The word “implementing” is often used to describe putting a plan, idea, or system into action—but relying on it too often can make your writing sound repetitive or overly formal. Depending on your context, you might prefer alternatives like “executing,” “applying,” or “carrying out.”
Whether you’re writing a business report, outlining a strategy, or describing actions in progress, having different ways to say “implementing” keeps your communication clear and engaging. This guide shares natural and effective alternatives for a variety of contexts.
Definition of “Implementing”
Implementing, at its core, means to put a decision, plan, or system into effect. It involves taking concrete steps to ensure that something is carried out and becomes operational. The word often suggests a structured and methodical approach, implying careful planning and execution. It’s a versatile term that can be used in a wide range of contexts, from business and technology to education and personal development.
In terms of grammatical classification, “implementing” is the present participle or gerund form of the verb “to implement.” As a verb, “implement” is transitive, meaning it requires a direct object (e.g., “We will implement the new policy”). As a gerund (e.g., “Implementing the changes was challenging”), it functions as a noun.
The function of “implementing” is to describe the process of making something real or active. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, turning ideas into tangible outcomes.
Understanding this fundamental meaning is crucial for selecting the most appropriate alternative when you want to avoid repetition or convey a more specific nuance.
Structural Breakdown
The word “implementing” is derived from the verb “to implement,” which consists of the prefix “im-” (meaning “in” or “into”) and the root word “plement” (related to “complete” or “fill”). This etymology suggests the idea of fully realizing or completing something by putting it into action.
The structure of sentences using “implementing” typically involves a subject performing the action of implementing on a direct object. For example:
- Subject: The company
- Verb: is implementing
- Direct Object: a new strategy
Understanding this basic structure allows you to see how “implementing” fits into a sentence and how you can replace it with alternative verbs or phrases while maintaining grammatical correctness. Knowing the components of the word, as well as how to construct sentences, ensures that alternatives will be used correctly.
Other Ways to Say “Implementing”
To effectively replace “implementing,” it’s helpful to categorize the alternatives based on the specific nuance you want to convey. Here are some key categories:
Action-Oriented Alternatives
These alternatives emphasize the active nature of putting something into effect. They focus on the concrete steps taken to make a plan or idea a reality.
Words in this category include:
- Executing
- Performing
- Enacting
- Applying
- Carrying out
- Putting into practice
- Actioning
System-Focused Alternatives
These alternatives highlight the systematic nature of the implementation process. They suggest a structured and organized approach to putting a system or plan in place.
Words in this category include:
- Establishing
- Deploying
- Instituting
- Orchestrating
- Operationalizing
- Rolling out
Change-Related Alternatives
These alternatives emphasize the transformative aspect of implementation, focusing on the changes that result from putting a plan into effect. Words in this category include:
- Introducing
- Effecting
- Inaugurating
- Ushering in
- Bringing about
Formal Alternatives
These alternatives are suitable for formal writing and professional contexts. They convey a sense of authority and precision.
Words in this category include:
- Administering
- Effectuating
- Undertaking
- Pursuing
Informal Alternatives
These alternatives are appropriate for casual conversation and informal writing. They are more relaxed and conversational.
Words in this category include:
- Getting it done
- Putting in place
- Making it happen
- Doing
Examples
To illustrate the different nuances of these alternatives, here are some examples organized by category:
Action-Oriented Examples
This table showcases action-oriented alternatives to “implementing,” highlighting the active steps taken to realize a plan or idea.
| Original Sentence | Alternative Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The team is implementing the marketing plan this quarter. | The team is executing the marketing plan this quarter. | “Executing” emphasizes the active carrying out of the plan. |
| We are implementing the new safety protocols immediately. | We are enacting the new safety protocols immediately. | “Enacting” suggests putting the protocols into force. |
| The software company is implementing agile development methodologies. | The software company is applying agile development methodologies. | “Applying” highlights the practical use of the methodologies. |
| The project manager is implementing the risk management strategy. | The project manager is carrying out the risk management strategy. | “Carrying out” emphasizes the process of fulfilling the strategy. |
| The city council is implementing the urban renewal project. | The city council is putting into practice the urban renewal project. | “Putting into practice” emphasizes the practical application of the project. |
| The department is implementing the new budget guidelines. | The department is actioning the new budget guidelines. | “Actioning” implies taking swift and decisive action. |
| The school is implementing a new curriculum. | The school is performing a new curriculum. | “Performing” emphasizes the active delivery of the curriculum. |
| The hospital is implementing new patient care standards. | The hospital is executing new patient care standards. | “Executing” suggests a precise and careful application of the standards. |
| The government is implementing economic reforms. | The government is enacting economic reforms. | “Enacting” implies making the reforms legally binding. |
| The research team is implementing their experimental design. | The research team is applying their experimental design. | “Applying” emphasizes the practical use of the design in the experiment. |
| The company is implementing a new customer service protocol. | The company is carrying out a new customer service protocol. | “Carrying out” suggests the detailed execution of the protocol. |
| The organization is implementing its strategic plan. | The organization is putting into practice its strategic plan. | “Putting into practice” highlights the practical application of the plan. |
| The marketing team is implementing the social media campaign. | The marketing team is actioning the social media campaign. | “Actioning” implies a quick and effective execution of the campaign. |
| The university is implementing a new research initiative. | The university is performing a new research initiative. | “Performing” emphasizes the active conduct of the research. |
| The charity is implementing its fundraising strategy. | The charity is executing its fundraising strategy. | “Executing” suggests a precise and well-planned approach. |
| The police department is implementing new crime prevention measures. | The police department is enacting new crime prevention measures. | “Enacting” implies putting the measures into effect with authority. |
| The engineering team is implementing the design specifications. | The engineering team is applying the design specifications. | “Applying” emphasizes the practical use of the specifications. |
| The construction company is implementing the safety regulations. | The construction company is carrying out the safety regulations. | “Carrying out” suggests a thorough and detailed execution. |
| The non-profit organization is implementing its community outreach program. | The non-profit organization is putting into practice its community outreach program. | “Putting into practice” emphasizes the practical application of the program. |
| The startup is implementing its business plan. | The startup is actioning its business plan. | “Actioning” implies rapid and decisive implementation. |
System-Focused Examples
This table demonstrates system-focused alternatives, which emphasize the structured and organized approach to implementation.
| Original Sentence | Alternative Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The IT department is implementing the new network infrastructure. | The IT department is deploying the new network infrastructure. | “Deploying” suggests setting up and configuring the infrastructure. |
| The school is implementing a new grading system. | The school is instituting a new grading system. | “Instituting” implies formally establishing the system. |
| The manager is implementing a new workflow process. | The manager is orchestrating a new workflow process. | “Orchestrating” suggests coordinating the various elements of the process. |
| The factory is implementing lean manufacturing principles. | The factory is operationalizing lean manufacturing principles. | “Operationalizing” emphasizes making the principles functional. |
| The company is implementing a new software update. | The company is rolling out a new software update. | “Rolling out” suggests a gradual and phased implementation. |
| The HR department is implementing a new performance review system. | The HR department is establishing a new performance review system. | “Establishing” implies setting up and solidifying the system. |
| The hospital is implementing a new electronic health record system. | The hospital is deploying a new electronic health record system. | “Deploying” suggests a large-scale installation and configuration. |
| The government is implementing a new tax code. | The government is instituting a new tax code. | “Instituting” implies formally enacting the new code. |
| The project team is implementing a new project management methodology. | The project team is orchestrating a new project management methodology. | “Orchestrating” suggests careful coordination of the methodology. |
| The manufacturing plant is implementing a new quality control system. | The manufacturing plant is operationalizing a new quality control system. | “Operationalizing” emphasizes making the system functional and effective. |
| The technology firm is implementing a new cybersecurity protocol. | The technology firm is rolling out a new cybersecurity protocol. | “Rolling out” suggests a phased and controlled introduction of the protocol. |
| The retail chain is implementing a new inventory management system. | The retail chain is establishing a new inventory management system. | “Establishing” implies setting up and integrating the system. |
| The healthcare provider is implementing a new patient monitoring system. | The healthcare provider is deploying a new patient monitoring system. | “Deploying” suggests the installation and configuration of the system. |
| The legislative body is implementing a new set of regulations. | The legislative body is instituting a new set of regulations. | “Instituting” implies formally enacting the regulations. |
| The event planner is implementing a new event management process. | The event planner is orchestrating a new event management process. | “Orchestrating” suggests the careful coordination of the process. |
| The food processing plant is implementing a new food safety system. | The food processing plant is operationalizing a new food safety system. | “Operationalizing” emphasizes making the system functional for safety. |
| The software developer is implementing a new version control system. | The software developer is rolling out a new version control system. | “Rolling out” suggests a gradual introduction of the system. |
| The educational institution is implementing a new student support system. | The educational institution is establishing a new student support system. | “Establishing” implies setting up and integrating the system. |
| The airline is implementing a new baggage tracking system. | The airline is deploying a new baggage tracking system. | “Deploying” suggests large-scale installation across the airline. |
| The regulatory agency is implementing a new compliance framework. | The regulatory agency is instituting a new compliance framework. | “Instituting” implies formally enacting the framework. |
Change-Related Examples
This table showcases change-related alternatives to “implementing,” emphasizing the transformative impact of putting a plan into action.
| Original Sentence | Alternative Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The company is implementing a new diversity and inclusion policy. | The company is introducing a new diversity and inclusion policy. | “Introducing” emphasizes the start of a new initiative. |
| The government is implementing stricter environmental regulations. | The government is effecting stricter environmental regulations. | “Effecting” suggests bringing about a change in regulations. |
| The organization is implementing a new era of collaboration. | The organization is ushering in a new era of collaboration. | “Ushering in” implies guiding or leading into a new period. |
| The new CEO is implementing significant changes to the company culture. | The new CEO is bringing about significant changes to the company culture. | “Bringing about” emphasizes causing or creating change. |
| The museum is implementing a new exhibit on modern art. | The museum is inaugurating a new exhibit on modern art. | “Inaugurating” suggests formally opening or introducing the exhibit. |
| The school is implementing a new approach to teaching mathematics. | The school is introducing a new approach to teaching mathematics. | “Introducing” emphasizes the beginning of a new teaching method. |
| The city is implementing new traffic management strategies. | The city is effecting new traffic management strategies. | “Effecting” suggests causing a positive change in traffic flow. |
| The community is implementing a new system of resource sharing. | The community is ushering in a new system of resource sharing. | “Ushering in” implies guiding the community towards a new practice. |
| The entrepreneur is implementing a revolutionary business model. | The entrepreneur is bringing about a revolutionary business model. | “Bringing about” emphasizes creating a completely new model. |
| The art gallery is implementing a new artist residency program. | The art gallery is inaugurating a new artist residency program. | “Inaugurating” suggests formally launching the program. |
| The company is implementing a new remote work policy. | The company is introducing a new remote work policy. | “Introducing” emphasizes the start of a new way of working. |
| The environmental agency is implementing measures to reduce pollution. | The environmental agency is effecting measures to reduce pollution. | “Effecting” suggests bringing about a reduction in pollution levels. |
| The organization is implementing a new era of digital transformation. | The organization is ushering in a new era of digital transformation. | “Ushering in” implies leading the organization towards digital innovation. |
| The scientist is implementing a groundbreaking research method. | The scientist is bringing about a groundbreaking research method. | “Bringing about” emphasizes creating a new method. |
| The theater is implementing a new season of performances. | The theater is inaugurating a new season of performances. | “Inaugurating” suggests formally launching the new season. |
| The library is implementing a new digital lending system. | The library is introducing a new digital lending system. | “Introducing” emphasizes the beginning of the new system. |
| The city council is implementing new urban planning regulations. | The city council is effecting new urban planning regulations. | “Effecting” suggests a change in how the city is planned. |
| The non-profit is implementing a new approach to poverty alleviation. | The non-profit is ushering in a new approach to poverty alleviation. | “Ushering in” implies leading towards a new strategy. |
| The innovator is implementing a game-changing technology solution. | The innovator is bringing about a game-changing technology solution. | “Bringing about” emphasizes creating a new technology solution. |
| The concert hall is implementing a new series of classical music events. | The concert hall is inaugurating a new series of classical music events. | “Inaugurating” suggests formally launching the event series. |
Formal Alternatives Examples
This table illustrates formal alternatives suitable for professional and official contexts, emphasizing precision and authority.
| Original Sentence | Alternative Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The government is implementing the new fiscal policy. | The government is administering the new fiscal policy. | “Administering” implies managing and overseeing the policy. |
| The legal team is implementing the court order. | The legal team is effectuating the court order. | “Effectuating” suggests bringing the order into legal effect. |
| The company is implementing a comprehensive risk assessment. | The company is undertaking a comprehensive risk assessment. | “Undertaking” implies committing to a significant task. |
| The research institution is implementing a long-term study. | The research institution is pursuing a long-term study. | “Pursuing” suggests actively working towards completing the study. |
| The regulatory body is implementing strict compliance measures. | The regulatory body is administering strict compliance measures. | “Administering” implies managing and enforcing the measures. |
| The contract requires the parties to implement the agreed terms. | The contract requires the parties to effectuate the agreed terms. | “Effectuate” suggests ensuring the terms are legally binding and effective. |
| The organization is implementing a detailed strategic plan. | The organization is undertaking a detailed strategic plan. | “Undertaking” implies committing to the entire plan’s execution. |
| The university is implementing a rigorous academic program. | The university is pursuing a rigorous academic program. | “Pursuing” suggests actively working towards the program’s goals. |
| The agency is implementing the federal guidelines. | The agency is administering the federal guidelines. | “Administering” implies managing and overseeing the guidelines. |
| The court is implementing the sentencing guidelines. | The court is effectuating the sentencing guidelines. | “Effectuating” suggests bringing the guidelines into legal effect. |
| The corporation is implementing a corporate governance structure. | The corporation is undertaking a corporate governance structure. | “Undertaking” implies committing to establishing the structure. |
| The institute is implementing a scientific research agenda. | The institute is pursuing a scientific research agenda. | “Pursuing” suggests actively working towards the research goals. |
| The council is implementing the city ordinances. | The council is administering the city ordinances. | “Administering” implies managing and enforcing the ordinances. |
| The lawyer is implementing the client’s legal strategy. | The lawyer is effectuating the client’s legal strategy. | “Effectuating” suggests bringing the strategy into legal effect. |
| The foundation is implementing a philanthropic initiative. | The foundation is undertaking a philanthropic initiative. | “Undertaking” implies committing to the initiative’s goals. |
| The academy is implementing a comprehensive educational reform. | The academy is pursuing a comprehensive educational reform. | “Pursuing” suggests actively working towards the reform. |
| The bureau is implementing the government regulations. | The bureau is administering the government regulations. | “Administering” implies managing and overseeing the regulations. |
| The notary is implementing the document authentication process. | The notary is effectuating the document authentication process. | “Effectuating” suggests bringing the authentication into legal effect. |
| The trust is implementing the estate management plan. | The trust is undertaking the estate management plan. | “Undertaking” implies committing to the plan’s execution. |
| The association is implementing a professional development program. | The association is pursuing a professional development program. | “Pursuing” suggests actively working towards the program’s goals. |
Informal Alternatives Examples
This table provides informal alternatives suitable for casual conversations and relaxed writing, emphasizing simplicity and directness.
| Original Sentence | Alternative Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Let’s start implementing the project plan next week. | Let’s start getting the project plan done next week. | “Getting it done” is a casual way to say completing the plan. |
| We need to implement a solution to this problem quickly. | We need to put in place a solution to this problem quickly. | “Putting in place” is an informal way to say establishing a solution. |
| The team is implementing the new marketing strategy. | The team is making the new marketing strategy happen. | “Making it happen” is a colloquial way to say executing the strategy. |
| I’m implementing some changes to my daily routine. | I’m doing some changes to my daily routine. | “Doing” is a simple and direct way to say making changes. |
| We’re implementing the changes to the website design. | We’re getting the changes to the website design done. | “Getting done” implies completing the changes. |
| Let’s implement the new security protocols. | Let’s put in place the new security protocols. | “Putting in place” is a casual way to say establishing the protocols. |
| They are implementing the feedback from the users. | They are making the feedback from the users happen. | “Making happen” implies acting on the feedback. |
| She’s implementing a new fitness routine. | She’s doing a new fitness routine. | “Doing” is a simple way to say starting the routine. |
| The company is implementing the sustainability initiatives. | The company is getting the sustainability initiatives done. | “Getting done” means completing the initiatives. |
| We need to implement these improvements to the system. | We need to put in place these improvements to the system. | “Putting in place” implies establishing the improvements. |
| The project team is implementing the new project guidelines. | The project team is making the new project guidelines happen. | “Making happen” implies acting on the guidelines. |
| He’s implementing a new time management technique. | He’s doing a new time management technique. | “Doing” is a simple way to say starting the technique. |
| The organization is implementing the new diversity goals. | The organization is getting the new diversity goals done. | “Getting done” implies completing the goals. |
| We have to implement these changes to the process. | We have to put in place these changes to the process. | “Putting in place” implies establishing the changes. |
| The marketing team is implementing the new ad campaign. | The marketing team is making the new ad campaign happen. | “Making happen” implies acting on the campaign. |
| She’s implementing a new morning routine. | She’s doing a new morning routine. | “Doing” is a simple way to say starting the routine. |
| The school is implementing the new anti-bullying policies. | The school is getting the new anti-bullying policies done. | “Getting done” implies completing the policies. |
| We need to implement these safety measures immediately. | We need to put in place these safety measures immediately. | “Putting in place” implies establishing the measures. |
| The developers are implementing the new website features. | The developers are making the new website features happen. | “Making happen” implies acting on the features. |
| He’s implementing a new study strategy. | He’s doing a new study strategy. | “Doing” is a simple way to say starting the strategy. |
Usage Rules
When choosing an alternative to “implementing,” it’s essential to consider the context and the specific nuance you want to convey. Here are some general rules to guide your selection:
- Formality: Use formal alternatives in professional or academic writing and informal alternatives in casual conversations.
- Specificity: Choose an alternative that accurately reflects the nature of the action being taken. For example, “deploying” is more appropriate for systems, while “executing” is better for plans.
- Audience: Consider your audience and their level of understanding. Avoid jargon or overly technical terms if your audience is not familiar with them.
- Grammatical Correctness: Ensure that the alternative you choose fits grammatically into the sentence. Some alternatives may require adjustments to the sentence structure.
For instance, if you are writing a formal report about the introduction of a new policy, using “effectuating” or “administering” would be more appropriate than “getting it done.” Conversely, if you are discussing a project with your team in a casual setting, “making it happen” might be a more suitable choice.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “implementing”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The company is instituting the plan. | The company is implementing the plan. OR The company is instituting a new policy. | “Instituting” typically refers to establishing a new system or policy, not just a plan. |
| We are executing a new system. | We are deploying a new system. OR We are executing a new plan. | “Executing” is more suitable for plans or strategies, while “deploying” is better for systems. |
| She is bringing about the program. | She is implementing the program. OR She is bringing about change through the program. | “Bringing about” requires a noun that represents a change or result, not the thing being implemented. |
| They are actioning the policy since last week. | They have been implementing the policy since last week. OR They have been actioning the policy since last week. | “Actioning” is fine, but the tense should match the intended meaning. |
| The team is operationalizing the project. | The team is implementing the project. OR The team is operationalizing the new procedures. | Operationalizing is best used for procedures or systems, not entire projects. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of the alternatives to “implementing” with these exercises:
Exercise 1: Choose the best alternative.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| The company is __________ a new customer relationship management system. | A) executing B) deploying C) enacting D) doing | B) deploying |
| The government is __________ new regulations to protect the environment. | A) making happen B) effectuating C) carrying out D) getting done | B) effectuating |
| The project manager is __________ the project plan to ensure its success. | A) instituting B) applying C) orchestrating D) performing | D) performing |
| The team is __________ the changes to the website design. | A) getting done B) pursuing C) administering D) undertaking | A) getting done |
| The school is __________ a new policy on student attendance. | A
) introducing B) deploying C) administering D) actioning | A) introducing |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using a more precise alternative to “implementing.”
- The hospital is implementing new safety measures.
- The software company is implementing agile development practices.
- The city council is implementing a new transportation plan.
Exercise 3: Identify the mistake in the following sentences and correct them.
- The team is instituting the project plan.
- The manager is bringing about the new system.
- The government is executing a new policy.
Advanced Topics
For a deeper understanding of implementation-related vocabulary, consider these advanced topics:
- Implementation Science: Explore the scientific study of methods to promote the adoption and integration of evidence-based practices, interventions, and policies into routine health care and public health settings.
- Project Management Methodologies: Investigate different project management methodologies such as Agile, Waterfall, and Scrum, and how they relate to implementation processes.
- Change Management Theories: Study various change management theories, such as Lewin’s Change Management Model and Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model, to understand how to effectively implement organizational changes.
- Policy Implementation Research: Research the factors that influence the successful implementation of public policies and the challenges involved in translating policy goals into tangible outcomes.
By exploring these advanced topics, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of implementation and further refine your vocabulary and communication skills.
FAQ
Is there a single best alternative to “implementing”?
No, the best alternative depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider the formality, specificity, and audience when making your choice.
Can “implementing” always be replaced?
While it’s good to vary your vocabulary, “implementing” is sometimes the most appropriate word. The goal is to choose the word that best fits the situation, not to eliminate “implementing” entirely.
How can I improve my vocabulary for implementation-related terms?
Read widely, pay attention to the language used in your field, and practice using different alternatives in your writing and speaking. Use a thesaurus and dictionary to explore the nuances of different words.
Are there any regional differences in the usage of these alternatives?
Yes, some alternatives may be more common in certain regions or industries. Pay attention to how words are used in your specific context.
What’s the difference between “implement” and “execution”?
“Implement” refers to the process of putting a plan into action, while “execution” refers to the actual carrying out of the plan. “Execution” is often a phase within the broader implementation process.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “implementing” is a valuable skill that can enhance your communication and make your writing more engaging and precise. By understanding the nuances of different words and considering the context in which they are used, you can choose the most appropriate term for any given situation.
Whether you’re “executing” a plan, “deploying” a system, or “ushering in” a new era, the ability to express your ideas with clarity and sophistication will set you apart.
Continue to expand your vocabulary and practice using these alternatives in your daily communication. With time and effort, you’ll become more confident and effective in your use of language, making you a more skilled and articulate communicator.