Entering vs. Incoming — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 10, 2024
"Entering" focuses on the act of going into a place, while "incoming" describes something approaching or being received.
Difference Between Entering and Incoming
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Entering" is primarily used to describe the action of a person or object moving into a specific space or location. On the other hand, "incoming" often refers to items or communications that are arriving or expected to arrive at a destination.
"Entering" conveys an active process, such as someone walking into a room or data being entered into a system. Whereas "incoming" is more passive, indicating things like emails being received or missiles approaching their target.
In the context of events, "entering" suggests participation, such as entering a competition, implying an action taken by the participant. In contrast, "incoming" could refer to events about to happen, like incoming weather, focusing on anticipation from the recipient’s perspective.
When discussing data or communication, "entering" implies manual input, like entering data into a spreadsheet. Conversely, "incoming" describes data or calls that are being received automatically.
In terms of physical movement, "entering" requires someone to cross a threshold into a new space, such as entering a house. On the other hand, "incoming" might refer to something moving toward a point, like incoming traffic, without necessarily entering a new space.
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Describes the act of going inside
Describes something approaching
Agency
Active, requires action
Passive, does not require action
Common Contexts
Buildings, rooms, data entry
Messages, calls, hazards
Example Scenario
A person entering a building
A call coming to a phone
Connotation
Involvement and initiation
Reception and anticipation
Compare with Definitions
Entering
Starting to be involved in an activity.
He is entering the field of medicine.
Incoming
Approaching or forthcoming.
Incoming bad weather could alter plans.
Entering
To begin to consider.
They are entering negotiations.
Incoming
About to assume an office or position.
The incoming administration promises reform.
Entering
To register or enroll.
Entering the contest requires a fee.
Incoming
Being received, as in communication.
Check the incoming messages.
Entering
Moving into a place.
She was entering the room when the phone rang.
Incoming
Pertaining to the direction towards something.
The soldiers faced the incoming fire.
Entering
To input data into a system.
Entering your password is mandatory.
Incoming
Arriving at a point or place.
Incoming flights are delayed.
Entering
Incoming; - of a person or group assuming a role. Opposite of leaving and outgoing.
Incoming
About to assume an office or position
The incoming governor.
Entering
Present participle of enter
Incoming
Coming in or about to come in
Incoming trains.
Incoming mail.
Incoming mortar fire.
Entering
Action of the verb to enter
Incoming
The act of coming in; arrival.
Entering
A movement into or inward
Incoming
Often incomings Income; revenue.
Entering
The act of entering;
She made a grand entrance
Incoming
Coming (or about to come) in; arriving.
Incoming tides cause a tidal bore in many rivers.
Entering
That is going in;
The entering class
The ingoing administration
Ingoing data
Incoming
Succeeding to an office.
The incoming prime minister gave a press conference.
Incoming
(countable) The act of coming in; arrival.
Incoming
Fire directed at oneself.
Incoming
(military) A warning that something is coming towards the addressee, especially enemy artillery fire.
Incoming
Coming in; accruing.
A full incoming profit on the product of his labor.
Incoming
Coming in, succeeding, or following, as occupant or possessor; as, in incoming tenant.
Incoming
The act of coming in; arrival.
The incomings and outgoings of the trains.
Incoming
Income; gain.
Many incomings are subject to great fluctuations.
Incoming
The act of entering;
She made a grand entrance
Incoming
Coming in or succeeding or of the future;
Incoming class
Incoming mail
The incoming president
Common Curiosities
Is "entering" used in digital contexts?
Yes, particularly in reference to inputting information into digital systems.
How is "incoming" used in military contexts?
It describes projectiles or attacks that are approaching.
Does "entering" require physical movement?
Typically, yes, it involves moving into a new space or condition.
Can "incoming" refer to both good and bad things?
Yes, it can refer to anything approaching, whether positive, like incoming funds, or negative, like incoming threats.
Is "incoming" always related to physical locations?
No, it can also refer to temporal events like incoming deadlines.
Can "incoming" be used to describe emotions?
It's less common but can describe anticipated emotions, like incoming joy.
What does "entering" imply in legal terms?
It often refers to physically entering property or a legal state, such as entering into a contract.
Can "entering" be used metaphorically?
Yes, such as entering a new phase of life.
What types of communications are considered "incoming"?
Emails, calls, and postal deliveries are typical examples.
How do "entering" and "incoming" relate to technology?
"Entering" relates to data input, while "incoming" refers to data reception.
Are there any industries where "entering" is more common than "incoming"?
Yes, in entertainment and sports, such as entering a stage or a game.
Does "entering" imply a duration?
Not specifically, it focuses more on the act of crossing a threshold.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
