosed, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word, enclose or inclosed, to fill in the blank:

1. The letter was __________ in a sealed envelope.
2. Please __________ your payment with the order form.
3. The fence will __________ the entire backyard.
4. The package was __________ in bubble wrap for protection.

Answer Key:

1. enclosed
2. enclose
3. enclose
4. enclosed

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using either enclose or inclosed:

1. ______________________________
2. ______________________________
3. ______________________________
4. ______________________________

Answer Key:

1. The gift was encased in a beautifully wrapped box.
2. The letter was inclosed in the package for delivery.
3. Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with your application.
4. The garden was enclose by a tall wooden fence.

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of enclose and inclosed in your writing. Remember, enclose is used to describe the act of surrounding or enclosing something, while inclosed is used to describe something that has already been enclosed or surrounded.

Conclusion

After examining the differences between enclose and inclosed, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and uses. Enclose is a verb that means to surround or confine, while inclosed is an archaic past participle of enclose. It is important to use the correct form of these words in order to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion.

When it comes to grammar and language use, it is always beneficial to continue learning and expanding one’s knowledge. By doing so, we can improve our communication skills and avoid common mistakes. Whether it’s through reading books, taking courses, or practicing writing, there are many ways to enhance our understanding of language.

Key Takeaways

• Enclose is a verb that means to surround or confine.
• Inclosed is an archaic past participle of enclose.
• Using the correct form of these words is important to convey the intended meaning.
• Continuing to learn about grammar and language use can improve communication skills and avoid common mistakes.