“Enclosed” is the correct and standard spelling in modern English.
“Inclosed” is an older, outdated form that has mostly disappeared from everyday writing.
This guide breaks down exactly why enclosed is correct and when inclosed still shows up.
What Does “Enclosed” Mean?
Enclosed is the universal modern spelling used for all everyday, business, and formal writing. It means to shut in, surround, or place something inside an envelope or container.
Example: “Please find the receipt enclosed.”
Common uses of “enclosed” in everyday writing:
- “The patio is fully enclosed with glass panels.”
- “I have enclosed a copy of my resume.”
- “The garden is enclosed by a wooden fence.”
“Enclosed” in Different Writing Contexts
Why “Inclosed” Fell Out of Use
Inclosed is an archaic, outdated spelling variant. While it was common centuries ago, it is now considered a spelling error in contemporary writing, except when referring to specific historical terms like the Inclosure Acts.
Example: “The Inclosure Acts reshaped land ownership in 18th-century England.”
Where “Inclosed” Still Appears
Quick Usage Guide
Use enclosed when adding a document to an email or letter. “Please find the receipt enclosed.”
Use enclosed when describing a boundary or fenced area. “The patio is fully enclosed.”
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Phrases
Synonyms for enclosed: attached, included, surrounded, contained, fenced-in.
Antonyms: open, exposed, detached, unfenced.
Related phrases: “please find enclosed” (formal letter phrasing), “enclosed herewith” (traditional business language), “enclosure” (the noun form, referring to the item included).
Memory Tip
The easiest way to remember the correct spelling:
Enclosed — think “envelope.” Both start with E, linking the modern spelling to modern mail and documents.
Inclosed — think “in the past.” The “in-” prefix belongs to history books, not today’s inbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I say “enclosed” in an email?
Yes. “Enclosed” works fine in emails, though “attached” is more common for digital files specifically.
What does “inclosed” mean?
Inclosed means the same as “enclosed” — shut in or surrounded — but it’s an outdated spelling rarely used outside historical references.
What is the difference between enclosed and closed?
Closed simply means shut or not open. Enclosed means surrounded on all sides or included within something, like a document in an envelope.
What does “enclosed” mean in a document?
It means the item is included along with the letter or email — for example, a receipt, form, or attachment sent together with the main message.
Should I use “enclosed” or “enclosure” in a letter?
Use “enclosed” as the verb form within your message (“I have enclosed the form”), and “enclosure” as the noun label, often listed at the bottom of a letter.
How do I enclose an email in an email?
You can’t technically “enclose” one email inside another, but you can forward it or copy its content into your new message.
How do I say “attached to this email”?
Common phrasing includes “please see the attached file” or “I’ve attached the document to this email.”
Can I attach something to an email I already sent?
No. Once an email is sent, you can’t add an attachment to it — you’ll need to send a follow-up email with the file attached.
How do I reply to an email with another email?
You can forward the original email as part of your reply, or copy relevant sections into your response for context.
Conclusion
Enclosed is the correct, modern spelling for everything from business letters to emails describing attachments. Inclosed survives only in historical references like the Inclosure Acts. For everyday writing, enclosed is always the safer choice.
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