govern 30秒了解
- To govern is to officially rule or control a country, state, or organization through laws and policies.
- It also means to influence or dictate how a process, system, or person's behavior is directed.
- The word is commonly used in politics, law, science, and discussions about self-control or ethics.
- It is more formal than 'rule' and often implies a systematic or legal framework of authority.
The verb govern is a foundational pillar of social and physical organization. At its core, to govern means to exercise authority, direction, or control over a political unit, such as a country, state, or city. However, its utility extends far beyond the halls of parliament. It describes the act of making decisions that affect a group, ensuring that laws are followed, and maintaining order within a system. When we say a prime minister governs a nation, we are referring to the complex process of policy-making, administration, and leadership. But the word also carries a more abstract, yet equally powerful, meaning: to influence or determine the way something happens or is done. For instance, the laws of physics govern the movement of the planets, meaning they are the underlying rules that dictate how the universe functions. In a personal sense, one might say that reason should govern our emotions, suggesting that logic should be the controlling factor in our behavior.
- Political Context
- This is the most common usage, referring to the administration of a state or organization. It implies a formal structure of power and the responsibility to care for the public good.
- Regulatory Context
- Used when discussing rules, principles, or natural laws that dictate how a system operates, such as market forces governing prices.
- Self-Control
- Refers to the internal management of one's own impulses, emotions, or actions, often seen in philosophical or psychological discussions.
The new coalition government will govern the country for the next four years, focusing on economic stability and social reform.
Historically, the word derives from the Greek 'kybernan,' which meant to steer a ship. This metaphor is incredibly helpful for understanding the word today: a governor is like a captain, navigating a complex vessel through changing tides and storms. It isn't just about giving orders; it's about steering the entire entity toward a specific destination. In modern English, we use it to describe everything from how a board of directors governs a corporation to how the principles of supply and demand govern the global economy. It is a word of high register, often found in academic papers, news reports, and legal documents, but it is essential for anyone wanting to discuss how the world is organized.
Strict safety regulations govern the way nuclear power plants are operated to prevent any potential disasters.
In many ancient civilizations, religious beliefs would govern every aspect of daily life, from diet to social hierarchy.
The speed of light is a fundamental constant that governs the physics of our universe.
It is difficult to govern a nation where the citizens are deeply divided on fundamental values.
Using the word govern correctly requires an understanding of its transitivity and its typical subjects. Most often, it is used as a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. You govern a country, you govern a group, or you govern a process. However, it can also be used in the passive voice, which is very common in formal writing: 'The territory is governed by a local council.' This shifts the focus from the entity doing the governing to the entity being governed.
- Active Voice
- The board of directors governs the company's long-term strategy and ethical standards.
- Passive Voice
- The island was governed by the British for over a century before gaining independence.
- Abstract Subjects
- Common sense should govern your decision-making when you are in a high-pressure situation.
When discussing scientific or logical principles, the subject is often a 'law' or 'rule.' For example, 'The laws of thermodynamics govern how energy is transferred.' In this context, 'govern' acts as a synonym for 'control' or 'dictate.' It implies that there is no choice in the matter; the outcome is predetermined by these rules. In contrast, when used in a social or political context, 'govern' implies a more active, decision-based process. A leader might govern well or govern poorly, depending on their choices and the circumstances.
The principles of democracy govern how our elections are conducted and how votes are counted.
Another important aspect is the word's relationship with its noun form, 'government.' While 'government' is the entity, 'govern' is the action. It is a common mistake for learners to use the noun when they need the verb. Remember: 'The government governs.' You can also use 'governing' as an adjective, as in 'the governing body' or 'the governing party.' This refers to the group that currently holds the power to govern.
A set of strict ethical guidelines governs the conduct of all medical professionals in this hospital.
How can we govern the internet without infringing on personal freedom of speech?
You will encounter govern most frequently in formal news broadcasts, political debates, and academic lectures. It is the 'standard' word for discussing the administration of power. When a news anchor says, 'The country is becoming increasingly difficult to govern,' they are highlighting the challenges of political gridlock or social unrest. In the business world, you will hear about 'corporate governance,' which refers to the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a firm is directed and controlled.
- News & Media
- Used to describe the actions of presidents, prime ministers, and parliaments. It often appears in headlines about elections or policy changes.
- Science & Academia
- Used to describe the laws of nature or the principles that dictate behavior in social sciences, like economics or sociology.
- Legal & Business
- Found in contracts ('This agreement shall be governed by the laws of New York') and discussions about company oversight.
In everyday conversation, 'govern' is less common than 'rule' or 'run,' but it is used when someone wants to sound more precise or serious. For example, a parent might say, 'We need to govern how much time the kids spend on their phones,' which sounds more official and deliberate than saying 'We need to limit their phone time.' In sports, you might hear about the 'governing body' of a sport, like FIFA for football or the IOC for the Olympics. These organizations make the rules that govern how the sport is played globally.
The laws that govern international trade are complex and often lead to disputes between nations.
The university is governed by a board of trustees who oversee the budget and academic policies.
One of the most frequent errors is confusing the verb govern with the noun government. A student might write, 'The government of the country is very hard,' when they mean 'Governing the country is very hard' or 'The government is having a hard time governing.' Remember that 'govern' is the action, and 'government' is the group of people doing the action.
- Govern vs. Rule
- While they are synonyms, 'rule' often implies a single person with absolute power (like a king), whereas 'govern' implies a system of laws and institutions.
- Preposition Errors
- Do not say 'govern to' or 'govern on.' It is a direct verb: 'govern the people,' not 'govern to the people.'
- Spelling
- Be careful with the silent 'n' in 'government'—though it's in the noun, the verb 'govern' also ends in 'n'. Some people forget the 'n' entirely.
Another mistake is using 'govern' when 'control' or 'manage' would be more appropriate for informal situations. While you can 'govern' your emotions, saying you 'govern' your dog's behavior sounds very strange and overly formal. In that case, 'train' or 'control' is better. Conversely, using 'manage' for a country ('The President manages the country') can sound a bit too much like he is running a business rather than leading a sovereign nation.
Incorrect: The laws governs the people.
Correct: The laws govern the people. (Subject-verb agreement is key!)
Understanding the nuances between govern and its synonyms will greatly improve your writing precision. While 'rule,' 'control,' and 'administer' are related, they each carry a different 'flavor' or register.
- Rule
- Stronger and more absolute. Often used for monarchs or dictators. 'The Queen ruled for sixty years.'
- Administer
- More bureaucratic. It focuses on the technical side of running things. 'She administers the trust fund.'
- Regulate
- Focuses on setting rules and standards. 'The agency regulates the aviation industry.'
- Oversee
- Implies watching over a process to ensure it is done correctly. 'A manager oversees the daily operations.'
In scientific contexts, you might use 'determine' or 'dictate.' For example, 'Genetics govern eye color' could also be 'Genetics determine eye color.' 'Govern' is slightly more formal and suggests a system of influence rather than a simple cause-and-effect relationship. In legal contexts, 'govern' is often the only appropriate word, especially when referring to which jurisdiction's laws apply to a situation.
While the CEO governs the company's direction, the department heads manage the staff.
How Formal Is It?
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趣味小知识
The word 'cybernetics' comes from the same Greek root 'kybernan', linking the idea of governing to modern computer control systems.
发音指南
- Pronouncing it as 'go-vern' with a long 'o'. It should be a short 'u' sound.
- Adding an extra syllable like 'gov-er-en'.
- Dropping the final 'n' sound.
- Confusing the pronunciation with 'government' and skipping the 'v' sound.
- Stressing the second syllable.
难度评级
Common in news and textbooks, but easy to recognize.
Requires correct subject-verb agreement and understanding of formal register.
Pronunciation is mostly straightforward but the 'n' is sometimes missed.
Can be confused with 'government' in fast speech.
接下来学什么
前置知识
接下来学习
高级
需要掌握的语法
Passive Voice with 'By'
The country is governed by the people.
Subject-Verb Agreement
The law governs (singular) vs. The laws govern (plural).
Gerund as Subject
Governing a large family requires a lot of patience.
Infinitive of Purpose
They formed a council to govern the village.
Adjectival Participles
The governing body made a final decision.
按水平分级的例句
The King will govern the people.
The King will rule.
Simple future tense.
Who governs this town?
Who is the boss?
Question form.
They govern with kindness.
They rule nicely.
Present simple.
Rules govern the game.
The game has rules.
Plural subject.
She wants to govern.
She wants to be the leader.
Infinitive after 'want'.
He governed for ten years.
He was the leader for a long time.
Past simple.
We govern ourselves.
We make our own rules.
Reflexive pronoun.
Does he govern well?
Is he a good leader?
Interrogative.
The mayor governs the city.
The city leader makes decisions.
Third person singular.
Laws govern our society.
Laws tell us what to do.
Abstract subject.
The council governs the school.
A group of people run the school.
Collective noun subject.
It is hard to govern a big country.
Leading a large nation is difficult.
It is + adjective + to-infinitive.
They are governing fairly.
They are leading in a good way.
Present continuous.
The country was governed by a queen.
A queen was the leader.
Passive voice.
We need someone to govern us.
We need a leader.
Infinitive of purpose.
The rules govern how we play.
The rules control the game.
Relative clause.
The country is governed by a democratically elected parliament.
The people choose the leaders.
Passive voice with agent.
Economic factors govern the price of oil.
Money things change the price.
Abstract influence.
You must learn to govern your emotions.
Control your feelings.
Modal verb 'must'.
The governing body of the sport met today.
The people in charge of the sport had a meeting.
Participle as adjective.
The contract is governed by French law.
French rules apply to this paper.
Legal context.
Who will govern the nation after the election?
Who will be the next leader?
Future tense question.
The laws of nature govern the universe.
Science rules everything.
Scientific context.
He was unfit to govern.
He was not a good leader.
Adjective + to-infinitive.
The principles of supply and demand govern the market.
Buying and selling rules the economy.
Economic terminology.
The territory is governed as an overseas province.
It is ruled like a part of the country far away.
Passive with 'as'.
Strict ethical codes govern the behavior of doctors.
Doctors must follow moral rules.
Professional standards.
The way we govern ourselves defines our freedom.
Our leadership style shows our liberty.
Noun clause as subject.
Corporate governance has become a major issue for investors.
How companies are run is important.
Noun form in a compound.
The physical properties of the material govern its use.
What it's made of decides how we use it.
Technical context.
The region was governed by a military junta.
Soldiers were in charge.
Historical/Political context.
She struggled to govern her rising anger.
She tried to control her temper.
Verb + to-infinitive.
The treaty governs the use of international waters.
The agreement sets the rules for the ocean.
Formal legal usage.
Social norms often govern our behavior more than laws do.
Unwritten rules are very strong.
Comparative structure.
The governing principles of his philosophy are quite radical.
His main ideas are very new and different.
Adjectival participle.
It is a fundamental right to be governed by consent.
People should agree to their leaders.
Passive infinitive.
A complex web of regulations governs the pharmaceutical industry.
Many rules control medicine making.
Metaphorical 'web'.
The stars' movements were once thought to govern human destiny.
People thought stars controlled their lives.
Historical belief.
The laws governing the digital economy are still evolving.
Internet rules are changing.
Present participle phrase.
He argued that reason should always govern passion.
Logic should control feelings.
Subjunctive-like 'should'.
The sheer complexity of the system makes it nearly impossible to govern effectively.
It's too hard to lead because it's so complicated.
Adverbial modification.
Constitutional provisions govern the succession of power.
The highest rules say who is next in line.
Precise legal terminology.
The interplay of these variables governs the final outcome of the experiment.
How these things work together decides the result.
Scientific precision.
They questioned the legitimacy of the body that seeks to govern them.
They asked if the leaders had the right to lead.
Relative clause with 'seeks to'.
The overarching logic that governs his work is difficult to discern.
The main idea behind his work is hard to see.
Abstract academic usage.
Market forces, rather than government policy, now govern the sector.
Money, not the state, is in control.
Contrastive structure.
The statute governs all matters relating to probate.
The law covers everything about wills.
Highly specific legal context.
The internal logic of the narrative governs the character's choices.
The story's own rules decide what the person does.
Literary criticism context.
常见搭配
常用短语
govern with an iron fist
govern by decree
self-governing
governing law
good governance
govern one's tongue
governing factor
govern the outcome
poorly governed
govern the world
容易混淆的词
Government is the noun (the group), govern is the verb (the action).
Rule is more absolute/personal; govern is more systemic/legal.
A governess is a woman who teaches children in a private house, not a female leader.
习语与表达
"the tail wags the dog"
When a small part of something governs the whole thing.
In that company, the marketing department is the tail wagging the dog.
Informal"rule the roost"
To be the person who governs or controls a group or place.
In their house, the youngest child really rules the roost.
Informal"call the shots"
To be the person who makes the important decisions.
The CEO is the one who calls the shots and governs the strategy.
Informal"lay down the law"
To tell people what they must do in a very firm way.
The manager laid down the law about being late for work.
Neutral"hold the reins"
To be in control or in a position of governing.
She has held the reins of the company for over twenty years.
Neutral"wear the pants"
To be the person in a relationship who makes the decisions.
It's clear that she wears the pants in that family.
Informal"at the helm"
In charge of an organization or a country.
With a new captain at the helm, the team began to win.
Neutral"pull the strings"
To control a situation or person secretly.
He may be the leader, but his advisor is the one pulling the strings.
Informal"law unto oneself"
Someone who behaves independently and ignores the rules.
The maverick scientist was a law unto himself.
Neutral"by the book"
Following the rules that govern a process exactly.
The auditor does everything by the book.
Neutral容易混淆
Similar meaning of being in charge.
Rule often implies a monarch or dictator; govern implies a system of laws.
The tyrant rules by fear, but the president governs by law.
Both relate to power.
Reign is the period of time a monarch is in power, often without actual governing duties.
The Queen reigned for 70 years, but the Parliament governed.
Both mean to control something.
Manage is for businesses and tasks; govern is for states and systems.
He manages the shop, but the city council governs the district.
Both involve rules.
Regulate is specific to setting standards and monitoring; govern is broader leadership.
The agency regulates the industry that the government governs.
Both involve giving orders.
Command is direct and military; govern is administrative and legal.
The general commands the army, but the laws govern the state.
句型
Subject + govern + Object
The King governs the land.
Subject + is/are + governed by + Object
The city is governed by the mayor.
It is + Adjective + to govern + Object
It is hard to govern a nation.
Noun + governing + Noun
The laws governing trade are strict.
Subject + govern + how/whether + Clause
This rule governs how we use the money.
The [Noun] that governs [Noun] is [Adjective]
The logic that governs his art is complex.
Modal + govern + Object
You should govern your temper.
Passive + as + Noun
The area is governed as a park.
词族
名词
动词
形容词
相关
如何使用
Common in news, academic writing, and legal contexts. Less common in casual conversation.
-
The government govern the country.
→
The government governs the country.
The noun 'government' is singular, so the verb needs an 's'.
-
Laws govern to the people.
→
Laws govern the people.
'Govern' is a direct transitive verb and does not need the preposition 'to'.
-
He rules the company.
→
He governs/manages the company.
'Rule' sounds too much like a king; 'govern' or 'manage' is better for business.
-
The governing of the country is hard.
→
Governing the country is hard.
Using the gerund 'governing' as a subject is more natural than 'the governing of'.
-
I need to govern my dog.
→
I need to control my dog.
'Govern' is too formal for pets.
小贴士
Subject-Verb Agreement
Always check if your subject is singular or plural. 'The law governs' but 'The laws govern'.
Use in Essays
Use 'govern' when discussing the influence of factors on an outcome to sound more academic.
First Syllable Stress
Remember to emphasize the 'GUV' part of the word.
Political Nuance
Use 'govern' for democratic contexts and 'rule' for historical or autocratic ones.
Passive Voice
'Be governed by' is a very common and useful phrase in formal writing.
Ship Metaphor
Think of a ship's captain steering (governing) the vessel.
Abstract Use
Don't forget you can govern your 'temper' or 'emotions'.
The Silent N
While 'government' has a silent 'n' in the middle, 'govern' ends with a voiced 'n'.
Governing Body
Learn this phrase for talking about sports or organizations.
Legal English
'Governing law' is a key term in any contract.
记住它
记忆技巧
Think of a 'Governor' (the person) who 'Governs' (the action) the 'Government' (the place). They all start with 'GOV', like a pilot GOing on a Voyage to steer a ship.
视觉联想
Visualize a captain at the wheel of a large ship, steering it through waves. The ship represents a country, and the captain's hands on the wheel represent the act of governing.
Word Web
挑战
Write three sentences: one about a king governing, one about a scientific law governing, and one about governing your own habits.
词源
Derived from the Old French 'governer', which came from the Latin 'gubernare' (to steer a ship, to direct). This Latin term was borrowed from the Greek 'kybernan' (to steer, to act as a pilot).
原始含义： To steer or pilot a ship.
Indo-European (Hellenic to Italic to Romance to Germanic/English).文化背景
Be careful when using 'govern' in the context of indigenous peoples or formerly colonized nations, as the history of how they were 'governed' is often a sensitive and painful subject.
In the US, 'governor' refers to the head of a state. In the UK, it can be slang for 'boss' (the gov'nor).
在生活中练习
真实语境
Politics
- govern the nation
- governing party
- right to govern
- govern by consent
Science
- laws govern the universe
- governing principles
- factors that govern
- govern the reaction
Law
- governing law
- governed by the terms
- statutes that govern
- govern the contract
Business
- corporate governance
- govern the board
- rules that govern
- govern the industry
Personal
- govern your temper
- govern your tongue
- govern your behavior
- govern your time
对话开场白
"Do you think it is harder to govern a small country or a large one?"
"What are the main principles that govern your daily life and decisions?"
"How should we govern the use of artificial intelligence in the future?"
"Which laws of nature do you find most interesting in how they govern the world?"
"If you had to govern a new colony on Mars, what would be your first rule?"
日记主题
Reflect on a time when you had to govern your emotions in a difficult situation. How did you do it?
Describe the qualities you think are most important for someone who governs a nation.
Write about the unwritten social rules that govern behavior in your specific culture.
How do the laws of economics govern your personal spending habits?
Imagine a world where no laws govern human behavior. What would that look like?
常见问题
10 个问题No, you can govern organizations, companies, scientific processes, and even your own emotions.
'Govern' is more formal and usually refers to a system of laws, while 'rule' can refer to a single person's power.
It sounds very strange. Use 'train' or 'control' for animals.
Yes, as in 'the governing body' or 'the governing party'.
It specifies which country's or state's laws will be used to interpret the contract.
Yes, its past tense is 'governed' and its present participle is 'governing'.
Yes, to describe laws that dictate how nature works, like 'gravity governs the tides'.
It describes a place or group that rules itself without outside help.
It is a soft 'n' at the end of the word, similar to 'run' or 'sun'.
It is the system of rules and practices by which a company is directed and controlled.
自我测试 180 个问题
Write a sentence about a king governing a land.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about laws governing a city.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about governing your emotions.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'governing body'.
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Write a sentence about the laws of physics governing the universe.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using the passive voice: 'The country is governed by...'
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Write a sentence about corporate governance.
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Write a sentence about 'governing principles'.
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Write a sentence about 'governing law' in a contract.
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Write a sentence about reason governing passion.
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Write a sentence about self-governing territories.
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Write a sentence about how market forces govern prices.
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Write a sentence about a mayor governing a town.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a board governing a company.
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Write a sentence about the difficulty of governing a large nation.
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Write a sentence about governing with an iron fist.
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Write a sentence about the governing party.
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Write a sentence about rules governing a game.
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Write a sentence about how social norms govern behavior.
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Write a sentence about the origins of the word govern.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say 'The King governs the land.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'Who governs this city?'
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Say 'Laws govern our society.'
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Say 'The country is governed by parliament.'
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你说的：
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Say 'You must govern your temper.'
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你说的：
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Say 'The governing body met today.'
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Say 'The contract is governed by local law.'
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你说的：
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Say 'Supply and demand govern the market.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'The laws of physics govern the universe.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'Corporate governance is important.'
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你说的：
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Say 'The region was governed by a junta.'
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你说的：
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Say 'Strict codes govern doctors.'
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你说的：
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Say 'Reason should govern passion.'
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Say 'The governing principles are radical.'
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Say 'Market forces govern the sector.'
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Say 'The statute governs all matters.'
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Say 'Self-governing territories.'
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Say 'Governing a large nation is hard.'
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Say 'The governing party lost.'
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Say 'Who governs the internet?'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Listen and write: 'The King governs the land.'
Listen and write: 'Who governs this city?'
Listen and write: 'Laws govern our society.'
Listen and write: 'The country is governed by parliament.'
Listen and write: 'You must govern your temper.'
Listen and write: 'The governing body met today.'
Listen and write: 'The contract is governed by local law.'
Listen and write: 'Supply and demand govern the market.'
Listen and write: 'The laws of physics govern the universe.'
Listen and write: 'Corporate governance is important.'
Listen and write: 'The region was governed by a junta.'
Listen and write: 'Strict codes govern doctors.'
Listen and write: 'Reason should govern passion.'
Listen and write: 'The governing principles are radical.'
Listen and write: 'Market forces govern the sector.'
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The verb 'govern' is essential for describing how power is managed and how rules are applied, whether in a national government, a scientific law, or personal discipline. Example: 'The board governs the company's ethics.'
- To govern is to officially rule or control a country, state, or organization through laws and policies.
- It also means to influence or dictate how a process, system, or person's behavior is directed.
- The word is commonly used in politics, law, science, and discussions about self-control or ethics.
- It is more formal than 'rule' and often implies a systematic or legal framework of authority.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Always check if your subject is singular or plural. 'The law governs' but 'The laws govern'.
Use in Essays
Use 'govern' when discussing the influence of factors on an outcome to sound more academic.
First Syllable Stress
Remember to emphasize the 'GUV' part of the word.
Political Nuance
Use 'govern' for democratic contexts and 'rule' for historical or autocratic ones.
