What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impose
Example
The government decided to impose a curfew to control the spread of the virus. [impose: verb]
Example
The teacher imposed a strict deadline for the essay. [imposed: past tense]
dictate
Example
The manager dictated the new policy to the employees. [dictated: past tense]
Example
The company's success was dictated by the CEO's decisions. [dictate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Impose is more commonly used than dictate in everyday language, especially in the context of laws or regulations. Dictate is more commonly used in the context of personal relationships or work environments.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impose and dictate?
Both impose and dictate can be used in formal or informal contexts, but dictate may be perceived as more formal due to its association with authority and power.
