policy vs politics

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A comparison between a plan or set of rules and the activities of gaining and using power.

   Grammar: Use it as a topic heading or in a sentence like 'The difference between policy and politics is important.'

   Patterns

   • the difference between policy and politics
   • policy versus politics

   The class discussed policy vs politics in modern democracies.

   In the essay, she explained policy vs politics using clear examples.

   Understanding policy vs politics helps you read the news more critically.

2. 2nouncountable or uncountable

   A course of action or set of rules chosen by a government, company, or organization.

   Grammar: Countable when referring to specific plans: 'a new policy'. Uncountable when referring to the general idea: 'The company has no policy on this.'

   Patterns

   • government policy
   • company policy
   • policy on something
   • adopt a policy

   The school introduced a new policy on mobile phones.

   Government policy on climate change is changing quickly.

   She works in policy, advising ministers on health care.

3. 3noununcountable

   The activities, ideas, and arguments involved in governing a country or gaining power.

   Grammar: Usually uncountable; use it to talk about the general activity, not a single rule.

   Patterns

   • go into politics
   • office politics
   • party politics

   He left business to go into politics.

   Office politics can make a simple decision very difficult.

   She studies politics at university.

Common combinations

foreign policy

The president's foreign policy focuses on trade.

public policy

Public policy should be based on evidence.

policy maker

Policy makers met to discuss the new law.

political party

The political party held a conference.

politics and government

She teaches politics and government at a college.

Synonyms and how they differ

plan

A 'plan' is a detailed proposal for doing something; 'policy' is a broader set of rules or principles.

strategy

A 'strategy' is a long-term approach to achieving a goal; 'policy' is more about official rules.

Word family

political adjective

Relating to government or public affairs.

politician noun

A person who works in politics.

policyholder noun

A person who has an insurance policy.

Commonly confused: policy vs politics or police? policy vs politics or politics?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “policy vs politics”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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