Cool MateObey vs Submit
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Obey
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Submit
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most common: Obey
| Obey | Submit | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈbeɪ/","/əˈbeɪz/","/əˈbeɪd/","/əˈbeɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈbeɪ/","/əˈbeɪz/","/əˈbeɪd/","/əˈbeɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/səbˈmɪt/","/səbˈmɪts/","/səbˈmɪtɪd/","/səbˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səbˈmɪt/","/səbˈmɪts/","/səbˈmɪtɪd/","/səbˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To do what someone tells you to do. | To give something for someone to look at or decide on. |
| Example | In order to maintain order, everyone must obey the rules. | Please submit your application before the deadline. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | immediately, instantly, quickly, have to, must, refuse to, be only obeying orders, a duty to obey, an obligation to obey | formally, respectfully, humbly, ask somebody to, invite somebody to, require somebody to, for, to, voluntarily, willingly, meekly, refuse to, agree to, be prepared to, to |
| Antonyms | disobey, ignore | withdraw, cancel |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'obeyed' in past tense usage., Using 'obey' without an object, which is incorrect., Mixing up 'obey' with 'comply' - they are similar but not interchangeable. | Confusing 'submit' with 'send' - 'Submit' often implies a formal process., Using 'submit' without a clear object., Overusing 'submit' instead of simpler verbs like 'give' or 'hand in' in informal scenarios. |
| Usage notes | Use 'obey' in contexts involving rules, laws, or authority figures. It's suitable for both formal and casual situations, but avoid using it with someone you know well unless discussing serious issues. | Used in formal and neutral contexts, such as in applications or proposals. Avoid using ‘submit’ in very casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Obey vs Submit
What's the difference between Obey and Submit?
Obey: To do what someone tells you to do. Submit: To give something for someone to look at or decide on.
Which is more common: Obey and Submit?
Obey is the most common in everyday English.
Are Obey and Submit the same CEFR level?
Obey: B2, Submit: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Obey and Submit?
Obey: verb, Submit: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Obey: In order to maintain order, everyone must obey the rules. Submit: Please submit your application before the deadline.
Can I use Obey and Submit interchangeably?
Not always. Obey and Submit 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.