encroach on

USAGE SUMMARY

"encroach on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something or someone is advancing or intruding on something else without permission or authorization. For example: "The new, neighboring housing development has begun to encroach on the family's property."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It must stem from primitive days one animal signaled another not encroach on his meal.

Huffington Post

This would further encroach on the status of Dutch.

The Economist

Elsewhere farmers may encroach on forests or other virgin land.

The Economist

"We're not going to encroach on the landmark quality".

The New York Times - Arts

I honestly don't think we encroach on anyone's territory".

The Guardian

True, Democratic victories continue to encroach on previously Republican strongholds.

The New York Times

That has caused beavers increasingly to encroach on populated areas.

The Guardian

They began to encroach on to the floor.

The Guardian - Arts

Disney is not the only entertainment giant trying to encroach on Skylanders' turf.

The New York Times - Arts

The more orderly southern front could be crucial as rebel groups continue to encroach on Damascus.

The Economist

As a result, they sometimes encroach on territory private-equity firms consider their own.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation of "encroach on", which often carries a negative implication of unwanted or unauthorized intrusion. Use it judiciously when you want to convey disapproval or concern about the advancement or infringement.

Common error

Avoid using "encroach on" when the subject is the one being encroached upon. The subject should be the one doing the encroaching. For example, it's incorrect to say, "The forest encroached on by the city." Instead, say, "The city encroached on the forest."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encroach on" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of gradually advancing beyond usual or acceptable limits, often intruding upon someone's territory, rights, or domain. Ludwig provides various examples demonstrating its use in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "encroach on" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe an unwarranted intrusion or gradual advancement beyond acceptable limits. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media but also appears in scientific and formal writing. When using "encroach on", ensure you clarify what is being encroached upon and who is encroaching, while being mindful of its negative connotation. Alternatives like ""infringe upon"" or ""intrude upon"" may be suitable depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infringe upon

Implies a violation of someone's rights or territory, similar to encroach but often suggests a more formal or legal context.

intrude upon

Focuses on the act of entering someone's space or affairs without permission, highlighting the unwelcome nature of the action.

trespass upon

Specifically refers to unlawful entry onto someone's property, emphasizing the legal aspect of the encroachment.

impinge on

Suggests a negative impact or restriction on something, broadening the concept of encroachment to include abstract areas like freedom or rights.

obtrude on

Highlights the act of forcing oneself or one's opinions on others, emphasizing the unwanted nature of the intrusion.

advance into

Focuses on the movement and territorial expansion, similar to encroach but with less emphasis on the negative or unauthorized aspect.

make inroads into

Emphasizes gradual progress and penetration into a market or area, often used in a business or competitive context.

overstep boundaries

Focuses on exceeding established limits or accepted norms, highlighting the violation of unspoken rules or expectations.

violate the sanctity of

Emphasizes the disrespect or defilement of something sacred or protected, adding a moral dimension to the idea of encroachment.

aggressively extend into

Expresses the idea of expanding in assertive, forceful, hostile, or combative way.

FAQs

How can I use "encroach on" in a sentence?

You can use "encroach on" to describe the act of intruding or advancing improperly onto someone else's territory, rights, or domain. For example, "The new building's construction began to "encroach on" the neighbor's property".

What are some synonyms for "encroach on"?

Alternatives to "encroach on" include "infringe upon", "intrude upon", and "trespass upon", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "encroach in" instead of "encroach on"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "encroach" is "on". "Encroach in" is grammatically incorrect. Always use ""encroach on"" to maintain proper usage.

What's the difference between "encroach on" and "impinge on"?

While both phrases suggest intrusion, ""encroach on"" typically refers to a physical or territorial intrusion, whereas "impinge on" often refers to a more abstract intrusion, such as affecting someone's rights or freedoms.