encroach upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"encroach upon" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone taking something away or infringing upon another person's rights, boundaries, or claims. For example: The company encroached upon its competitor's business territory.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Regularly encroach upon the personal space of your beloved in a desperate attempt to get noticed.

The Guardian - Money

They are for cafes to encroach upon With their fenced-off alfresco spaces.

The New York Times

Playing live music in an apartment, it's impossible not to encroach upon your neighbors".

The New York Times

Vested interests blocked efforts at codification, because reform would encroach upon their privileges.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it has been allowed to encroach upon areas of human experience that should be shielded form its violent incursions.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm sure memory is affected by unrelated personal events; events in real time that encroach upon one's reading life.

The Guardian - Books

Oddly enough, the Pacific, as an organizing principle in world military affairs, will also encroach upon Africa.

The New York Times

"There is always the concern that that urban look or characteristic can encroach upon suburban communities," Mr. Bellone said.

The New York Times

Meanwhile privacy advocates are urging caution, saying that more federal monitoring will encroach upon civil liberties without assuring public safety.

The New York Times - Arts

Overhanging everything are mounting levels of violence as the Taliban encroach upon a number of provincial capitals and penetrate Kabul.

The Guardian - Opinion

After winning re-election, Paes allowed the golf course to encroach upon a 58,500 square metre area of the Marapendi municipal natural park.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "encroach upon" when you want to emphasize a gradual or subtle intrusion into someone's space, rights, or territory. It suggests a less forceful or direct action than words like "invade" or "violate".

Common error

While "encroach upon" is generally acceptable in formal writing, be mindful of the context. In very informal settings, simpler alternatives like "intrude" or "infringe" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encroach upon" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of gradually intruding or infringing on someone's space, rights, or territory. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "encroach upon" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the gradual intrusion or infringement on someone's space, rights, or territory. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its frequency and appearance in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times attest to its common usage in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While generally formal, the best practice is to use it when emphasizing a subtle intrusion, while being mindful of the context for simpler alternatives. Common mistakes include overlooking the slight formality of the phrase, where alternatives like "intrude on" may be more apt. In summary, "encroach upon" is a useful and precise term for expressing concern over intrusions, fitting well into formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Encroach on

Similar, but without the "upon".

Infringe on

Highlights the violation of rights or rules.

Intrude on

Focuses more on the act of entering without permission.

Impinge on

Implies a negative impact or restriction.

Trespass on

Emphasizes the act of unlawfully entering someone's property.

Overstep

Suggests exceeding acceptable limits or boundaries.

Invade

Highlights forceful or aggressive entry.

Overrun

Implies overwhelming or dominating occupation.

Aggress

Focuses on an act of starting a quarrel or attack.

Make inroads into

Suggests gradual progress or advancement.

FAQs

How to use "encroach upon" in a sentence?

You can use "encroach upon" to describe a gradual intrusion or infringement. For example, "The new development will "encroach upon" the natural habitat."

What can I say instead of "encroach upon"?

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

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

While both are acceptable, "encroach upon" is often considered slightly more formal and emphasizes the gradual nature of the intrusion, while "encroach on" is more direct.

Is "encroach upon" formal or informal?

"Encroach upon" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. In very informal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferable.