Encompass vs Entail: Which One Is The Correct One?

Encompass vs entail are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. In this article, we will explore the difference between these two words and how to use them correctly.

It’s important to understand the definitions of these words. Encompass means to surround or include, while entail means to involve or require as a necessary part or consequence. So, while both words have to do with including or involving something, they have different nuances.

When deciding which word to use, it’s important to consider the context. If you want to describe something that includes or surrounds other things, then you would use encompass. For example, “The new housing development will encompass several parks and playgrounds.”

On the other hand, if you want to describe something that involves or requires certain things, then you would use entail. For example, “Becoming a doctor entails years of studying and hard work.”

Throughout this article, we will explore more examples of how to use these two words correctly and how to avoid common mistakes.

Define Encompass

Encompass refers to the action of surrounding or including something or someone comprehensively. It is a verb that denotes the act of covering a wide range of things or ideas within a particular scope or context. When something is said to encompass another, it means that it includes or covers it entirely or to a significant extent.

For instance, a comprehensive health insurance policy may encompass a wide range of medical procedures, including surgeries, diagnostic tests, and prescription drugs. Similarly, a course on environmental science may encompass various topics such as air pollution, water pollution, climate change, and sustainable development.

Define Entail

Entail, on the other hand, means to involve or require something as a necessary part or consequence. It is a verb that denotes the act of necessitating or causing something to happen as a result of a particular action or decision. When something is said to entail another, it means that it involves or requires it in a specific way.

For example, a job as a software engineer may entail working long hours and meeting tight deadlines. Similarly, investing in stocks may entail a certain degree of risk and uncertainty. In both cases, the actions or decisions involved necessitate or cause certain consequences or requirements.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word in a sentence can be tricky, especially when two words seem to have similar meanings. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “encompass” and “entail” in a sentence.

How To Use “Encompass” In A Sentence

The word “encompass” means to include or contain something within a larger scope. Here are some examples of how to use “encompass” in a sentence:

• The new policy will encompass all employees, regardless of their job title.
• The museum’s exhibits encompass a wide range of art styles and historical periods.
• His responsibilities as CEO encompass everything from financial management to marketing strategy.

As you can see from these examples, “encompass” is used to describe something that is included or contained within a larger scope. It is often used to describe a broad range of things or ideas.

How To Use “Entail” In A Sentence

The word “entail” means to involve or require something as a necessary part or consequence. Here are some examples of how to use “entail” in a sentence:

• Completing this project will entail working overtime and weekends.
• To become a doctor, it entails years of education and training.
• The new regulations will entail significant changes to our current business practices.

As you can see from these examples, “entail” is used to describe something that is necessary or required as a part of a larger process or outcome. It is often used to describe a specific action or set of actions that are required to achieve a goal.

More Examples Of Encompass & Entail Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between the words “encompass” and “entail”, it’s important to see them used in context. Here are some examples:

Examples Of Using Encompass In A Sentence

• The new job will encompass a wide range of responsibilities.
• The project will encompass all aspects of the business.
• The book will encompass the author’s entire life story.
• The festival will encompass a variety of cultural events.
• The museum’s collection will encompass works from many different artists.
• The course will encompass both theory and practical application.
• The company’s mission statement will encompass their core values.
• The new policy will encompass all employees, regardless of position.
• The study will encompass data from several different sources.
• The renovation will encompass the entire building, from top to bottom.

Examples Of Using Entail In A Sentence

• Completing the project will entail working overtime.
• The job will entail a lot of travel.
• The task will entail careful attention to detail.
• The process will entail several steps.
• The experiment will entail measuring various variables.
• The decision will entail weighing the pros and cons.
• The treatment will entail both medication and therapy.
• The job will entail working with a team of professionals.
• The plan will entail significant changes to the current system.
• The proposal will entail a substantial investment of time and resources.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “encompass” and “entail”, many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Encompass” When You Mean “Entail”

Encompass means to include or contain something within a larger scope or range. For example, “The new policy encompasses all employees in the company.” On the other hand, entail means to involve something as a necessary part or consequence. For example, “The job entails working on weekends.”

Using “encompass” instead of “entail” can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. To avoid this mistake, make sure to use “entail” when referring to something that is required or necessary.

Using “Entail” When You Mean “Encompass”

As mentioned earlier, entail means to involve something as a necessary part or consequence. However, some people mistakenly use “entail” when they mean “encompass.” For example, “The new policy entails all employees in the company.” This sentence should actually use “encompass” instead of “entail.”

To avoid this mistake, remember that “encompass” means to include or contain something within a larger scope or range. Use “encompass” when referring to something that is included or contained within a larger entity.

Not Understanding The Difference Between The Two

Another common mistake is not understanding the difference between “encompass” and “entail.” This can lead to confusion and misuse of the words. To avoid this mistake, take the time to understand the definitions and proper usage of both words. You can also use a thesaurus to find synonyms that may be more appropriate for your intended meaning.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Take the time to understand the definitions of both words
• Use a thesaurus to find synonyms that may be more appropriate for your intended meaning
• Proofread your writing to ensure you are using the correct word

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words “encompass” and “entail,” context is key. While these two words are often used interchangeably, they actually have distinct meanings that can change depending on the situation in which they are used. Understanding these differences is essential to using them correctly and effectively.

Encompass

The word “encompass” is typically used to describe something that includes or contains a variety of different elements or parts. It suggests a sense of completeness or totality, as if everything that is needed or relevant is included within the thing being described. For example:

• The new healthcare plan will encompass a range of different services, from preventative care to specialized treatments.
• The museum’s collection of modern art encompasses works from a variety of different artists and movements.

In both of these examples, “encompass” is used to suggest that everything that is needed or relevant is included within the thing being described. It suggests a sense of comprehensiveness and inclusivity.

Entail

The word “entail,” on the other hand, is typically used to describe something that requires or involves certain actions or consequences. It suggests a sense of necessity or inevitability, as if the thing being described cannot be achieved or avoided without certain specific steps being taken. For example:

• Completing the project will entail working long hours and weekends for the next few weeks.
• Getting a degree in engineering entails taking a variety of math and science courses.

In both of these examples, “entail” is used to suggest that certain specific actions or consequences are necessary in order to achieve the desired outcome. It suggests a sense of cause and effect, and implies that certain steps must be taken in order to achieve a specific goal.

Context Matters

The choice between “encompass” and “entail” can depend on the context in which they are used. For example, if you are describing a project that requires a variety of different tasks and steps, “encompass” might be the more appropriate word to use. On the other hand, if you are describing a specific set of actions that must be taken in order to achieve a particular outcome, “entail” might be more appropriate.

Here are a few more examples of different contexts and how the choice between “encompass” and “entail” might change:

Context	Encompass	Entail
A software development project	The project will encompass a variety of different programming languages and technologies.	The project will entail regular code reviews and testing to ensure quality.
A marketing campaign	The campaign will encompass a range of different channels, including social media, email, and print ads.	The campaign will entail extensive market research and analysis to identify target audiences.
A job search	The search will encompass a variety of different industries and job titles.	The search will entail networking and building relationships with potential employers.

As these examples demonstrate, the choice between “encompass” and “entail” can depend on the specific context in which they are used. By understanding these differences, you can choose the right word for the job and communicate your ideas more effectively.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using encompass and entail are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are some cases where the rules might not apply:

1. Technical Terminology

In technical terminology, the words encompass and entail may have different meanings. For example, in the field of mathematics, the term “encompass” is often used to describe the concept of a set that contains all the elements of another set. On the other hand, the term “entail” is used to describe a logical relationship between two statements, where one statement logically follows from another.

2. Legal Language

In legal language, the words encompass and entail may also have different meanings. For example, in contract law, the term “encompass” is often used to describe a situation where a contract includes all the terms and conditions necessary to cover a particular situation. On the other hand, the term “entail” is used to describe a situation where a particular action or consequence follows as a result of a previous action or event.

3. Regional Differences

In some regions, the words encompass and entail may be used differently than in other regions. For example, in British English, the term “encompass” is often used to describe a situation where something includes or covers a particular area or group. In American English, however, the term “encompass” is often used more broadly to describe a situation where something includes or covers a wide range of things. Similarly, the term “entail” may be used differently in different regions, so it’s important to be aware of these differences when communicating with people from different parts of the world.

4. Contextual Differences

The meanings of the words encompass and entail can also vary depending on the context in which they are used. For example, in a scientific context, the term “encompass” might be used to describe a situation where a particular theory or model includes all the relevant data and observations. In a business context, however, the term “encompass” might be used more broadly to describe a situation where a particular strategy or plan covers a wide range of goals and objectives. Similarly, the term “entail” might be used differently depending on the context, so it’s important to pay attention to the specific meaning of the word in each situation.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and usage of encompass and entail is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to get you started:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either encompass or entail:

1. The new job will _______ a lot of responsibility.
2. The project will _______ several different departments.
3. This definition does not _______ all possible meanings of the word.
4. The new law will _______ stricter penalties for offenders.

Answer Key:

1. entail
2. encompass
3. encompass
4. entail

Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

1. The new policy will _______ all employees to attend a training session.
2. The new policy will _______ all employees to attend a training session.

Answer Key:

1. entail
2. encompass

Exercise 3: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the sentence using either encompass or entail:

1. The job requires a wide range of skills.
2. The course covers a variety of topics.

Answer Key:

1. The job _______ a wide range of skills.
2. The course _______ a variety of topics.

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of encompass and entail in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context of the sentence and choose the appropriate word based on its meaning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between “encompass” and “entail” is crucial for effective communication. While both words are used to describe the scope of something, “encompass” refers to the inclusion of something within a larger whole, while “entail” refers to the necessary consequences or implications of a particular action or decision.

It is important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and ensure that your message is clear. By using them appropriately, you can convey your ideas more precisely and effectively.

Key Takeaways

• “Encompass” means to include or contain something within a larger whole.
• “Entail” means to involve or necessitate something as a consequence or implication.
• Using these words correctly is important for effective communication.

By keeping these key takeaways in mind, you can improve your writing and speaking skills and avoid common mistakes.

Continue Learning

If you are interested in improving your grammar and language use, there are many resources available to help you. Consider taking a writing course, reading books on grammar and style, or working with a tutor or mentor. With dedication and practice, you can become a more confident and effective communicator.