What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mandate
Example
The government issued a mandate for all citizens to wear masks in public. [mandate: noun]
Example
The manager mandated that all employees attend the training session. [mandated: verb]
directive
Example
The CEO issued a directive to all departments to reduce expenses by 10%. [directive: noun]
Example
The supervisor directed the team to follow the new safety procedures. [directed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Directive is more commonly used than mandate in everyday language, especially in business or organizational settings. Mandate is more formal and often used in legal or political contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mandate and directive?
Mandate is generally considered more formal than directive, as it is often associated with legal or political contexts. However, both words can be used in formal settings depending on the context and audience.
