What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bylaw
Example
The city council passed a bylaw prohibiting smoking in public parks. [bylaw: noun]
Example
The homeowners' association has a bylaw that restricts the height of fences. [bylaw: noun]
statute
Example
The new statute aims to protect endangered species from hunting. [statute: noun]
Example
The court ruled that the defendant violated a statute regarding tax evasion. [statute: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Statute is more commonly used than bylaw in everyday language, as it refers to laws at a higher level of government that have a wider application. Bylaw is more commonly used in the context of local regulations and rules specific to certain communities or organizations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bylaw and statute?
Both bylaw and statute are formal terms used in legal contexts. However, statute is generally associated with a higher level of formality due to its broader scope and application.
