English Reference

Phrasal verb

fence in

Definition

phrasal verb. to surround an area with a fence to keep something inside. You can also use it when you feel trapped or limited by rules.

phrasal verb. To enclose a physical space with a fence; figuratively, to restrict or limit a person's freedom or agency. Transitive; the object may be placed between the verb and the particle.

Examples

“We need to fence in the yard for the dog.”

“The farmer had to fence in his cattle to stop them from wandering onto the neighbor's property during the night.”

“The protagonist in the novel feels fenced in by the rigid social expectations of her era, eventually leading her to seek a life of solitude.”

Examples

simple

“We need to fence in the yard for the dog.”

contextual

“The farmer had to fence in his cattle to stop them from wandering onto the neighbor's property during the night.”

complex

“The protagonist in the novel feels fenced in by the rigid social expectations of her era, eventually leading her to seek a life of solitude.”

Usage

The object can be placed either after the particle or between the verb and the particle.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'fence off', which is used when separating a specific area from a larger one to prevent entry.

Pitfall

I feel fenced by my strict parents.

I feel fenced in by my strict parents.

The figurative sense of feeling restricted or trapped requires the particle 'in' to be complete.

Phrasal verb

Particles

in

Separability

optional

Pattern

fence + in + object

Synonyms

encloseconfinerestrictsurroundhem in

Antonyms

freereleaseopen up

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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