Implementing vs. Executing – Difference Explained

This article discusses the difference between “implementing” and “executing”. In this article, you learn the meaning of the words and the difference between them, and with helpful examples, you will learn the proper way to use them in a sentence.

Difference Between “Implementing” and “Executing”

The word “implementing” means putting something into practice using a particular plan. While “executing” means performing an assigned task. To implement something means to put a plan into action. While executing something means making sure to carry out a given task from start to finish.

implementing vs executing

When you implement something, you carry out an action based on a laid-out procedure. You start to carry out that plan and may or may not see it through completion. When you execute something, you carry out a plan and ensure it is completed.

Take, for example,

  • The manager implemented the plan given to him by the CEO while he assigned the rest of the task to the other staff to execute.

Here, this means that the manager put the plan given to him by the CEO into action by starting it but assigned it to the rest of the staff to complete it.

“Implementing” and “Executing” can be interchangeable in certain situations, but not always. If you want to strictly imply that you started a course of action without seeing it through to completion, you use “implement”. But if you’re going to suggest that you carried out a plan and saw it through to completion, you use “execute.”

Implementing

The word “Implementing” a task means carrying it out according to a defined plan. You use the word “implementing” when you put a particular project into practice. It is correct to use “implementing” when referring to carrying out plans or tasks.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, implementing means “to start using a plan or a new system”. It also defines it as putting a new plan into practice or putting a system into operation. It refers to starting up a course of action following a laid down procedure.

If you implement something, you start to use that plan and put it into practice.

To help you understand the meaning of this word better, here are a few examples that show the proper way to use it in a sentence:

  1. The teacher stated that the new course outline would be implemented as soon as possible.
  2. I hope that the bill against domestic violence is implemented as soon as possible.
  3. It is impossible to implement a rule like this if the majority is not in support of it.
  4. The executive arm of government is responsible for implementing laws.
  5. There is a need to implement the new dress code for the students.
  6. She asked her colleague to implement the newly proposed budget.
  7. Mandy refused to implement the laid-down plan by the directors.

Executing

Executing refers to starting a defined process and running it to completion. You use the word “executing” when you are performing a task, especially with the intention of completing it. The word “executing” is correct in situations where the meaning applies.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines executing as “performing something in a planned way”. Another definition refers to it as making a computer program work. It has to do with carrying out a task and putting it into effect.

When you execute something, you carry out a plan and ensure that it is completed. To give you a better idea on the meaning of the word “executing”, here are a few examples showing how to use the word in a sentence:

  1. I made sure to execute the orders given to me by the manager yesterday.
  2. The contract was executed by the local community.
  3. Executing the plan might be difficult, but we will do our best.
  4. Once everything is in order, we will execute the plan.
  5. The CEO came in to make sure that the tasks were being executed in the proper way.
  6. It would be better if you executed the plan on time.
  7. We do not have enough funds to execute the building projects.

Which Is Used the Most?

Implementing is used more in comparison to executing. According to this graph illustrated in Google Ngram Viewer, where the blue line represents implementing and the red line represents executing, implementation is clearly used way more than executing.

implementing vs executing usage

This is because implementing is more casual than executing. Executing feels too formal and official.

Final Thoughts

Implementing refers to putting something into practice by following a specific procedure, and executing means starting a process in a planned way. The major difference is that implementing a task focuses on starting it; executing a task has to do with starting a task and running it to completion.