encroach

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "encroach" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to advance beyond proper or previous limits, or to trespass on another's property/rights. Example: He was asked to leave the premises as he was attempting to encroach on private land.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The spray, which proved a success at World Cup 2014 in Brazil during the summer, is used to mark the distance between the ball and the defensive wall, making it harder for the defending side to encroach.

The Guardian - Sport

You might not know this, but the United States military loves your hashtags because it gives them legitimacy to encroach and grow their military presence in Africa.

The Guardian

Following the lead of both Italy and Spain, top-flight matches in England will feature the spray, used by the referee to mark the distance between the ball and the defensive wall, making it more difficult for the defending side to encroach.

The Guardian - Sport

Likewise in Brazil, where its Chinese rivals are starting to encroach.

The Economist

Critics of the proposals fear the new president of the council and his cabinet would inevitably encroach on the turf of the commission.Other elements of Mr Giscard d'Estaing's proposals sharpen these suspicions.

The Economist

Right-wing Israeli commentators claim the Egyptians may themselves have engineered the border collapse, with the aim of incorporating Gaza as part of a long-term strategy to encroach on Israel.

The Economist

Once he was in the driving seat, Mr Yanukovich began to encroach even more.According to Mr Yushchenko, the Party of the Regions bribed and pressured opposition members of parliament to switch sides so as to gain an illegitimately big majority that would let Mr Yanukovich change the constitution.

The Economist

The government has had trouble taming these near-monopolies and is near-monopolies ande disficulties as each gianowtries to encroach on the other's turfacingpril 2011 Tevenisa paid $1.6 billion for a 50% stake in Iusacell, a smore mobile-phone player.

The Economist

He points out that when the torrent of money flowing through the Afghan capital in the wake of the foreigners stops, so too will the mad construction of grandiose concrete palaces that now encroach on almost every neighbourhood.

The Economist

When robots are safe and aware of their surroundings, they will start to encroach on complicated, unstructured places such as offices and houses.

The Economist

Fiercely protective local politicians in Christian-dominated parts of Mindanao are already twitching, lest any attempt be made to encroach on what they regard as their territory.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encroach", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being encroached upon, whether it is physical space, rights, or abstract boundaries. For instance, "New developments encroach on the natural habitat" provides a clear understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "encroach" to describe simple progress or development that doesn't inherently violate boundaries. For example, saying "Technology encroaches on our lives" is vague; instead, specify how it affects privacy or personal space.

Linguistic Context

The verb "encroach" functions primarily to describe an action where something gradually or unlawfully intrudes upon another's space, rights, or territory. Ludwig AI highlights its usage in various contexts, from physical boundaries to abstract concepts such as rights or authorities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "encroach" effectively conveys the idea of gradually overstepping boundaries or infringing upon rights, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and encyclopedic contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for formal discussions. When using "encroach", ensure the context clearly specifies what is being violated. Alternatives like "trespass", "intrude", and "infringe" can be used depending on the specific nuance required. Mastering the proper use of "encroach" enhances precision and professionalism in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trespass

Refers to entering someone's land or property without permission.

intrude

Suggests entering a place or situation where one is not welcome or does not belong.

infringe

Highlights violating the terms of a law, agreement, or right.

invade

Implies entering a place with force or hostile intent.

overstep

Indicates exceeding the limits of what is acceptable or permissible.

impinge

Suggests having a negative impact or effect on something.

entrench

Highlights establishing something firmly and often undesirably.

overrun

Describes spreading over an area rapidly and uncontrollably.

advance unlawfully

Emphasizes the illegal or unauthorized nature of the movement.

gradually exceed limits

Focuses on the slow, incremental nature of surpassing established boundaries.

FAQs

How to use "encroach" in a sentence?

Use "encroach" to describe situations where something gradually or illegally infringes on someone else's territory, rights, or boundaries. For example, "The new construction began to "encroach" on the neighbor's property".

What can I say instead of "encroach"?

You can use alternatives like "trespass", "intrude", or "infringe" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "encroach" or "infringe"?

"Encroach" generally refers to gradually advancing beyond limits or boundaries, while "infringe" typically implies violating a law, right, or agreement. The correct choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What's the difference between "encroach" and "invade"?

"Encroach" suggests a gradual intrusion, while "invade" implies a sudden, forceful entry. "Encroach" often refers to a slow process of overstepping boundaries, whereas "invade" suggests an immediate and aggressive takeover.