are not enforcing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not enforcing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where rules, laws, or policies are not being applied or upheld. Example: "The authorities are not enforcing the new regulations, leading to confusion among the citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"And investigative agencies are not enforcing the laws properly".

The New York Times

All of these companies have policies that they are not enforcing.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there is also a feeling among some people that we are not enforcing our national sovereignty.

The New York Times

But as the problem worsens, environmental groups say government agencies are not enforcing regulations that would limit it.

The New York Times

British (and European) banks remain reluctant to lend as they re-build their balance sheets and are not enforcing covenants over bad loans.

The Economist

"We've been screaming for 10 years that police are not enforcing traffic laws here," said Robert Holden, president of the Juniper Park Civic Association.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"But they are not enforced.

The New York Times

Court rulings against desegregation are not enforced.

The Economist

The laws are not enforced and are therefore, ignored.

Stanford University

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are not enforcing", ensure that the context clearly identifies what specific rules, laws, or policies are not being upheld to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are not enforcing" without specifying the specific rule or law being neglected. For example, instead of saying "They are not enforcing the rules", specify "They are not enforcing the traffic laws" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not enforcing" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of action or enforcement of rules, laws, or policies. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from traffic laws to international agreements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not enforcing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that signifies a failure to uphold or implement rules, laws, or policies. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in English writing. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources, indicating its relevance in discussions of governance, regulation, and compliance. When using this phrase, it's important to specify what exactly is not being enforced for clarity. Alternatives like "are not implementing" or "are not upholding" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not implementing

Emphasizes the lack of practical application of a policy or decision.

are not complying with

Specifically addresses the non-observance of mandated regulations.

are not upholding

Indicates a failure to maintain or defend a standard or principle.

are failing to implement

Highlights a failure in the execution or application of a rule or law.

are neglecting to apply

Focuses on the aspect of overlooking or disregarding the application of a rule.

are not adhering to

Suggests a deviation from established guidelines or agreements.

are not regulating

Focuses on the absence of systematic control or governance.

are not observing

Emphasizes a lack of attention or compliance with rules or customs.

are not policing

Implies a lack of active monitoring or control.

are not supervising

Highlights a lack of oversight or management.

FAQs

What does "are not enforcing" mean?

The phrase "are not enforcing" means that a particular rule, law, or policy is not being actively applied or upheld by those responsible for its implementation. It suggests a failure to ensure compliance or adherence to established regulations.

What can I say instead of "are not enforcing"?

You can use alternatives like "are not implementing", "are not upholding", or "are failing to implement" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "are not enforcing"?

Yes, the phrase "are not enforcing" is grammatically correct. The auxiliary verb "are" agrees with a plural subject, and "enforcing" is the present participle form of the verb "enforce", creating a grammatically sound construction.

What is the difference between "are not enforcing" and "are not implementing"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of action, "are not enforcing" specifically refers to a failure to compel compliance with an existing rule or law. "Are not implementing" is broader and can refer to a failure to put a new plan or policy into effect.