What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bureaucracy
Example
The company's bureaucracy made it difficult for employees to get things done efficiently. [bureaucracy: noun]
Example
She had to navigate through the bureaucracy of government agencies to obtain the necessary permits. [bureaucracy: noun]
government
Example
The government is responsible for providing public services and maintaining law and order. [government: noun]
Example
He works for the government as a civil servant. [government: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Government is a more commonly used term than bureaucracy in everyday language. Government is a fundamental concept in politics and governance, while bureaucracy is a more specific term that is often used to criticize excessive red tape and inefficiency in organizations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bureaucracy and government?
Both government and bureaucracy can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, government is a more versatile term that can be employed in various formality levels, while bureaucracy is often associated with a more formal tone and is commonly used in discussions about organizational structures and processes.