Politics vs Apolitical: Which One Is The Correct One?

Politics and apolitical are two words that are often thrown around in discussions, but what do they really mean? Are they mutually exclusive or can they coexist? Let’s explore these concepts and gain a better understanding of their definitions and implications.

Politics refers to the activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power. It involves the use of power, influence, and authority to make decisions that affect a group of people. On the other hand, apolitical means not interested or involved in politics. It is the state of being neutral or having no political affiliations.

While the two terms seem to be opposites, they are not necessarily mutually exclusive. In fact, one can be both political and apolitical depending on the context. For instance, a person may be apolitical in their personal life but political in their professional life. Alternatively, one may be political in their activism but apolitical in their voting habits.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the nuances of politics and apolitical, examining their benefits and drawbacks, and how they can impact individuals and society as a whole.

Define Politics

Politics is a multifaceted term that encompasses various activities and processes related to the governance of a society. At its core, politics refers to the exercise of power and authority to make decisions that affect people’s lives. This exercise of power can take many forms, including but not limited to:

• Legislative activities, such as passing laws and regulations
• Executive activities, such as implementing policies and programs
• Judicial activities, such as interpreting laws and resolving disputes

Politics also involves the competition for power and influence among different groups and individuals. This competition can take place within formal institutions such as political parties and government bodies or outside of them, such as in civil society organizations and social movements.

Define Apolitical

Apolitical, on the other hand, refers to the absence of political involvement or affiliation. It is a term used to describe individuals or groups who do not participate in political activities or express political opinions. Being apolitical can take many forms, from a conscious decision to stay away from politics to a lack of interest or knowledge about political matters.

While being apolitical can be a personal choice, it can also be a result of structural factors such as social exclusion or marginalization. In some cases, being apolitical can be seen as a form of political resistance, particularly in contexts where political participation is dangerous or ineffective.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to discussing political matters, it is important to use the right terminology to convey your message effectively. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “politics” and “apolitical” in a sentence.

How To Use “Politics” In A Sentence

“Politics” refers to the activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power. Here are some examples of how to use “politics” in a sentence:

• She decided to pursue a career in politics after graduating from college.
• The politician’s latest speech was filled with rhetoric about the importance of education.
• The country’s political climate has become increasingly polarized in recent years.

As you can see, “politics” can be used in a variety of contexts, from discussing a career choice to commenting on the state of a country’s political system.

How To Use “Apolitical” In A Sentence

“Apolitical” refers to the absence of political views or involvement in political matters. Here are some examples of how to use “apolitical” in a sentence:

• The organization prides itself on being apolitical and not taking sides in political debates.
• Despite his job in the government, he remained apolitical and did not publicly endorse any political party.
• The university’s policy is to remain apolitical and not endorse any political candidates or parties.

When using “apolitical” in a sentence, it is important to remember that it refers to a lack of political involvement or bias, rather than a specific political stance.

More Examples Of Politics & Apolitical Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between politics and apolitical, it can be helpful to see how these terms are used in everyday language. Below are some examples of how politics and apolitical can be used in a sentence.

Examples Of Using Politics In A Sentence

• The politician’s speech was filled with empty promises and political rhetoric.
• The company’s decision to donate to a political campaign raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
• My aunt and uncle always argue about politics at family gatherings.
• Some people believe that social media has made politics more divisive than ever before.
• The new policy was implemented due to pressure from political activists.
• The book provides a fascinating look at the politics of the early 20th century.
• The mayor’s decision to raise taxes was met with strong political opposition.
• The political climate in the country is very tense right now.
• Many people are disillusioned with politics and feel that their voices are not being heard.
• The journalist’s reporting on political corruption earned her a Pulitzer Prize.

Examples Of Using Apolitical In A Sentence

• The organization prides itself on being apolitical and not taking sides in any political debates.
• As a scientist, I try to remain apolitical and focus on the facts.
• The church is strictly apolitical and does not endorse any political candidates or parties.
• Many companies have policies that require employees to remain apolitical while on the job.
• The judge’s decision was based solely on the law and was not influenced by any apolitical considerations.
• The committee is made up of apolitical experts who are tasked with making impartial recommendations.
• Despite being a member of a political party, the professor strives to maintain an apolitical classroom environment.
• The organization’s apolitical stance has helped it gain support from a wide range of individuals and groups.
• Some people argue that it is impossible to be truly apolitical in today’s highly polarized society.
• The museum’s exhibits are designed to be apolitical and focus on historical facts rather than political opinions.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When discussing politics and apolitical matters, it is important to understand the differences between the two. Unfortunately, many people use these terms interchangeably, leading to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Apolitical” To Mean “Not Interested In Politics”

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “apolitical” to describe someone who is not interested in politics. While it is true that apolitical individuals may not be interested in politics, this is not the same as being apolitical. In fact, apolitical individuals may have strong opinions on political matters but choose not to engage in the political process.

Assuming That Apolitical Individuals Do Not Have Political Beliefs

Another mistake people make is assuming that apolitical individuals do not have political beliefs. In reality, apolitical individuals may have strong political beliefs but choose not to express them publicly or engage in political activities. This is because they believe that politics is not an effective way to make change or that political engagement is not worth the effort.

Using “Political” To Describe Anything Related To Government Or Public Affairs

Many people use “political” to describe anything related to government or public affairs. However, this is not accurate. Politics refers specifically to the process of making decisions that apply to members of a group. This can include government decisions, but it can also include decisions made in other contexts, such as a workplace or social group.

Assuming That All Political Engagement Is Partisan

Finally, many people assume that all political engagement is partisan, meaning that it is motivated by a desire to support a particular political party or ideology. However, this is not always the case. Political engagement can be motivated by a desire to promote a particular issue or to hold those in power accountable.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

• Use “apolitical” to describe individuals who do not engage in political activities or express political beliefs publicly.
• Be aware that apolitical individuals may still have political beliefs even if they choose not to express them publicly.
• Use “political” to describe the process of making decisions that apply to members of a group, rather than as a synonym for government or public affairs.
• Avoid assuming that all political engagement is partisan.

Context Matters

When it comes to the choice between politics and apolitical, the context in which they are used plays a crucial role. Depending on the situation, one may be more appropriate than the other.

Examples Of Different Contexts:

• Personal Relationships: When it comes to personal relationships, being apolitical can be beneficial. Politics can be a sensitive topic, and discussing it can sometimes lead to arguments or hurt feelings. In this context, it may be best to avoid politics altogether and focus on other shared interests.
• Professional Settings: In professional settings, being apolitical may not always be an option. Depending on the industry, politics can play a significant role in decision-making and may need to be taken into consideration. For example, a lobbyist or political analyst would need to be well-versed in politics to excel in their career.
• Social Movements: When it comes to social movements, politics can be a powerful tool for change. Being politically active and involved in advocacy can help bring attention to important issues and influence policy decisions. In this context, being apolitical may be seen as a lack of engagement or commitment to the cause.

Overall, the choice between politics and apolitical depends on the context in which they are used. While being apolitical may be beneficial in some situations, being politically engaged can also be important in others. It’s essential to consider the context and make a decision based on what will be most effective and appropriate.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the terms “politics” and “apolitical” are generally used to describe individuals and groups, there are certain exceptions where the rules for using these terms might not apply. These exceptions are worth exploring in order to gain a more nuanced understanding of the concepts at play.

1. Political Neutrality

One exception to the rules for using politics and apolitical is the concept of political neutrality. While being apolitical means that an individual or group does not engage in political activities or take a stance on political issues, political neutrality takes things a step further by actively avoiding political involvement altogether. This can be seen in organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross, which strives to remain neutral in conflicts in order to provide aid to those affected by them.

2. Non-political Issues

Another exception to the rules is when discussing issues that are not inherently political in nature. For example, a discussion about climate change may involve scientific research and environmental concerns, but it does not necessarily need to involve political opinions or debates. In this case, it may be more appropriate to use the term “apolitical” to describe the discussion, even if some political implications exist.

3. Personal Beliefs

Finally, it is worth noting that personal beliefs and values can sometimes override political affiliations or lack thereof. For example, an individual who identifies as apolitical may still hold strong personal beliefs about social justice or environmentalism, and may choose to act on those beliefs in ways that align with political movements or parties. In this case, it may be more appropriate to use the term “apolitical” to describe the individual’s general stance, while acknowledging their specific beliefs and actions.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have covered the definitions and differences between politics and apolitical, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of the terms in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either “politics” or “apolitical” to complete the sentence:

1. John is __________ and does not like to involve himself in political discussions.
2. The company’s decision to donate to the politician’s campaign was a clear example of __________.
3. Sarah’s __________ stance made her an unlikely candidate for the position.
4. The debate over the new law quickly became a __________ issue.
5. Many people choose to remain __________ in order to avoid conflicts with friends and family.

Answer Key:

1. apolitical
2. politics
3. apolitical
4. politics
5. apolitical

Exercise 2: Identify The Tone

Read each sentence and identify whether the tone is political or apolitical:

• The senator’s speech was filled with passionate rhetoric and calls to action.
• The company’s decision to remain neutral during the election was a smart business move.
• The new law will have a significant impact on the local community and its economy.
• Many people believe that politics is a dirty game that should be avoided at all costs.
• The artist’s work was apolitical, focusing instead on the beauty of nature.

Answer Key:

• political
• apolitical
• apolitical
• apolitical
• apolitical

Exercise 3: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite each sentence to use the opposite term:

• The politician’s campaign was heavily focused on politics.
• Many people choose to remain apolitical in order to avoid conflicts with friends and family.
• The company’s decision to remain neutral during the election was a smart business move.

Answer Key:

• The politician’s campaign was heavily focused on apolitical issues.
• Many people choose to involve themselves in politics in order to stay informed and engaged.
• The company’s decision to donate to the politician’s campaign was a clear example of politics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being political or apolitical is a personal choice that can greatly impact one’s language use and communication style. While being political can add passion and conviction to one’s writing, it can also lead to bias and a lack of objectivity. On the other hand, being apolitical can promote neutrality and impartiality, but it can also result in a lack of engagement and relevance to current events.

It is important to strike a balance between the two and consider the context and purpose of your writing. Whether you choose to be political or apolitical, it is crucial to be aware of your language use and grammar to effectively convey your message.

Key Takeaways

• Being political or apolitical can greatly impact language use and communication style.
• Being political can add passion and conviction, but can also lead to bias and lack of objectivity.
• Being apolitical can promote neutrality and impartiality, but can also result in a lack of engagement and relevance to current events.
• Striking a balance and considering the context and purpose of your writing is important.
• Being aware of language use and grammar is crucial to effectively convey your message.

Overall, the key takeaway is that language use and grammar play a crucial role in communicating effectively, regardless of whether you are political or apolitical. By continuing to learn and improve in these areas, you can enhance your writing and effectively convey your message to your audience.