to encompass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to encompass" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to include or contain something completely. Example: The new government policy was designed to encompass all aspects of healthcare, from primary care to mental health services.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since then it's grown to encompass 17 full-time staff.

The Guardian - Music

There is simply too much writing to encompass.

The New Yorker

No film could hope to encompass so multitudinous a life.

The New Yorker

(My circle wasn't wide enough to encompass any Braun campaigners).

The New York Times - Books

But it is not likely to encompass the city.

The New York Times

He stretches his hand out wide to encompass the world.

The Guardian - Arts

" She paused, spread her arms wide to encompass the room.

The New Yorker

The lament soon broadens to encompass the department itself.

The New Yorker

Everyone's imaginations have come to encompass these once unimaginable events.

The New Yorker

Or a word to encompass he or she?

The New York Times - Magazine

Foreign policy changes are likely to encompass a wider area.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to encompass" when you want to express that something includes a wide range of elements or aspects, providing a sense of completeness.

Common error

Avoid using "to encompass" when a simpler word like "include" or "cover" would suffice. "To encompass" is most effective when describing a comprehensive inclusion, not just a partial one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to encompass" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase. It is used to express the purpose or intention of an action, indicating that something aims to include or contain a wide range of elements, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to encompass" is a grammatically correct and very common infinitive verb phrase used to indicate the intention to include or cover a wide range of elements or aspects. As Ludwig AI states, it signifies comprehensiveness and is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, it's best to use "to encompass" when you want to convey a sense of completeness, avoiding overuse in situations where simpler words like "include" or "cover" would suffice. Remember to use it to suggest a comprehensive inclusion, not just a partial one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to include

Focuses on the act of adding as a part of a whole, rather than surrounding or containing.

to comprise

Emphasizes the components that make up a whole, rather than the act of including.

to cover

Highlights the extent or scope of inclusion, often implying a superficial treatment.

to incorporate

Suggests a blending or integration of elements, instead of simple inclusion.

to embody

Implies representing something abstract in a concrete form, not just including it.

to embrace

Conveys acceptance and inclusion, carrying a more positive connotation than simple containment.

to encapsulate

Highlights the act of expressing essential features concisely, rather than merely including.

to surround

Focuses on the physical act of being around something, rather than its abstract inclusion.

to integrate

Stresses the blending or merging of elements, instead of just encompassing.

to subsume

Suggests absorbing something into a larger category, not merely including it.

FAQs

How can I use "to encompass" in a sentence?

You can use "to encompass" to indicate that something includes a wide range of elements or aspects, such as "The project aims "to encompass" all stages of the development process".

What are some alternatives to using "to encompass"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to include", "to cover", or "to comprise".

Is it correct to say "encompasses to" instead of "to encompass"?

No, the correct form is "to encompass". "Encompasses" is a verb form that requires a direct object, while "to encompass" functions as an infinitive phrase.

What's the difference between "to encompass" and "to surround"?

"To encompass" means to include completely or to cover a wide scope, while "to surround" refers to physically encircling something. While both can imply inclusion, "to surround" has a more literal, spatial meaning.