Cool MateApply vs Enforce
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Apply
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Enforce
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Most common: Apply
| Apply | Enforce | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈplaɪ/","/əˈplaɪz/","/əˈplaɪd/","/əˈplaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈplaɪ/","/əˈplaɪz/","/əˈplaɪd/","/əˈplaɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈfɔːs/","/ɪnˈfɔːsɪz/","/ɪnˈfɔːst/","/ɪnˈfɔːsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈfɔːrs/","/ɪnˈfɔːrsɪz/","/ɪnˈfɔːrst/","/ɪnˈfɔːrsɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To put something into use or request something. | To make sure something rules or laws are followed. |
| Example | You need to apply for a job if you want to work there. | It's the job of the police to enforce the law. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | directly, evenly, liberally, over, to | fully, rigidly, rigorously, can, be difficult to, be hard to |
| Antonyms | withdraw, remove, neglect | ignore, neglect, overlook |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'imply' — they have different meanings., Using 'applied' incorrectly in past tense when referring to a suggestion., Omitting the object when stating to 'apply' something. | Confused with 'force' — enforcing is about making rules happen, while forcing is about physical strength., Using 'enforce' incorrectly with non-physical rules; it should only relate to laws or regulations., Incorrectly using 'enforce' intransitively; it always requires an object (what is being enforced). |
| Usage notes | Use 'apply' when talking about using knowledge in practice or requesting a position. It is neutral and can fit in both casual and formal settings. Avoid using in overly casual contexts. | Commonly used in legal or official contexts. Avoid using in informal conversation. It is appropriate when discussing laws, rules, or policies but not suitable for personal opinions. |
Frequently asked questions: Apply vs Enforce
What's the difference between Apply and Enforce?
Apply: To put something into use or request something. Enforce: To make sure something rules or laws are followed.
Which is more common: Apply and Enforce?
Apply is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Apply and Enforce?
Enforce is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Apply and Enforce the same CEFR level?
Apply: A2, Enforce: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Apply and Enforce?
Apply: verb, Enforce: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Apply: You need to apply for a job if you want to work there. Enforce: It's the job of the police to enforce the law.
Can I use Apply and Enforce interchangeably?
Not always. Apply and Enforce are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.