implementing
C1Formal, Technical, Business, Academic
Definition
Meaning
The gerund or present participle of the verb 'implement', meaning to put a plan, system, decision, or idea into effect.
The act of carrying out or applying something, especially systematically, which involves practical execution, deployment, or installation. It often implies converting theory, design, or policy into working practice.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used in professional contexts (business, IT, policy) to denote the phase of a project where a designed solution is actually deployed or used. The focus is on the process and action, not just the result. Can carry a connotation of systematic, deliberate action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The gerund form 'implementing' is equally standard in both varieties. Slight regional variations in typical collocations may exist due to different regulatory or business environments.
Connotations
Neutral in both, associated with project management, policy, and technical execution.
Frequency
Very high and roughly equal frequency in formal business, government, and technical contexts in both the UK and US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[transitive] implementing + [noun phrase] (e.g., implementing a strategy)[passive] to be implemented by + [agent]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To put the wheels in motion (related concept)”
- “To get the show on the road (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Crucial for project management, e.g., 'The team is focused on implementing the new CRM software across all departments.'
Academic
Common in policy, management, and computer science, e.g., 'The study evaluates the challenges of implementing sustainable agricultural practices.'
Everyday
Less common, but used for personal plans, e.g., 'We're finally implementing our plan to redecorate the living room.'
Technical
Central in IT and engineering, e.g., 'The engineer is responsible for implementing the new security protocols on the network.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council is implementing new recycling schemes from next month.
- We spent the quarter implementing the changes suggested by the audit.
American English
- The company is implementing a work-from-home policy in July.
- They are implementing the software update across all servers tonight.
adverb
British English
- This is not currently implementing correctly. (Rare, awkward)
- N/A for standard usage.
American English
- N/A for standard usage.
adjective
British English
- The implementing team faced several unforeseen obstacles.
- She holds the key implementing role for the transition.
American English
- The implementing agency issued new guidelines.
- We need to review the implementing costs before we proceed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- They are implementing a new rule in our class.
- We are implementing our plan to clean the park.
- The school is implementing a new timetable next term.
- The manager is responsible for implementing the safety procedures.
- The government faced criticism for the way it was implementing the new tax law.
- After months of planning, the focus is now on implementing the marketing strategy.
- Implementing the peace accord proved far more difficult than drafting it.
- The consultant specialised in implementing enterprise resource planning systems in multinational firms.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'implement' as a TOOL. An 'implement' (noun) is a tool. 'Implementing' (verb) is the process of USING a plan or idea as a tool to get something done.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXECUTION AS A JOURNEY or ACTIVATION: 'Rolling out a plan', 'putting a plan into action', 'getting a plan off the ground'. The plan is a designed object that is now set in motion.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque with 'внедрять' when the context is more about simple 'carrying out' (осуществлять). 'Внедрять' often implies overcoming resistance, which 'implementing' does not necessarily.
- Do not confuse with 'supplying' or 'providing' (поставлять). 'Implementing' is about execution, not delivery of goods.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'implementing' for simple 'using' (e.g., 'implementing a pen to write').
- Confusing 'implementing' (process) with 'implementation' (noun for the completed process or instance).
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'They are implementing' is incomplete without an object).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'implementing' used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while very common in business, IT, and policy, it can be used in any context where a plan, system, or idea is being put into practice, including personal or community projects.
'Applying' is broader and can mean putting a rule or principle to use in various situations. 'Implementing' is more systematic and often refers to the full execution of a specific, pre-defined plan or system.
The direct noun form is 'implementation' (e.g., 'the implementation of the plan'). The gerund 'implementing' can function as a noun (e.g., 'Implementing the changes took time'), but 'implementation' is more common as a standalone noun.
The word itself is neutral. The connotation comes from the object. 'Implementing cuts' or 'implementing sanctions' has a negative context, while 'implementing benefits' is positive.
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