Inclosed or Enclosed: Which Is Correct?

Updated 2026-10-03 · Which One Is Correct editorial team

Quick answer: The correct spelling is enclosed. While inclosed appears in older texts, it is no longer standard in modern English. You should always use enclosed in professional, academic, and casual writing to ensure clarity and adherence to current dictionary standards for everyone.

The Short Answer

Enclosed is the only correct form for contemporary English usage across all major regions and style guides. It serves as the standard adjective and verb form when referring to items added to a document or letter.

Confusion often arises because the prefix en- and in- can look similar, especially in rapid reading. Historical texts occasionally use inclosed, leading some readers to assume it remains a valid alternative, but it has fallen entirely out of favor.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Form	Status	Use it when
Enclosed	Standard	Writing modern emails, letters, or documents in any region.
Inclosed	Obsolete	Quoting historical texts from the nineteenth century or earlier.
Enclose	Verb	Describing the action of placing something inside a container.
Enclosure	Noun	Referring to the item itself that was placed inside the document.

Correct Example Sentences

Please find the invoice enclosed with this letter for your review.
The package was enclosed in sturdy cardboard to prevent damage during transit.
I have enclosed the signed contract as requested by the legal team.
Her letter included a photograph enclosed within the envelope flap.
The instructions were enclosed with the new appliance for easy reference.
We enclosed a gift card inside the birthday card for the child.
The security guard found a note enclosed in the broken window frame.
Please ensure all required forms are enclosed with your application submission.
The treasure map was enclosed in a small wooden box for safety.
Your feedback is enclosed in the attached spreadsheet for quick analysis.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

I inclosed the check with the payment slip.: I enclosed the check with the payment slip.
The documents were inclosed in the folder.: The documents were enclosed in the folder.
Please see the inclosed brochure for details.: Please see the enclosed brochure for details.
She inclosed a photo of her new puppy.: She enclosed a photo of her new puppy.
The gift was inclosed in red paper.: The gift was enclosed in red paper.
Have you received the inclosed survey results?: Have you received the enclosed survey results?

A Quick Test You Can Use

To verify your usage, simply check if the word fits into a modern business email or formal letter without raising eyebrows. If you are describing something added to a communication or placed inside a container, enclosed is the reliable choice that editors and readers will universally accept.

Related Word Pairs

Loose vs Lose: Loose means not tight; lose means to misplace or fail to keep.
Their vs There: Their shows possession; there refers to a specific location or place.
Accept vs Except: Accept means to receive; except means to exclude or leave out.
Affect vs Effect: Affect is usually a verb; effect is usually a noun showing result.
Principal vs Principle: Principal refers to a leader or main amount; principle is a rule.

More Example Sentences

The lawyer enclosed the original deed in the manila folder for safekeeping.
Please review the enclosed warranty information before assembling the furniture.
She enclosed a handwritten note of thanks inside the holiday gift box.
The museum ticket was enclosed with the travel itinerary sent by email.
He enclosed the missing key inside the parcel for urgent delivery.
The architect enclosed the blueprints within a protective plastic sleeve.
We enclosed a sample of our new fabric with the design proposal.
The librarian enclosed a reservation slip with the returned book.
Make sure the receipt is enclosed with your expense report submission.
The charity enclosed a tax deduction form with every donation letter.

Quick Practice

I have the photos you asked me to send.

enclosed

The gift card was inside the greeting card.

enclosed

Please find the signed agreement with this letter.

enclosed

He the check in an envelope and mailed it.

enclosed

The instructions were with the new software package.

enclosed

Did you receive the brochure about the event?

enclosed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is inclosed a valid word in British English?

No, inclosed is considered obsolete in British English as well. Writers in the UK should always use enclosed to maintain standard spelling conventions and avoid appearing outdated.

Can I use enclosed as a verb?

Yes, you can use enclosed as a verb. For example, you might say that you enclosed a document with your letter. It functions correctly in both past tense and participle forms.

What is the noun form of enclosed?

The noun form is enclosure. You would refer to the item itself as an enclosure, such as when listing attachments at the bottom of a formal business letter or email.

Why do some old books use inclosed?

Older dictionaries and style guides once listed inclosed as an acceptable variant. Over time, standardization favored enclosed, making the other form rare in modern publishing and professional communication today.