What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
paling
Example
The garden was surrounded by a paling fence. [paling: noun]
Example
The farmer repaired the paling that had fallen over. [paling: singular form]
enclosure
Example
The zookeeper checked the enclosure to make sure the animals were safe. [enclosure: noun]
Example
The letter was sent in an enclosure with additional documents. [enclosure: attachment]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Enclosure is more commonly used than paling in everyday language, especially in American English. Enclosure is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while paling is less common and more specific to certain types of fences or screens.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between paling and enclosure?
Both paling and enclosure can be used in formal and informal contexts, but enclosure may be more commonly used in technical or professional settings due to its broader meaning.