Understanding the Word "Enclose"
When you place an item inside an envelope to send through the mail, you are performing a common act known as enclosing. However, this versatile word extends far beyond the postal service. Whether it refers to the physical walls of a garden, the way darkness might fall over a room, or the act of keeping something protected within a boundary, enclose is a powerful verb that helps us describe how objects and spaces relate to one another.
Definitions and Core Meanings
At its heart, enclose means to surround, cover, or contain something. Here are the primary ways the word is used in English:
- To surround completely: This refers to putting a barrier or boundary around an object or person. For example, a high fence might enclose a private estate.
- To insert into a container: This is the classic administrative definition. If you send a resume to a potential employer, you might enclose a cover letter with it.
- To shut in: This implies trapping or restricting something within a specific space. In literature, a character might be enclosed by cold, stone castle walls.
- To cover or enfold: Sometimes, the word is used more abstractly to describe being wrapped up or enveloped by something, such as mist or silence.
Grammar and Usage Patterns
The verb enclose is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. You must enclose something.
Common patterns include:
- Enclose [object] in [place]: "The jeweler decided to enclose the diamond in a velvet box."
- Be enclosed by [thing]: "The playground is enclosed by a tall wire fence to keep children safe."
- Enclose [object] with [thing]: "The developer plans to enclose the balcony with glass panels to create a sunroom."
Common Phrases and Examples
You will frequently see enclose in formal and professional writing, particularly in business correspondence. Here are a few ways to see it in action:
- In Business: "Please find the requested documents enclosed." (A classic phrase used when mailing or emailing attachments).
- In Architecture: "The patio was designed to enclose the courtyard, creating a private outdoor living space."
- In Descriptive Writing: "The thick fog seemed to enclose the hikers, making it impossible to see more than a few feet ahead."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is confusing enclose with include. While they are sometimes used in similar contexts, they are not interchangeable.
Include generally refers to making something a part of a whole or a group (e.g., "The price includes tax").
Enclose focuses on physical containment (e.g., "I will enclose the check inside the bill"). Use enclose when you are talking about putting one physical object inside another.
Another common error is misspelling the word as "inclose." While inclose is a recognized variant in some dictionaries, enclose is the standard and preferred spelling in almost all modern English writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "enclose" only used for physical objects?
While primarily physical, it can be used figuratively. You might say, "The memories enclosed her," implying she felt surrounded or overwhelmed by them, though this usage is more poetic than literal.
What is the difference between "enclose" and "surround"?
They are synonyms, but they have different nuances. Surround is very general; you can be surrounded by people or noise. Enclose implies a more formal boundary, usually a container, a wall, or an envelope.
Can I use "enclose" in an email?
Yes, though it is usually used to refer to physical mail. In digital settings, it is more common to use "I have attached..." or "Included is..." However, using "enclosed" in a professional email attachment is still widely accepted as a formal way of saying the document is inside the message.
Conclusion
The word enclose serves a clear purpose in our language: it defines boundaries. Whether you are folding a letter into an envelope, building a fence around a yard, or describing how a cloud of smoke surrounds a street, enclose helps your reader visualize the relationship between an object and its surroundings. By keeping its usage in the context of physical containment, you will ensure your writing remains clear, precise, and professional.