Cool MateEncompass vs Surround
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Encompass
Top 3,000 (common)C1verb
Surround
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Most common: Surround
| Encompass | Surround | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈkʌmpəs/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪz/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəst/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈkʌmpəs/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪz/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəst/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/səˈraʊnd/","/səˈraʊndz/","/səˈraʊndɪd/","/səˈraʊndɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səˈraʊnd/","/səˈraʊndz/","/səˈraʊndɪd/","/səˈraʊndɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To include or cover something completely. | To be all around something. |
| Example | The job encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. | The garden was designed to surround the house with colorful flowers. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | encompass a range, encompass various elements, encompass ideas, encompass different cultures, encompass multiple factors | completely, entirely, totally, with, completely, entirely, totally, with |
| Antonyms | exclude, omit, leave out | isolate, exclude, leave |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'comprise' which has a slightly different meaning., Using 'encompass' with an incorrect subject (e.g., not using it with things that cannot be included). | Confusing with 'encircle', which has a slightly different meaning., Using the wrong preposition, like 'surround on' instead of 'surround with'., Incorporating it incorrectly in passive voice. |
| Usage notes | Used when talking about including various elements or aspects. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts, and can fit in academic or professional discussions. | This word is used in both literal and figurative contexts. It can describe physical space or emotional states. Avoid using it in overly formal writing. |
Frequently asked questions: Encompass vs Surround
What's the difference between Encompass and Surround?
Encompass: To include or cover something completely. Surround: To be all around something.
Which is more common: Encompass and Surround?
Surround is the most common in everyday English.
Are Encompass and Surround the same CEFR level?
Encompass: C1, Surround: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Encompass and Surround interchangeably?
Not always. Encompass and Surround are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.