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 • 880 views

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

"policy"

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.

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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

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

"the policy"

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.

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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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policy vs the policy

"policy"

"the policy"

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