capacity to enforce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacity to enforce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the ability or power to implement rules, laws, or policies. Example: "The organization has the capacity to enforce its regulations effectively, ensuring compliance among all members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Government and Law

Business and Economics

Environmental Regulations

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In many cases, governments do not have the capacity to enforce standards.

The Guardian

Even when they do, they rarely have the capacity to enforce them.

The Economist

By the turn of the century, it had largely lost its capacity to enforce Pax Britannica.

The New York Times

The commission has no capacity to enforce or make new laws, but it offers recommendations to Congress.

The New York Times

Despite having different organizational forms, unions in both places suffer from a lack of credibility and capacity to enforce contracts.

Cornell University

A degree of flexibility may be necessary at first, especially if countries lack the capacity to enforce requirements.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The pioneers outrace the state's capacity to enforce the law and to exercise its own property rights.This may be changing.

The Economist

The EU can impose its laws on applicant countries but it lacks sufficient capacity to enforce member states' compliance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It provides an expansive Bill of Rights with citizen capacities to enforce those rights in law.

The Guardian

Ensuring that resource-rich countries derive the most benefit from Chinese investment means that they need to have the capacity to implement and enforce their own laws and regulations.

Forbes

Many countries that use DDT have inadequate legislation or lack capacity to implement or enforce regulations on pesticide management.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the effectiveness of regulations or laws, clearly specify who or what possesses the "capacity to enforce" them to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "capacity to enforce" without specifying the subject. For example, instead of saying 'There is a lack of capacity to enforce', specify 'The government lacks the "capacity to enforce" the new regulations'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity to enforce" functions as a noun phrase describing the ability or power to ensure that rules, laws, or agreements are followed. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from government regulations to contractual obligations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capacity to enforce" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression referring to the ability or power to ensure compliance with rules, laws, or agreements. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news, scientific research, and academic discussions. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specify who or what possesses the capacity to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases include "ability to implement" or "power to uphold", each carrying slightly different nuances. The presence of this phrase in authoritative sources underscores its significance in discussions about governance, regulation, and accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capability to ensure compliance

Stresses the ability to guarantee adherence to standards.

ability to implement

Focuses on the practical skill required, rather than the authority.

power to uphold

Emphasizes the authority or right to maintain something.

authority to apply

Highlights the official permission or right to put something into effect.

capacity to administer

Highlights the organizational ability to manage and apply rules.

means of enforcing

Concentrates on the methods or resources available.

right to execute

Emphasizes the legal or moral entitlement to carry out enforcement.

resources to guarantee obedience

Focuses on the available resources for securing compliance.

potential to impose

Focuses on the possibility of applying enforcement measures.

skill to enact

Emphasizes expertise in putting something into effect.

FAQs

How can I use "capacity to enforce" in a sentence?

You can use "capacity to enforce" when discussing the ability or power to implement rules, laws, or policies. For example: "The agency lacks the "capacity to enforce" the new environmental regulations effectively".

What are some alternatives to "capacity to enforce"?

Alternatives include "ability to implement", "power to uphold", or "authority to apply", depending on the context.

What does it mean when an organization lacks the "capacity to enforce"?

It means the organization does not have sufficient resources, authority, or expertise to ensure that rules, laws, or policies are followed effectively. This can lead to non-compliance and undermine the organization's goals.

Why is "capacity to enforce" important in governance?

A strong "capacity to enforce" laws and regulations is crucial for maintaining order, protecting rights, and promoting accountability. Without it, laws may be disregarded, leading to instability and injustice.