Fense vs. Fence: Mastering the Correct Spelling
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on March 8, 2024
"Fense" is an incorrect spelling; the correct spelling is "fence." A fence is a structure serving as a barrier, boundary, or enclosure.
Which is correct: Fense or Fence
How to spell Fence?
Fense is Incorrect
Fence is Correct
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Key Differences
Remember that "fence" sounds like 'fens,' and the 'c' is silent, distinguishing it from the incorrect "fense."
Visualize a fence as a 'c'-shaped enclosure to remember the 'c' in "fence."
"Fence" has a 'c', recalling its function to encircle or enclose an area, unlike "fense."
Connect "fence" with "defence" and "offence," all containing 'fence' and related to protection or boundary.
Associate "fence" with "pence," noting both words share the 'ence' ending.
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Correct usage of Fence
He leaned against the fense, watching the sunset.
He leaned against the fence, watching the sunset.
The neighbors agreed to share the cost of the new fense.
The neighbors agreed to share the cost of the new fence.
He sat on the fense, undecided about what to do next.
He sat on the fence, undecided about what to do next.
The property was surrounded by a wooden fense.
The property was surrounded by a wooden fence.
She put up a fense to keep the rabbits out of her garden.
She put up a fence to keep the rabbits out of her garden.
Fence Definitions
In criminal jargon, a fence is someone who buys and sells stolen goods.
The thief sold the stolen jewelry to a fence.
In construction, a fence is a barrier intended to prevent access or provide containment.
The construction site was surrounded by a temporary fence.
In sports, fence refers to the practice of fencing, a form of swordsmanship.
She won a medal in the fencing competition.
A fence is a barrier or structure that encloses an area, often for security or privacy.
They built a wooden fence around their garden.
Informally, to fence can mean to engage in clever argument or negotiation.
They fenced over the terms of the contract.
A structure serving as an enclosure, a barrier, or a boundary, usually made of posts or stakes joined together by boards, wire, or rails.
An adjustable guide with a flat edge used on a table saw and positioned parallel to the plane of the cutting attachment in order to keep the board properly positioned for the cut to be made at the correct distance from the board's edge.
One who receives and sells stolen goods.
A place where stolen goods are received and sold.
(Archaic) A means of defense; a protection.
To surround or enclose with a fence or other barrier.
To separate or keep out by means of a fence or other barrier
Fenced off one field from another.
Fenced out the deer from the garden.
To sell (stolen goods) to a fence.
To ward off; keep away.
To defend.
To practice the art or sport of fencing.
To avoid giving direct answers; hedge.
To act as a conduit for stolen goods.
A thin artificial barrier that separates two pieces of land or forms a perimeter enclosing the lands of a house, building, etc.
(informal) Someone who hides or buys and sells stolen goods, a criminal middleman for transactions of stolen goods.
(by extension) The place whence such a middleman operates.
Skill in oral debate.
The art or practice of fencing.
A guard or guide on machinery.
(figuratively) A barrier, for example an emotional barrier.
A memory barrier.
(transitive) To enclose, contain or separate by building fence.
(transitive) To defend or guard.
(transitive) To engage in the selling or buying of stolen goods.
To engage in the sport of fencing.
To jump over a fence.
(intransitive) To conceal the truth by giving equivocal answers; to hedge; to be evasive.
That which fends off attack or danger; a defense; a protection; a cover; security; shield.
Let us be backed with God and with the seas,Which he hath given for fence impregnable.
A fence betwixt us and the victor's wrath.
An inclosure about a field or other space, or about any object; especially, an inclosing structure of wood, iron, or other material, intended to prevent intrusion from without or straying from within.
Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold.
A projection on the bolt, which passes through the tumbler gates in locking and unlocking.
Self-defense by the use of the sword; the art and practice of fencing and sword play; hence, skill in debate and repartee. See Fencing.
Enjoy your dear wit, and gay rhetoric,That hath so well been taught her dazzing fence.
Of dauntless courage and consummate skill in fence.
A receiver of stolen goods, or a place where they are received.
To fend off danger from; to give security to; to protect; to guard.
To fence my ear against thy sorceries.
To inclose with a fence or other protection; to secure by an inclosure.
O thou wall! . . . dive in the earth,And fence not Athens.
A sheepcote fenced about with olive trees.
To make a defense; to guard one's self of anything, as against an attack; to give protection or security, as by a fence.
Vice is the more stubborn as well as the more dangerous evil, and therefore, in the first place, to be fenced against.
To practice the art of attack and defense with the sword or with the foil, esp. with the smallsword, using the point only.
He will fence with his own shadow.
Hence, to fight or dispute in the manner of fencers, that is, by thrusting, guarding, parrying, etc.
They fence and push, and, pushing, loudly roar;Their dewlaps and their sides are bat ed in gore.
As when a billow, blown against,Falls back, the voice with which I fencedA little ceased, but recommenced.
A barrier that serves to enclose an area
A dealer in stolen property
Enclose with a fence;
We fenced in our yard
Receive stolen goods
Fight with fencing swords
Surround with a wall in order to fortify
Have an argument about something
Fence Sentences
The white picket fence added charm to the quaint house.
The farmer used a fence to keep the cattle within a designated area.
A fence gate provides access while maintaining the enclosure's security.
Repairing the broken fence was a weekend project for the family.
The community park's fence was adorned with artwork from local artists.
They built a tall fence to provide privacy in their backyard.
A fence can also serve as a boundary marker between properties.
For privacy, some prefer a fence made of solid panels or boards.
The baseball field was enclosed with a high fence to catch fly balls.
Choosing the right type of fence depends on its intended purpose and style.
The old fence was replaced with a more durable and weather-resistant material.
A snow fence helps to control snow drifting on roads and paths.
Children were playing tag, running around and between the fence panels.
The fence around the playground was painted in bright, cheerful colors.
Installing a fence can increase a property's security and value.
The historical site was protected by a fence to preserve its integrity.
Fence Idioms & Phrases
Back against the fence
In a defensive position or in a situation where there are no easy options left.
With the deadline approaching and options dwindling, he felt like he had his back against the fence.
Fence off
To separate an area by erecting a fence, often for protection or privacy.
They fenced off the construction site to ensure the safety of passersby.
Fence in
To restrict or confine something within an area surrounded by a fence.
They fenced in the garden to protect it from being trampled by pets.
On the fence
Undecided or neutral about a choice or decision.
She was on the fence about attending the event, unsure if it would be worth her time.
Fence-sitter
A person who remains neutral or undecided in a dispute or decision.
In the debate, the fence-sitters were the most difficult to convince.
Sit on the fence
To delay making a decision or taking a side in a discussion.
When asked about the new policy, she preferred to sit on the fence until she had more information.
Jump the fence
To change sides in a debate or conflict.
After hearing the arguments, he jumped the fence and supported the opposing viewpoint.
FAQs
What is the pronunciation of fence?
Fence is pronounced as /fɛns/.
Which vowel is used before fence?
The vowel "e" is used at the beginning of "fence."
What is the verb form of fence?
The verb form of "fence" is also "fence," used in contexts like fencing a property or engaging in the sport of fencing.
Which conjunction is used with fence?
There isn't a specific conjunction commonly used with "fence."
What is the root word of fence?
The root word of "fence" comes from the Middle English "fens," derived from the Latin "defensa" (a defence).
What is the plural form of fence?
The plural form is "fences."
Why is it called fence?
It's called a fence because it originates from the Middle English "fens," a short form of "defence," referring to protection or boundary.
Which preposition is used with fence?
Common prepositions used with "fence" are "around," "along," and "behind."
Is fence a negative or positive word?
"Fence" is neutral; its connotation depends on context.
Which article is used with fence?
Both "a" and "the" can be used with "fence," depending on the context.
Is fence a vowel or consonant?
"Fence" is a word, not a vowel or consonant. It starts with the consonant "f."
Is fence a countable noun?
Yes, "fence" is a countable noun.
Is the word fence is imperative?
"Fence" can be used in the imperative form as a command, especially in the context of fencing or enclosing.
What is a stressed syllable in fence?
Since "fence" is a single syllable word, the entire word is stressed.
What part of speech is fence?
"Fence" is primarily a noun, but can also function as a verb.
What is another term for fence?
Another term for "fence" could be "barrier" or "enclosure."
Which determiner is used with fence?
Determiners like "the," "a," "this," or "that" can be used with "fence."
What is the first form of fence?
The first form (base form) is "fence."
What is the second form of fence?
The second form is also "fence," as used in past tense.
How is fence used in a sentence?
Example: "They decided to fence their backyard for added privacy."
What is the singular form of fence?
The singular form is "fence."
Is fence a noun or adjective?
"Fence" is primarily a noun, but can also be used as a verb.
How many syllables are in fence?
There is one syllable in "fence."
How do we divide fence into syllables?
"Fence" is a single-syllable word and is not divided.
What is the opposite of fence?
The opposite of "fence" could be "opening" or "gap."
Is fence an adverb?
No, "fence" is not an adverb.
Is fence an abstract noun?
No, "fence" is a concrete noun as it refers to a physical structure.
Is fence a collective noun?
No, "fence" is not typically used as a collective noun.
Is the fence term a metaphor?
"Fence" can be used metaphorically in some contexts.
What is the third form of fence?
The third form for the verb "fence" is also "fence," as in past participle.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.