can be enforced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be enforced" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a rule, law, or policy is capable of being implemented or upheld. Example: "The new regulations can be enforced by local authorities to ensure compliance among businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such loyalty can be enforced.

The New Yorker

This is a friendly place where contracts can be enforced.

The New York Times

But nobody seems to know whether this can be enforced.

The New York Times

We'd like to know if the guidelines can be enforced.

Independent

There is a draft down there which can be enforced".

The New York Times

It's like a relationship – I don't think it can be enforced".

The Guardian

The agreement needs to be approved by Parliament before it can be enforced.

The New York Times

If they refuse to go back voluntarily, then their swift return can be enforced.

The Guardian

Doubts remain whether a ceasefire can be enforced by either side.

The Guardian

But the law needs approval by the hard-line Guardian Council before it can be enforced.

The New York Times

As long as there are assets outside Russia, an English judgment can be enforced.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or contractual matters, ensure that the conditions under which something "can be enforced" are clearly defined. This adds precision and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid claiming something "can be enforced" without verifying the legal or practical mechanisms for doing so. Overstating enforceability can lead to misunderstandings and legal challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be enforced" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a rule, law, or agreement is capable of being implemented or upheld. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies the potential for something to be made effective through authority or power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be enforced" signifies that a rule, law, or agreement has the potential to be implemented and upheld. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this grammatically sound phrase appears frequently across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When writing, it's crucial to verify the mechanisms that allow something to "can be enforced" to ensure the accuracy of your statement. Alternatives such as "is enforceable" or "can be implemented" can also be considered depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is enforceable

Focuses on the inherent ability of something to be enforced, rather than the act of enforcement itself.

can be implemented

Highlights the practical application or execution aspect.

is capable of being enforced

Emphasizes potential and capacity for enforcement.

can be applied

Focuses on the act of putting something into effect or use.

is subject to enforcement

Highlights the liability or exposure to enforcement actions.

can be made effective

Highlights the potential for something to become operational and impactful.

is liable to be enforced

Stresses the probability or likelihood of enforcement.

can be put into effect

Focuses on initiating or activating enforcement mechanisms.

is within the scope of enforcement

Specifies that something falls under the jurisdiction or reach of enforcement.

can be upheld

Emphasizes the act of maintaining or defending something against challenges.

FAQs

How to use "can be enforced" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be enforced" is used to indicate that a rule, law, or agreement is capable of being implemented or upheld. For instance, "The new regulations "can be enforced" by local authorities to ensure compliance among businesses."

What can I say instead of "can be enforced"?

Alternatives include "is enforceable", "can be implemented", or "is subject to enforcement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "can be enforced" or "can be enforce"?

"Can be enforced" is the correct passive construction. "Can be enforce" is grammatically incorrect because it lacks the past participle form of the verb.

What's the difference between "can be enforced" and "should be enforced"?

"Can be enforced" indicates the ability or possibility of enforcement, while "should be enforced" expresses a recommendation or obligation for enforcement. The former refers to capability, the latter to desirability or necessity.