encompass

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "encompass" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something includes or covers a wide range of things. For example, "The new study will encompass a variety of topics related to education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Were the system Fifa is proposing to restrict itself merely to offside decisions, or questions of whether a foul took place in or outside the area, it might be quite useful, although one suspects it would soon enough encompass other areas of the game.

The Guardian - Sport

Target's decision also reinforces the concept that games are for kids and that adult depictions of violence and adult themes aren't appropriate in a medium that is rapidly growing to encompass all ages.

The Guardian - Opinion

We wanted Britain to become a centre of excellence and to encompass all that is good about the arts; to strive for excellence, to create something new and sometimes out of nothing, to work together and to be proud of our contribution.

The Guardian

In Glasgow, for instance, you could encompass all the schools that range in a sprawling north-east stretch from Glasgow Cross to the Baillieston lights and designate this worthy of special and accelerated government measures.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is an alternative political bloc meant to encompass now-independent Soviet republics, with Moscow rather than Brussels as the dominant pole.

The Guardian - Opinion

As well as their main sites, many universities also encompass one or more secondary campuses, usually in a much smaller town.

The Guardian

The IoT would encompass our homes, our cars, our offices, our agricultural fields and more.

The Guardian - Opinion

Opera houses encompass huge endeavour, so learn how the house works and what jobs people do in it.

The Guardian

Strangest of all these strangenesses, though, was the revelation in the week I finished the book, that its originating dream of a glossary of landscape-language so vast it might encompass the world had, almost, come true.

The Guardian - Books

A formal investigation by the standards commissioner would help shed light on these matters, which encompass the period before the House of Commons was dissolved".

The Guardian

People who have never heard of John Stuart Mill believe it is better for an individual to encompass their own destruction rather than for society to compromise with the "evil of allowing others to constrain him for what they deem to be his good".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encompass", ensure that the subject clearly includes all the elements or aspects you intend to convey. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the scope or boundaries of what is being encompassed.

Common error

Avoid using "encompass" to suggest a complete or exhaustive inclusion when, in reality, only a partial inclusion is intended. This can lead to misinterpretations about the scope of coverage.

Linguistic Context

The verb "encompass" functions primarily to indicate inclusion or complete coverage. It is used to describe the scope or extent of something, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig, where it suggests that a concept, system, or plan incorporates various elements or aspects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "encompass" effectively signifies inclusion or comprehensive coverage, functioning to define the scope or extent of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and widespread use across various registers, particularly in news, business, and scientific contexts. When using "encompass", ensure clarity by specifying its boundaries, and consider alternatives like "include", "comprise", or "incorporate" for subtle differences in meaning. Avoiding overgeneralization and ensuring precision in scope will help to make effective use of the word "encompass".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

include

Focuses on specifying contained elements rather than holistic coverage.

comprise

Indicates that something is made up of specific parts.

incorporate

Suggests a merging or integration of elements into a unified whole.

cover

Implies addressing or dealing with a range of topics or items.

embrace

Suggests an acceptance or enthusiastic inclusion of something.

involve

Indicates participation or inclusion as a necessary part.

consist of

Highlights the components that make up a whole.

contain

Emphasizes holding or having something within.

surround

Describes an object or concept being encircled or enclosed.

encircle

Implies forming a circle around something, either literally or figuratively.

FAQs

How can I use "encompass" in a sentence?

Use "encompass" to indicate that something includes or covers a wide range of things. For example, "The project will "encompass" various aspects of environmental sustainability".

What are some alternatives to the word "encompass"?

You can use alternatives like "include", "comprise", or "incorporate" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something "encompasses of" other things?

No, the correct usage is "encompasses" followed directly by the objects or concepts being included, without the preposition "of". For instance, say "The plan encompasses several key strategies".

What's the difference between "encompass" and "include"?

"Encompass" suggests a more comprehensive and holistic inclusion, whereas "include" often refers to a selection of items within a larger set. "Encompass" implies a boundary, while "include" does not necessarily.