Fense vs. Fence: Which is Correct?

• "Fense" is the incorrect spelling of "fence."
• A "fence" is a barrier typically constructed of wood, metal, or other materials, designed to enclose an area, provide security, or mark a boundary.

Fence

(noun)

1. Barrier:

• A structure made of posts or stakes joined together by boards, wire, rails, or other materials, used to enclose an area, mark a boundary, or protect property.
• A means of enclosing or separating: "a fence of trees."

2. Enclosure:

• The act or process of enclosing with a fence: "The fence of the yard took a week to complete."

3. Guard:

• A person or thing that guards or protects: "The immune system is the body's fence against infection."

4. Obstacle:

• Something that obstructs or hinders: "They had to overcome many fences to achieve their goal."

5. Barrier in sports:

• A barrier that must be jumped over or vaulted in certain sports: "The horse cleared all the fences in the course."

(Verb)

• To enclose with a fence: "They fenced in the backyard."
• To engage in the sport of fencing: "She fences competitively."

Additional notes:

• The word "fence" can also be used figuratively to refer to a state of indecision or neutrality: "He was on the fence about whether to accept the job offer."
• It can also refer to a protective barrier or boundary in a more metaphorical sense: "They built emotional fences to protect themselves from hurt."

If we examine the graph below, we can see that the word "fence" has been used in greater numbers than "fense." The use of "fence" has had its highs and lows throughout the two centuries.

How do we pronounce fence?

In American English, "fence" is pronounced fens.

In British English, "fence" is pronounced fens.

Why does the misspelling of fence as fense occur?

1. Homophone Confusion:

• "Fence" and "fense" sound almost identical when spoken, especially when spoken quickly or mumbled. This can lead to confusion about the correct spelling, especially for people who rely more on auditory processing than visual memory.

2. Spelling Interference:

• Other words with similar endings, like "dense" or "sense," might influence the spelling of "fence" due to their shared "-nse" suffix. This can create confusion about the correct spelling of the word.

3. Exposure to Misspelled Forms:

• Seeing "fense" written incorrectly online, in social media, or in personal communications can reinforce the misspelling and make it seem more acceptable. This can lead to the error being perpetuated unintentionally.

Enlist the help of an AI proofreader to ensure that your written work has no grammatical errors.

Other common misspellings of fence

Here are some other common misspellings of "fence":

1. fenze
2. fance
3. feence
4. fenace
5. fince

Example sentences for the misuse of the word formatted as formated

1. The warning signs were clear: "No Trespassing Beyond This Fense," drawing attention to the glaring misspelling that should have been "fence."
2. During the property inspection, the real estate agent pointed out the discrepancy in the listing, where it mentioned a backyard surrounded by a wooden "fense" instead of a fence.
3. The construction crew had to correct the error in the project plans, which mistakenly referred to the boundary structure as a "security fense" instead of a security fence.
4. The handwritten note on the farm entrance apologized for any inconvenience but urged visitors to respect the "privicy fense," revealing a misspelling that should have been "privacy fence."
5. The online tutorial on DIY home improvement projects cautioned viewers about potential pitfalls, including the importance of correctly spelling and searching for "fence" rather than the common mistake "fense."

Example sentences of fence

1. The old stone fence that bordered the estate had weathered decades of changing seasons.
2. As the horse galloped through the open field, the wooden fence presented a picturesque backdrop against the setting sun.
3. The backyard barbecue was held within the confines of a charming white picket fence, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
4. The neighbors decided to collaborate on building a shared fence to clearly define the boundary between their properties.
5. The garden was protected from curious rabbits and deer by a tall mesh fence that surrounded the perimeter.

Synonyms for fence

1. Barrier
2. Enclosure
3. Wall
4. Hedge
5. Partition
6. Palisade
7. Guardrail
8. Barricade
9. Perimeter
10. Dividing line

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References:

Definition of FENCE

a means of protection : defense; a barrier intended to prevent escape or intrusion or to mark a boundary; especially : such a barrier made of posts and wire or boards; an immaterial barrier or boundary line… See the full definition

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