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policy vs the policy

Both 'policy' and 'the policy' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Policy' is used when referring to a general concept or idea, while 'the policy' is used when referring to a specific policy that has been previously mentioned or is known to the listener.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 753 views

policy

This is correct when referring to a general concept or idea.

Use 'policy' when talking about a general principle, plan, or course of action.

Examples:

  • The company has a strict policy on punctuality.
  • The government is reviewing its foreign policy.
  • The armed forces coordinate and legalize the policy.
  • Ensure a coherent horizontal approach to promote competition policy.
  • Stakeholders have not been sufficiently involved in policy shaping.
  • Structural policy simultaneously reacts to and creates regional structures.
  • A cost-sharing policy must also be established.
  • The EIB has considerably improved its transparency and communication policy.
  • Such good practices represent only one stage of Community enterprise policy.
  • The Union should develop its policy within this context.
  • Interplay with the broad economic policy guidelines became clearer.
  • Essentially it advocates policy continuity rather than innovation and change.
  • This perception betrays a rather narrow-minded budgetary policy.
  • It's how politicians peddle policy.
  • This partial renationalisation of competition policy could involve higher costs for Member States.
  • The Parliament's role in competition policy must be strengthened.
  • It is an important instrument for future environmental policy.
  • Such policy should comprise various components.
  • International trade policy is clearly central to sustainable production.
  • This proposal means abandoning a policy that had proved successful.
  • Any debate on labour market policy also covers competition policy, trade policy, industrial policy, monetary policy and so on.
  • Water policy is therefore an important component in the European Community's environmental policy.

Alternatives:

  • guideline
  • principle
  • approach
  • strategy
  • rule

the policy

This is correct when referring to a specific policy that has been previously mentioned or is known to the listener.

Use 'the policy' when referring to a particular policy that has already been introduced or is familiar to the audience.

Examples:

  • I don't agree with the policy that was implemented last year.
  • Please follow the policy outlined in the employee handbook.
  • It needs to be an integral part of the policy and regulation process.
  • This is my first point regarding the policy.
  • After the embezzlement Launy let the policy lapse
  • Your husband took the policy out a few days later.
  • The Commission proposal makes a contribution to the development of the policy infrastructure in less developed countries.
  • It must be placed at the heart of the policy agenda.
  • Ironically, this trend was exacerbated by the policy response to the financial crisis.
  • More questions arise from the policy response to the subsequent recession.
  • That is why the policy is wrong.
  • However, long-term sustainability of public finances is not explicitly identified as the policy priority.
  • Not all relevant information is made available, which obstructs the transparency of the policy.
  • Throughout the years, the European Parliament has taken the lead in keeping human rights high on the policy agenda.
  • It also raises the difficult problem of the policy of cooperation with third countries.
  • I would refer you to the policy strategy outlined in the ECB's first monthly report.
  • But the policy we have with you Is clear.
  • The armed forces coordinate and legalize the policy.
  • American ideas continue to affect the policy debate worldwide.
  • This has seriously damaged the policy's credibility.
  • Furthermore, the agreement helps to strengthen the policy on non-proliferation.
  • With the reorganisation of the policy we have a new situation.

Alternatives:

  • that policy
  • this policy
  • our policy
  • such policy
  • the aforementioned policy

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