Inclosed vs. Enclosed: Which is Correct?

"Inclosed" is an archaic spelling of "enclosed." While it was once an accepted variant, modern English overwhelmingly favors "enclosed."
"Enclosed" is the past participle of the verb "enclose." It is commonly used to describe something that is closed off or surrounded by a barrier.

For example...

❌ The invitation to the exclusive event was inclosed in an elegant envelope, adding an air of anticipation to the carefully crafted announcement.

✅ The invitation to the exclusive event was enclosed in an elegant envelope, adding an air of anticipation to the carefully crafted announcement.

In this sentence, "enclosed" means that the invitation was placed inside or included within the elegant envelope. It suggests that the invitation was securely enclosed within the envelope, emphasizing the act of enclosing it for presentation or delivery.

Enclosed (adjective)

1. Surrounded or shut in on all sides:

Example: The valley was enclosed by towering mountains, creating a secluded haven.
Synonyms: surrounded, hemmed in, confined, encircled, encompassed, shut off

2. Put inside something for protection or storage:

Example: He enclosed the fragile figurine in a layer of bubble wrap.
Synonyms: encased, enveloped, contained, secured, sheltered

3. Included within something else, often referring to accompanying documents in an envelope or package:

Example: Please find the completed application form enclosed with this letter.
Synonyms: attached, annexed, included, embedded, appended

Additional Usage:

As a past participle: Used to indicate the action of enclosing something.

In specific contexts:
- Architecture: Refers to spaces surrounded by walls or roofs.
- Mathematics: Used to describe geometric shapes bounded by lines or curves.
- Biology: Describes closed structures within an organism.

Antonyms: open, exposed, unrestricted, unbounded

Origin: Middle English, past participle of "enclose," from Old French "enclore" meaning "to surround."

Inclosed vs. Enclosed: Which is Correct?

Examining the graphs below, we can see that the differing use of "enclose" and "inclosed." During the 1820s, the word "enclosed" became more frequently used than "inclosed." Since then, the use of "inclosed" has decreased.

How do we pronounce enclosed?

In American English, we pronounced "enclosed" as uhn·klowzd.

In British English, we pronounced "enclosed" as uhn·klowzd.

Additional notes:
These are just the standard pronunciations, and there may be slight variations depending on regional accents and individual speech patterns.

Check out our other related blogposts:

🖊️ Boxs vs. Boxes: Which is Correct?
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Why does the misspelling of enclosed as inclosed occur?

1. Historical Variant:

"Inclosed" was actually an accepted variant of "enclosed" for several centuries, particularly in British English. While the exact timing varies, its usage declined significantly between the 18th and 19th centuries.

2. Gradual Obsolescence:

Over time, "enclosed" became the preferred spelling due to several factors, including:
Simpler and more consistent morphology, aligning with most regular verbs.
Influence of standard dictionaries and style guides.
Increased literacy and standardization of written English.

Other misspellings of enclosed

enclosd
enclosded
inclosde
encolsed

Example sentences for the misuse of the word enclosed as inclosed

It's crucial to note that "inclosed" is an outdated and incorrect spelling; the modern and accepted form is "enclosed."
While "inclosed" may have been used historically, it is considered archaic today, and the correct contemporary spelling is "enclosed."
Beware of common misspellings like "inclosed"; ensure accuracy by using the standard spelling "enclosed" in your written communication.
The proper spelling is "enclosed," not "inclosed"; using the latter may lead to confusion and is considered an obsolete variant.
Remember that dictionaries and language standards endorse "enclosed" as the correct spelling, making "inclosed" an outdated and incorrect choice in modern English.

Example sentences for enclosed

The confidential report was enclosed in a sealed envelope to maintain privacy.
Please find the check enclosed with this letter as a token of appreciation.
The garden was beautifully enclosed by a charming picket fence.
The precious jewelry was carefully enclosed in a velvet-lined box for protection.
An invitation to the gala event was enclosed in an elegant package, creating an air of excitement.

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