Words / B1

GUV-uh-nm-uh-nt/ˈɡʌvənmənt/

The government is the group of people who run a country or area. The government has announced… (British English often uses a singular verb). State can mean the country as a legal system; parliament is the law-making body. Government can also mean the system: local government. Do not drop the: not usually “Government announced” in careful British English.

Meaning

The group of people who run a country or area.

Examples

• “The government announced a new law.”
• “The government is facing criticism.”
• “Local government is responsible for bins and roads.”

Good to know

the government. Local vs national. Law-making body: parliament.

Near in meaning

administration

New