What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bossing
Example
He enjoys bossing his employees around and telling them what to do. [bossing: verb]
Example
She has a reputation for bossing everyone in the office and not listening to other ideas. [bossing: gerund or present participle]
govern
Example
The president is responsible for governing the country and making important decisions. [govern: verb]
Example
The board of directors governs the company and sets the overall direction. [governs: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Govern is more commonly used than bossing in everyday language, especially in formal or professional contexts. Govern is a versatile word that can be applied to various situations involving the management or regulation of something or someone. Bossing, on the other hand, is more informal and colloquial, and its usage is more limited to describing personal interactions or relationships.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bossing and govern?
While bossing is associated with a more informal and colloquial tone, govern is generally more formal and commonly used in official or professional contexts. Govern carries a sense of responsibility and authority, making it suitable for formal discussions or written documents.
