execute

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "execute" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to mean to carry out or put into effect (a plan, command, decision, etc.). For example, "The board decided to execute the plan to increase profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Indeed, they have become the signature of this administration.In this section The colour of lying In praise of preaching Young, white and middle-class The lady's not for turning Victory for the fishes In Louisiana, the chips fall The second son also rises A home for Bill's books ReprintsThere is a view that lawmakers exist to make laws, and that the executive exists to execute them.

The Economist

We met up in Dubai and wrote it, then we went away to execute it.

The Guardian

I want the new government to focus on one major project at a time to execute, complete and implement for greater accountability and transparency rather than trying to execute multiple projects which are often mismanaged, incomplete and abandoned," she said.

The Guardian

Moreover, to execute drug traffickers who have been rehabilitated fails to respect their human dignity and inherent right to life," she wrote in a column for Fairfax Media.

The Guardian

He added: I think I would be too reactionary to execute something like Meet the Press properly.

The Guardian

Officers would have "the power to impersonate a person where reasonably necessary to execute the warrant".

The Guardian

If for instance the Parades Commission imposed another vow of silence as bands passed by St Patrick's, will the PSNI execute that ruling on the streets?

The Guardian

Many of the paintings are intricate and complex works that require time to prepare and execute – walls need to sealed before painting if the piece is to last – so many artists ask for permission from the wall's owner before beginning.

The Guardian - Travel

Georgia has until 26 February to execute Hill, after which deadline it will have to apply for a new death warrant.

The Guardian

To execute Hill could be a violation of international law.

The Guardian

Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran have been held since early March on Nusa Kambangan, the island off Java where Indonesian authorities intend to execute them for their role in the attempt to smuggle more than 8kg of heroin.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about strategies or plans, use "execute" to convey a sense of deliberate action and effectiveness. For example: "The team was able to "execute" the plan with precision."

Common error

Avoid using "execute" when you mean to apply or put forth effort. "Exert" is used to describe effort, influence, or qualities, while "execute" means to carry out or perform. For instance, don't say "He executed his influence" when you mean "He exerted his influence."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "execute" is as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. It signifies the performance or carrying out of an action, plan, or order. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "execute" is used in this manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

24%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "execute" is a versatile term that signifies carrying out, performing, or implementing an action, plan, or order. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used in English. This guide highlights its prevalence in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Science" contexts. To avoid common errors, remember to distinguish "execute" from "exert", and when considering alternatives, "carry out", "implement", and "perform" are suitable options depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The team was able to "execute" the plan with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carry out

Replaces "execute" with a more general term for performing a task.

implement

Focuses on putting a plan or decision into effect.

perform

Emphasizes the act of carrying out a specific action or task.

accomplish

Highlights the successful completion of a task or goal.

complete

Stresses the finalization and conclusion of a process or project.

enforce

Specifically refers to the act of compelling obedience to a law or rule.

discharge

Implies fulfilling an obligation or duty.

administer

Suggests managing or directing the execution of something.

prosecute

Refers to initiating and conducting legal proceedings.

finalize

Focuses on bringing something to its definitive end state.

FAQs

How to use "execute" in a sentence?

You can use "execute" to describe carrying out a plan, performing a task, or enforcing a law. For instance, "The company plans to "execute" its expansion strategy next quarter."

What can I say instead of "execute"?

You can use alternatives like "carry out", "implement", or "perform", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "execute a plan" or "make a plan"?

"Make a plan" refers to creating the plan, while "execute a plan" means to carry it out. They describe different stages of a process.

What's the difference between "execute" and "implement"?

"Execute" generally refers to carrying out a specific action or task, while "implement" often implies putting a plan or system into effect. The distinction is subtle, and they can sometimes be used interchangeably.