What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
enforce
Example
The police officer was tasked to enforce the traffic laws. [enforce: verb]
Example
The company has strict policies in place to enforce ethical behavior. [enforce: verb]
administer
Example
The principal is responsible for administering the school's policies. [administer: verb]
Example
The nurse will administer the flu vaccine to the patients. [administer: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Administer is more commonly used than enforce in everyday language. Administer is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while enforce is less common and refers to a more specific type of action.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between enforce and administer?
Both enforce and administer can be used in formal or professional contexts, but enforce may be associated with a more serious or authoritative tone, while administer may be associated with a more neutral or helpful tone.