enclose
B2Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
to surround completely; to shut in on all sides.
To include something inside a letter, package, or document; to fence off or contain within boundaries.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb often implies a deliberate, complete surrounding or inclusion, whether physical (a fence) or abstract (information in a letter). It carries a nuance of protection, privacy, or containment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling of related noun/adjective: 'enclosure' (UK/US) vs. 'inclosure' (US, archaic).
Connotations
Identical. Can imply security (a safe enclosure) or restriction (being enclosed against one's will).
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties. Slightly more formal than 'put in' or 'send with' in everyday contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] enclose [object] (with [something])[subject] enclose [object] in/within [something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to enclose upon itself (philosophical)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Formally used in correspondence: 'Please find enclosed the signed contract.'
Academic
Used to describe theoretical or physical containment: 'The study area was enclosed by a natural boundary.'
Everyday
Used for physical spaces or letters: 'We need to enclose the patio.' 'I'll enclose a photo with the card.'
Technical
Used in engineering, agriculture, or computing: 'The circuitry is enclosed in a shielded box.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I enclose a stamped addressed envelope for your reply.
- The farmer will enclose the field with a new hedge.
American English
- I am enclosing my resume for your consideration.
- The playground is enclosed by a safety fence.
adjective
British English
- The enclosed cheque is for fifty pounds.
- Please use the enclosed reply slip.
American English
- Please review the enclosed document.
- Return the enclosed form by Friday.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The garden is enclosed by a wall.
- I enclose a photo with this letter.
- We decided to enclose the balcony to make a sunroom.
- Please find enclosed the documents you requested.
- The historic site is enclosed within the modern city walls.
- The letter was enclosed in a thick, cream-colored envelope.
- The theory suggests that the universe is a self-enclosed system.
- He felt enclosed by the expectations of his family and society.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'close in' – to ENCLOSE is to CLOSE something IN on all sides.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER (putting something into a bounded space is enclosing it).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not always 'прилагать' (for letters). Can be 'окружать' (to surround). Distinguish from 'attach' which implies connection, not necessarily full surrounding.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'enclose' with 'disclose' (to reveal). Misspelling as 'inclose' (archaic). Using 'enclose' when 'attach' (for an email) is more idiomatic.
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is most common in formal business letters?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Inclose' is an archaic spelling. Modern standard English in both the UK and US uses 'enclose'.
It is less common for emails. 'Attach' is the standard verb for digital files. 'Enclose' is better for physical items or the metaphorical sense of surrounding.
The noun is 'enclosure' (e.g., a letter enclosure, a wildlife enclosure).
They are often synonyms. 'Enclose' more strongly implies creating a complete barrier or container. 'Surround' is more general for being on all sides.