Law vs Statute
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Law | Statute | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Rules made by a government to keep order. | A law made by a government. |
| Register | formal | formal |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Usage notes | Use 'law' in formal contexts when discussing legal matters. Avoid in casual conversations unless relevant to the topic. | Used primarily in legal contexts. Less common in everyday conversation. Appropriate in academic writing and official documentation. |
Frequently asked questions: Law vs Statute
What's the difference between "Law" and "Statute"?
"Law" means: Rules made by a government to keep order. "Statute" means: A law made by a government.
When should I use "Law" and "Statute"?
"Law" is formal; "Statute" is formal.