Code vs Statute

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Code

Top 1,000 (very common) A2 noun

Statute

Formal Beyond 10,000 (less common)

Most formal: Statute Most common: Code

	Code	Statute
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/kəʊd/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/kəʊd/"]/ Hear Code	🇬🇧 //ˈstætjuːt// 🇺🇸 //ˈstætʃuːt// Hear Statute
Meaning	A system of words, letters, or symbols used to represent information.	A law made by a government.
Example	He learned how to write a code for his website.	The new statute aims to reduce pollution in urban areas.
Register	Neutral	Formal
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR level	A2	-
Part of speech	noun
Collocations	area, dialling, post, generate, number, generator, area, dialling, post, generate, number, generator, binary, executable, HTML, execute, write, modify, strict, unwritten, ethical, have, adopt, draw up, a code of behaviour/​behavior, a code of conduct, a code of ethics, strict, unwritten, ethical, have, adopt, draw up, a code of behaviour/​behavior, a code of conduct, a code of ethics	pass a statute, amend a statute, statute law, enact a statute, statute of limitations
Antonyms	decode, explain	-
Common mistakes	Confused with 'decode' which means to change code back to the original information., Using 'code' improperly as a verb instead of as a noun., Mixing up 'code' in a programming sense with its use in non-technical contexts.	Confused with 'statue' - a figure made of stone or metal., Using 'statute' when referring to common laws or regulations instead of written laws., Mispronouncing the word, confusing it with 'statue'.
Usage notes	Use 'code' when discussing programming or secret messages. It’s neutral language suitable for both informal discussions among friends or formal settings in tech. Avoid using it in contexts unrelated to technology or communication.	Used primarily in legal contexts. Less common in everyday conversation. Appropriate in academic writing and official documentation.

Frequently asked questions: Code vs Statute

What's the difference between Code and Statute?

Code: A system of words, letters, or symbols used to represent information. Statute: A law made by a government.

Which is more formal: Code and Statute?

Statute is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Code and Statute?

Code is the most common in everyday English.

Can I use Code and Statute interchangeably?

Not always. Code and Statute 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.