What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
politics
Example
He was interested in politics and wanted to run for office one day. [politics: noun]
Example
The politician used his influence to advance his political agenda. [political: adjective]
policy
Example
The company had a strict policy against workplace harassment. [policy: noun]
Example
The government implemented a new policy to reduce carbon emissions. [policy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Policy is more commonly used than politics in everyday language. Policy is a practical and concrete term that is used in various contexts, such as business, government, and education. Politics, on the other hand, is more abstract and conceptual and is often associated with negative connotations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between politics and policy?
Both politics and policy can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, policy is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts, while politics is more commonly used in informal contexts.