What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
encircling
Example
The police were encircling the building to catch the suspect. [encircling: verb]
Example
The fence was encircling the garden to keep the animals out. [encircling: gerund or present participle]
circling
Example
The birds were circling overhead, looking for prey. [circling: verb]
Example
The plane was circling the airport waiting for clearance to land. [circling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Circling is more commonly used than encircling in everyday language. Circling is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while encircling is less common and refers to a specific type of circular movement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between encircling and circling?
Both encircling and circling are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
