What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
encircle
Example
The group decided to encircle the campfire and sing songs. [encircle: verb]
Example
The fence encircled the entire property, keeping the animals safe. [encircled: past tense]
surround
Example
The city is surrounded by mountains, making it a beautiful place to live. [surrounded: past participle]
Example
The students surrounded the teacher, asking questions about the upcoming exam. [surround: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surround is more commonly used than encircle in everyday language. Surround is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while encircle is less common and refers specifically to a circular shape.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between encircle and surround?
Both encircle and surround are formal words that can be used in academic or professional settings. However, encircle may be perceived as more formal due to its specificity and less common usage.
