What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
enclosure
Example
The zoo's lion enclosure is very popular among visitors. [enclosure: noun]
Example
Please find the enclosure with the details of our offer. [enclosure: noun]
Example
I enclosed a check with my application for the job. [enclosed: verb]
compound
Example
The military compound was heavily guarded and difficult to access. [compound: noun]
Example
Water is a compound made up of hydrogen and oxygen. [compound: noun]
Example
The bad weather compounded the already difficult driving conditions. [compounded: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Compound is more commonly used than enclosure in everyday language. Compound is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while enclosure is less common and often used in technical or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between enclosure and compound?
Both enclosure and compound can be used in formal and informal contexts, but enclosure is more commonly used in technical or legal contexts, which may make it sound more formal to some ESL learners.
