What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
operate
Example
The surgeon will operate on the patient's heart tomorrow. [operate: verb]
Example
The factory operates 24 hours a day to meet production demands. [operates: present tense]
execute
Example
The project manager will execute the plan to launch the new product. [execute: verb]
Example
The computer program was executed flawlessly. [executed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Operate is more commonly used in technical or mechanical contexts, while execute is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between operate and execute?
Operate is generally considered more formal than execute, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
