contract-law
Which is the better choice of word – &quot;govern&quot; or &quot;regulate&quot;?
<p>If I want to talk about what a contract or agreement &quot;does&quot;, which is the better verb to use – <em>govern</em> or <em>regulate</em>?</p>
<p>Examples:</p>
<ol>
<li>The parties' commitments are governed/regulated by this agreement.</li>
<li>The parties agree that issues arising from changed circumstances cannot be governed/regulated by this agreement.</li>
<li>The supply of services is governed/regulated by this agreement</li>
</ol>
<p>Thank you!</p>

<p>In most cases the meaning and effect will be the same, and the choice is merely one of style. The word &quot;govern&quot; suggests an overall control, while &quot;regulate&quot; suggests control on the detail level, but in the example used, i don't think there would be any difference of legal effect.</p>
