Cool MateApply vs Implement
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Apply
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Implement
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
| Apply | Implement | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈplaɪ/","/əˈplaɪz/","/əˈplaɪd/","/əˈplaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈplaɪ/","/əˈplaɪz/","/əˈplaɪd/","/əˈplaɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪmplɪment/","/ˈɪmplɪments/","/ˈɪmplɪmentɪd/","/ˈɪmplɪmentɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪmplɪment/","/ˈɪmplɪments/","/ˈɪmplɪmentɪd/","/ˈɪmplɪmentɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To put something into use or request something. | To put something into action or use it. |
| Example | You need to apply for a job if you want to work there. | to **implement changes/decisions/policies/reforms** |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | directly, evenly, liberally, over, to | correctly, fully, properly, agree to, decide to, intend to, easily implemented, poorly implemented |
| Antonyms | withdraw, remove, neglect | abandon, neglect, disregard |
| 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. | Using 'implement' as a noun instead of a verb., Confusing 'implement' with 'imply'., Using it incorrectly with inanimate objects instead of actions or plans. |
| 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. | Typically used in professional or technical contexts when discussing plans, policies, or systems being put into practice. Less common in casual conversation. |
Frequently asked questions: Apply vs Implement
What's the difference between Apply and Implement?
Apply: To put something into use or request something. Implement: To put something into action or use it.
Are Apply and Implement the same CEFR level?
Apply: A2, Implement: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Apply and Implement interchangeably?
Not always. Apply and Implement 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.