What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
act
Example
She acted surprised when she received the gift. [acted: verb]
Example
The school is putting on a production of the Shakespearean play, Macbeth. [production: noun]
Example
The Clean Air Act outlines regulations for reducing air pollution. [Act: noun]
law
Example
It is against the law to steal. [law: noun]
Example
The new law requires all citizens to wear masks in public. [law: noun]
Example
She studied law at Harvard University. [law: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Law is more commonly used than act in everyday language, especially in legal contexts. Act is less common and has multiple meanings depending on the context.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between act and law?
Law is generally considered more formal than act, as it is associated with legal systems and regulations.
