are in force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are in force" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that laws, rules, or agreements are currently active and applicable. Example: "The new regulations are in force as of January 1st, ensuring compliance across all departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All are in force, all at once.

The New Yorker

Strange prohibitions are in force.

The New York Times - Arts

Strict capital controls are in force.

The Guardian - Business

Once they are in force, European officials claim, the moratorium will be lifted.

The Economist

Drought warnings are in force for Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu and Palau.

The Guardian

New, punitive and potentially invasive laws such as the London Olympic Games Act 2006 are in force.

The Guardian - Sport

I have to run this company under the regulations which are in force at the present time".

The Guardian - Sport

It is right to obey whatever laws are in force at a given time, and wrong to deliberately flout them.

The New Yorker

"These sanctions are in force until another decision is adopted by the Arab foreign ministers," he said.

The New York Times

She projects a future that will not arrive, as regulations are in force to keep boats away from a beach.

The New York Times

None of the plants will close immediately, because union contracts in the United States and Canada bar automakers from shutting factories while the labor pacts are in force.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are in force", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific rules, laws, or agreements you are referring to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "are in force" vaguely. Instead of saying "Regulations are in force", specify which regulations are active. For example, use "The new environmental regulations are in force" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are in force" functions as a stative verb phrase indicating the current validity or applicability of laws, regulations, rules or agreements. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is both correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are in force" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the current validity and applicability of rules, laws, or agreements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, scientific, and formal business settings, this phrase offers a clear way to communicate the active status of regulations. For enhanced clarity, specify the regulations in question, and consider alternatives like "are effective" or "are in effect" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are in effect

Similar to "are in force", indicating current validity and implementation.

are effective

Emphasizes the operative or functional state of the rules or laws.

are operative

Highlights that something is currently working or being used.

are valid

Stresses the legitimacy and legal standing of the rules.

are applicable

Focuses on the relevance and suitability of the rules in a given situation.

are binding

Emphasizes the legally compulsory nature of the rules or agreements.

are implemented

Highlights the action of putting rules into practice.

are being enforced

Focuses on the active process of ensuring compliance with the rules.

are extant

Indicates that something still exists or is in effect, often used in a formal context.

are standing

Emphasizes continued existence and validity.

FAQs

How can I use "are in force" in a sentence?

You can use "are in force" to indicate that rules, laws, or agreements are currently active and applicable. For example, "The new safety protocols "are in force" as of today".

What can I say instead of "are in force"?

Alternatives include "are effective", "are operative", or "are in effect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is in force"?

While "are in force" is used for plural subjects (e.g., regulations), "is in force" is appropriate for singular subjects (e.g., a specific rule). For example, "The new rule is in force".

What's the difference between "are in force" and "are being enforced"?

"Are in force" indicates that the rules are active, while "are being enforced" ("are being enforced") emphasizes the active process of ensuring compliance with those rules. The first indicates something has been activated and the second that something is happening.