Increase or encrease – Which is Correct?
When it comes to the English language, there are countless words that can cause confusion even among native speakers. One such word pair that often leaves people scratching their heads is “increase” and “encrease”. It’s easy to see why this confusion arises, as both words sound incredibly similar and are even spelled similarly. However, there is a clear winner here, with “increase” being the correct choice. Let me explain why.
To begin with, “increase” is the more widely used and accepted term in the English language. It is the word used by the majority of English speakers, both in formal and informal contexts. This popularity and widespread usage make it the clear winner when it comes to determining which word is correct.
Furthermore, “increase” has a long history and is derived from the Latin word “increascere”, meaning “to grow”. This etymological background provides more weight and credibility to “increase” as the correct choice. On the other hand, “encrease” is a less common variant, often found in older texts or used by those attempting to sound archaic or poetic. It can be seen as a less preferred alternative, lacking the historical and linguistic backing that “increase” possesses.
But let’s not solely rely on historical origins and popularity to determine correctness. We also need to consider the usage and meaning of both words in present-day English. “Increase” is a versatile and widely applicable term used to describe the act or process of becoming larger, greater, or more numerous. It can be used in various contexts, ranging from personal finances to population growth, and everything in between. Here are a few examples to illustrate this point:
1. The company experienced an increase in sales last quarter.
2. There has been a rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.
3. She applied for a raise to increase her salary.
On the other hand, “encrease” is virtually non-existent in contemporary usage. It is considered outdated and archaic, only found in the works of literature from bygone centuries. Thus, it is rarely, if ever, used in modern English conversations or writing.
In conclusion, “increase” is without a doubt the correct choice when it comes to deciding between “increase” and “encrease”. Its widespread usage, etymological background, and broad applicability in contemporary English all contribute to its superiority over “encrease”. So the next time you want to describe something becoming larger or experiencing growth, remember to use “increase” and leave “encrease” in the pages of history where it belongs.