Enclosed vs Attached
Enclosed and Attached are two words that are often confused when it comes to their usage and connotations as people tend to forget that there is a difference between enclosed and attached. There are times when people use enclosed and attached as synonyms. Actually they are different in terms of their meanings and connotations. The word enclosed is created by the verb enclose. If we take a look at enclosed and attached as merely words, we can see that the origin of enclose can be found in the Middle English.
What does Enclosed mean?
The word enclosed is used in the sense of included. Observe the two sentences given below.
The certificate of fitness is enclosed in the cover.
The lamp was enclosed in a golden box.
In the first sentence, the word enclosed is used in the sense of included. In the second sentence, the use of the word enclosed suggests that the lamp was placed within a golden box.
It is important to note that the noun form of the verb enclosed is enclosure. The verb enclose is sometimes followed by the preposition ‘with’ as in the sentence given below.
The house is nicely enclosed with high walls.
It is interesting to note that the word enclosed is often used as an adjective as in the following sentence.
The enclosed theater is very attractive to look at.
In this sentence, the word enclosed is used as an adjective.
What does Attached mean?
On the other hand, the word attached is used in the sense of added or joined. Now, have a look at the two sentences given below as examples.
The certificate of fitness is attached to the letter.
She was asked to complete the attached form when the instruction leaflet was given.
If you have a look at the above sentences, in the first sentence the use of the word attached gives the meaning joined or added. Here, it says that with the letter the certificate of fitness was sent. In the second sentence, because the word attached is used we get the meaning that the form was given with the leaflet of instruction.
Furthermore, the noun form of the verb attached is attachment. In the same way as the word enclosed, the word attached also can be used as an adjective as in the sentence given below.
The house has two attached bathrooms.
In this sentence, the word attached is used as an adjective. The word attached is sometimes followed by preposition ‘to’ as in the sentence,
You can see a pipe attached to the tank.
Sometimes, it is followed by the preposition ‘by’ as in the sentence,
The property was attached by the government.
What is the difference between Enclosed and Attached?
• The word enclosed is used in the sense of included. On the other hand, the word attached is used in the sense of added or joined. This is one of the main differences between the two words enclosed and attached.
• It is important to note that the noun form of the verb enclosed is enclosure. On the other hand, the noun form of the verb attached is attachment.
• The verb enclose is sometimes followed by the preposition ‘with.’
• It is interesting to note that the word enclosed is often used as an adjective too.
• In the same way, the word attached also can be used as an adjective.
• The word attached is sometimes followed by preposition ‘to.’
• Sometimes, attached is followed by the preposition ‘by.’
These are the differences between the two words enclosed and attached.