governing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "governing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to leadership, authority, or the act of controlling or managing something. Example: "The governing body of the organization made a decision to implement new policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Colin Reed Glasgow I wish the Conservative government every success in governing in the interests of everyone in the UK David Pascall There must be many voters who woke up thinking "Hang on … we didn't want another five years of Cameron".

The Guardian

Speaking after visiting the Queen at Buckingham Palace, he said: "I have just been to see Her Majesty the Queen and I will now form a majority Conservative government … I have always believed in governing with respect.

The Guardian

The commission report contains a word not often heard in governing circles in the United Kingdom - research.

The Guardian

A Labour-led coalition will lack legitimacy in England and, if it is governing from a clear second-place, it might be better to seek a second election than to first walk into power and then into oblivion.

The Guardian

"Freedom means that we decide about the laws governing our own life, we decide what is important and what isn't.

The Guardian

Actually governing Malawi in her own right has been much harder, made much more so by the infamous Cashgate scandal which has dogged her administration since it broke in October last year.

The Guardian

As he did so he criticised the "lack of leadership" at world football's governing body.

The Guardian - Sport

Those standing on its ticket regard their best route to survival as emphasising their personal and local track records in individual constituencies rather than their role in a governing party.

The Guardian

In April, Orbán's governing party, Fidesz, won its second consecutive two-thirds majority and he began his third four-year term as prime minister.

The Guardian

The decision by Labor caucus to change leaders in June this year was not done on the basis of embracing a new policy agenda; it was not done because caucus now believed Kevin Rudd had the greater talent for governing.

The Guardian

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has defiantly vowed to repair the rock-bottom reputation of world football's governing body, refusing to quit over the worst corruption scandal in its 111-year history.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "governing", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the nature of control or authority being exercised. For instance, "managing" might be more suitable for day-to-day operations, while "regulating" is apt for establishing rules.

Common error

Avoid using "governing" in informal contexts where simpler terms like "managing" or "running" would be more appropriate. The formality of "governing" can sound out of place in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "governing" is that of a present participle or gerund, acting as a verb form describing the act of exercising authority or control. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English. It often modifies nouns, such as "governing body" or "governing laws".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "governing" functions primarily as a present participle or gerund, denoting the act of exercising authority or control. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and formal business settings, underscores its versatility and relevance. While it is generally neutral to formal in register, it's important to consider context to prevent overuse in informal conversation. Alternatives like "leading", "managing", and "regulating" offer nuanced options depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. Ultimately, understanding the formality and the specific context are key to using "governing" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leading

Focuses on guiding and directing actions, rather than the formal control implied by "governing".

administering

Emphasizes the management and execution of policies and tasks within a system.

managing

Highlights the practical aspects of controlling resources and operations.

regulating

Stresses the establishment and enforcement of rules and standards.

supervising

Implies overseeing and directing the work or activities of others.

overseeing

Similar to supervising, but suggests a broader scope of responsibility.

controlling

Highlights the exertion of power to direct and restrain actions.

conducting

Focuses on the organization and execution of specific activities or processes.

directing

Emphasizes the act of guiding or instructing actions towards a specific goal.

presiding over

Indicates authority and leadership in a formal setting, such as a meeting or organization.

FAQs

How is "governing" typically used in a sentence?

The word "governing" is frequently used as a present participle, often describing the act of directing or controlling something, such as "the "governing body"" or "laws governing conduct."

What words can I use instead of "governing"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "governing" with terms like "leading", "managing", "administering", or "regulating".

When is it appropriate to use "governing" versus "managing"?

"Governing" typically implies a higher level of authority and control, often associated with formal systems or organizations. "Managing" is generally used for overseeing day-to-day operations and resources.

Is "governing" a formal word?

Yes, "governing" is generally considered a formal term. It's often used in professional, political, or academic contexts to describe the act of exercising authority or control.