What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stipulate
Example
The contract stipulates that the work must be completed within six months. [stipulates: verb]
Example
The company stipulated that all employees must attend the training session. [stipulated: past tense]
impose
Example
The government imposed a curfew to control the spread of the virus. [imposed: past tense]
Example
The teacher imposed a strict deadline for the assignment. [imposed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Impose is more commonly used than stipulate in everyday language. Impose is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stipulate is less common and is typically used in legal or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stipulate and impose?
Both stipulate and impose can be used in formal or legal contexts, but impose may be perceived as more forceful or authoritative than stipulate, which is more neutral and objective.
