are not enforced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not enforced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that certain rules, laws, or regulations are not being applied or upheld. Example: "The new regulations are not enforced, leading to confusion among the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"But they are not enforced.

The New York Times

Court rulings against desegregation are not enforced.

The Economist

"The most minimal housing standards are not enforced".

The New York Times - Books

Conventional rules like offsides and icing are not enforced.

The New York Times

Other laws, like many curfews, take up space on the books but are not enforced.

The New York Times

Unlike the major festivals, work restrictions are not enforced during these holidays.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The laws are not enforced and the practice of defilement has been on the rise.

The New York Times

If the rules are not enforced, it encourages candidates to game the system.

The New York Times

Why do the individual towns on Long Island have zoning laws if they are not enforced?

The New York Times

A Greek default and ejection from the eurozone will loom if they are not enforced.

The Guardian

"Many laws are not enforced just because they are not appropriate any longer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing policies or regulations, use "are not enforced" to clearly indicate that they exist but are not being actively applied or upheld.

Common error

Avoid using "are not enforced" when you mean something is impossible to enforce. "Enforced" implies an active effort that is lacking, not an inherent impossibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not enforced" typically functions as part of a predicate in a sentence, indicating that certain rules, laws, or regulations are not being actively applied or upheld. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not enforced" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that certain rules, laws, or regulations exist but are not actively applied. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase serves to highlight concerns, express criticism, or prompt action regarding the lack of adherence to established guidelines. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, including news reports, academic papers, and formal communications. Common alternatives include "are not implemented" and "lack enforcement". When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the absence of active enforcement, rather than an inherent impossibility of enforcement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not implemented

Focuses on the lack of practical application of a rule or decision.

are not applied

Highlights the lack of practical use or implementation of a rule or method.

are not followed

Highlights the lack of adherence to established guidelines or instructions.

lack enforcement

This alternative emphasizes that a thing is missing: enforcement. Same semantic meaning, different wording and construction.

are not observed

Emphasizes the disregard for rules or customs.

are not carried out

Focuses on the non-execution or completion of a task or plan.

are not respected

Indicates a lack of compliance or deference to established norms or laws.

are not put into practice

Emphasizes the absence of real-world application of a plan or idea.

are not abided by

Indicates a failure to comply with or adhere to a set of rules or principles.

are not upheld

Focuses on the failure to maintain or support a principle or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "are not enforced" in a sentence?

Use "are not enforced" to describe situations where rules or laws exist but are not being actively applied or upheld. For example, "Despite the regulations, speed limits "are not enforced" in this area".

What are some alternatives to saying "are not enforced"?

Alternatives include "are not implemented", "are not followed", or "lack enforcement", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "is not enforced" instead of "are not enforced"?

No, "is not enforced" is for singular subjects, while "are not enforced" is for plural subjects. For example, "The rule is not enforced" (singular) versus "The rules "are not enforced"" (plural).

Why is it important to highlight when rules "are not enforced"?

Highlighting that rules "are not enforced" can draw attention to potential problems such as lack of accountability, corruption, or the ineffectiveness of certain policies. It can prompt a call for action or reform.