Encumbered vs Incumbered: When To Use Each One In Writing

Are you often confused between the words encumbered and incumbered? Do you find it difficult to choose the right word for your writing? Well, you are not alone! Many people face this dilemma while writing, and it’s essential to know the difference between the two words.

The proper word is encumbered, although incumbered is also used interchangeably. Encumbered means to burden or weigh down, whereas incumbered means the same thing but is considered an archaic spelling of the word.

In this article, we will explore the difference between encumbered and incumbered, their definitions, and when to use them in your writing.

Define Encumbered

Encumbered refers to a situation where an asset or property is burdened by a legal claim or a debt that restricts its transfer or sale. In simple terms, it means that the ownership of the property is not entirely free and clear because of the presence of a lien or mortgage.

Encumbrances can take many forms, including unpaid taxes, outstanding mortgages, liens, easements, or any other legal claims that limit the property owner’s rights. When a property is encumbered, the owner may not be able to sell or transfer it until the encumbrance is removed or satisfied.

For example, if a homeowner has an outstanding mortgage on their property, the property is considered encumbered. The mortgage lender has a legal claim on the property, which means that the homeowner cannot sell or transfer the property until the mortgage is paid off or satisfied.

Define Incumbered

Incumbered is a less common variation of the word encumbered. It has the same meaning and refers to a situation where an asset or property is burdened by a legal claim or a debt that restricts its transfer or sale.

The term incumbered is derived from the Latin word “incumbere,” which means to lie upon or weigh down. In modern usage, it is used interchangeably with encumbered, although encumbered is the more commonly used term in legal and financial contexts.

Like encumbrances, incumbrances can take many forms, including liens, mortgages, unpaid taxes, easements, or any other legal claims that limit the property owner’s rights. When a property is incumbered, the owner’s ability to sell or transfer the property is restricted until the incumbrance is removed or satisfied.

Comparison of Encumbered and Incumbered

Encumbered	Incumbered
More commonly used	Less commonly used
Derived from the Old French word “encumbrer”	Derived from the Latin word “incumbere”
Refers to a property burdened by a legal claim or debt	Has the same meaning as encumbered

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, using the correct words is crucial to convey your message effectively. Two words that are often confused are encumbered and incumbered. In this section, we will explore how to use these words properly in a sentence.

How To Use Encumbered In A Sentence

The word encumbered refers to something that is weighed down or burdened. It can be used in both a literal and figurative sense. Here are a few examples:

• After the car accident, he was encumbered by a leg cast for several months.
• The company was encumbered by excessive debt.
• Her busy schedule encumbered her ability to spend time with family and friends.

In each of these examples, encumbered is used to describe something that is holding someone or something back. It is important to note that encumbered is typically used in a negative context.

How To Use Incumbered In A Sentence

The word incumbered is a less common variant of encumbered. It has the same meaning as encumbered, but is used less frequently. Here are a few examples:

• The property was incumbered by a lien.
• His inheritance was incumbered by legal fees.
• The project was incumbered by a lack of funding.

As with encumbered, incumbered is used to describe something that is holding someone or something back. However, it is important to note that incumbered is not as commonly used as encumbered, and may sound outdated or formal in some contexts.

More Examples Of Encumbered & Incumbered Used In Sentences

In this section, we will explore more examples of how the terms “encumbered” and “incumbered” can be used in sentences. These examples will help to provide a clearer understanding of how these terms can be utilized in different contexts.

Examples Of Using Encumbered In A Sentence

• The company’s financial growth was encumbered by a lack of investment.
• The athlete was encumbered by an injury during the race.
• The legal dispute encumbered the progress of the construction project.
• The heavy backpack encumbered the hiker’s ability to climb the mountain.
• The outdated technology encumbered the efficiency of the manufacturing process.
• The old furniture encumbered the space in the small apartment.
• The high taxes encumbered the profitability of the small business.
• The excessive regulations encumbered the growth of the industry.
• The complicated paperwork encumbered the process of obtaining a visa.
• The emotional baggage encumbered her ability to move on from the past.

Examples Of Using Incumbered In A Sentence

• The property was incumbered by a lien.
• The company’s assets were incumbered by outstanding debts.
• The trust fund was incumbered by legal restrictions.
• The estate was incumbered by multiple mortgages.
• The car was incumbered by a loan from the bank.
• The investment portfolio was incumbered by a high-risk investment.
• The property was incumbered by an easement.
• The partnership was incumbered by a disagreement between the partners.
• The land was incumbered by a right-of-way agreement.
• The company’s reputation was incumbered by a scandal.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using encumbered and incumbered, there are common mistakes that people make by using these terms interchangeably. However, it is important to note that these two words have different meanings and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion. Below are some of the common mistakes to avoid:

Mistake #1: Using Encumbered And Incumbered Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using encumbered and incumbered interchangeably. While these two words may sound similar, they have different meanings. Encumbered means to burden or weigh down, while incumbered means to obstruct or hinder.

For example, saying “the property was incumbered with a lien” is incorrect because incumbered does not mean burdened with a lien. The correct word to use in this context is encumbered.

Mistake #2: Misspelling The Words

Another common mistake people make is misspelling the words. It is important to note that the correct spelling is encumbered, not incumbered. Incumbered is an outdated spelling of the word and is no longer in use.

Mistake #3: Incorrect Use Of The Words

Lastly, people often use encumbered and incumbered incorrectly in sentences. For example, saying “the road was encumbered with traffic” is incorrect because encumbered does not mean obstructed. The correct word to use in this context is obstructed.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

Now that you know the common mistakes to avoid, here are some tips to help you avoid making these mistakes in the future:

• Always double-check the spelling of the word before using it in a sentence.
• Take the time to understand the meanings of both encumbered and incumbered and use them correctly in context.
• If you are unsure of which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure you are using the correct word.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between encumbered and incumbered, context matters. The appropriate usage of these terms depends on the specific context in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some different contexts and how the choice between encumbered and incumbered might change:

• Legal Documents: In legal documents, the term “encumbered” is often used to describe property that has a lien or mortgage on it. For example, a property may be encumbered by a mortgage. On the other hand, “incumbered” is not commonly used in legal documents and may be seen as archaic.
• Financial Statements: In financial statements, the term “encumbered” is often used to refer to assets that have been pledged as collateral for a loan. For example, a company may have encumbered assets on its balance sheet. In this context, using the term “incumbered” would be unusual and may cause confusion.
• Everyday Conversation: In everyday conversation, the term “encumbered” may be used more broadly to describe anything that is burdened or weighed down. For example, a person may feel encumbered by their responsibilities at work. In this context, using the term “incumbered” would be unusual and may sound overly formal.

Overall, it’s important to consider the context in which you are using these terms in order to choose the appropriate one. In legal and financial contexts, “encumbered” is the more commonly used term, while in everyday conversation, it may be more appropriate to use a different word to describe being burdened or weighed down.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using encumbered and incumbered are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Below are some explanations and examples for each case:

1. Legal Terminology

In legal terminology, the use of encumbered and incumbered can vary depending on the jurisdiction. In some cases, one term may be preferred over the other. For example, in the United States, encumbered is commonly used to refer to property that has a lien or mortgage on it, while incumbered is not typically used in this context.

2. Regional Differences

In certain regions or industries, one term may be more commonly used than the other. For instance, in the UK, incumbered is often used instead of encumbered. Similarly, in the banking industry, encumbered may be used more frequently than incumbered.

3. Historical Usage

There may be instances where one term is used due to historical usage or tradition. For example, in some older legal documents, incumbered may be used instead of encumbered. In these cases, it is important to understand the context in which the term is being used.

4. Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice between encumbered and incumbered may come down to personal preference or style. While there are guidelines for using these terms, there is no hard and fast rule that dictates when one should be used over the other.

It is important to note, however, that consistency is key. Whichever term is chosen should be used consistently throughout a document or piece of writing to avoid confusion or ambiguity.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the differences between encumbered and incumbered, 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:

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank:

1. The company’s debt encumbered/incumbered its ability to invest in new projects.
2. The landlord encumbered/incumbered the property with a lien.
3. Her busy schedule encumbered/incumbered her ability to take on new clients.

Answer key:

1. Encumbered
2. Encumbered
3. Encumbered

Explanation: In all three sentences, the correct word is “encumbered” because it means to hinder or impede.

Exercise 2:

Fill in the blank with either encumbered or incumbered:

Due to the legal dispute, the company’s assets were with multiple liens, making it difficult to secure a loan.

Answer:

Encumbered

Explanation: In this sentence, “encumbered” is the correct word because it means to burden or weigh down, which is what the liens are doing to the company’s assets.

Exercise 3:

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank:

1. The new regulations encumber/incumber the company’s ability to expand into new markets.
2. The paperwork encumbered/incumbered the process of getting a loan.
3. The athlete’s injury encumbered/incumbered her performance in the championship game.

Answer key:

1. Encumber
2. Encumbered
3. Encumbered

Explanation: In all three sentences, the correct word is “encumber” or “encumbered” because it means to hinder or impede.

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of encumbered and incumbered in sentences. Keep in mind that the context of the sentence is important when choosing the correct word.

Conclusion

After reading this article, we can conclude that the usage of encumbered vs incumbered is a matter of personal preference and regional differences. However, it is important to note that encumbered is the more commonly used spelling in modern English.

To summarize the key takeaways from this article:

• The word encumbered means to burden or hinder, while incumbered is an archaic spelling of the same word.
• Both encumbered and incumbered are correct spellings, but encumbered is more commonly used in modern English.
• When in doubt, it is always a good idea to consult a reliable dictionary or style guide to ensure proper usage.

As language and grammar are constantly evolving, it is important to continue learning and staying up-to-date with proper usage. By doing so, we can communicate more effectively and confidently in both written and spoken forms.