capricious enforcement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capricious enforcement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where rules or laws are applied inconsistently or unpredictably. Example: "The capricious enforcement of the regulations left many citizens confused and frustrated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

There is still a thriving tradition of government crackdowns on private business with capricious enforcement of the tax laws, making entrepreneurship difficult.

The New York Times

But business travelers have been complaining for nine months about uneven, often capricious enforcement of carry-on baggage policies at airport checkpoints.

The New York Times

On Long Island, Suffolk County has recently sued the commission, accusing it of arbitrary and capricious enforcement of state law in a dispute over jail expansion.

The New York Times

Over Student Testing Connecticut sued the federal government, accusing it of rigid and capricious enforcement of the No Child Left Behind law.

The New York Times

[World Business, Section W.] Complaints About Carry-On Policies Business travelers and trade groups are complaining about the uneven and often capricious enforcement of carry-on baggage policies at airports.

The New York Times

The more complex the tax code, the more arbitrary and capricious enforcement is sure to be.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The arrest and the accumulated stories of Latinos led to a civil rights complaint filed by the Yale clinic in March 2009, with vivid tales of arbitrary police stops, beatings, stun-gun shots, racial slurs, illegal searches and seemingly capricious law enforcement.

The New York Times

ALISON LEIGH COWAN GRAPHIC: MORE BACKGROUND NOISE: Some questions might seem capricious, but law enforcement officials say they could furnish useful clues.

The New York Times

Where the margins of error are vast, enforcement is capricious.

The Economist

In many cases Americans simply do not realise how capricious and violent their law-enforcement system is compared with those of other rich countries.

The Economist

He concludes by suggesting that capricious budgetary ramifications, unintended consequences, and the impact of unconventional enforcement practices on the courts themselves be included among the elements of a full evaluation of organizational change litigation.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "capricious enforcement" with specific examples to strengthen your argument. Show concrete instances of inconsistent application of rules to illustrate the problem.

Common error

Avoid using "capricious enforcement" in casual conversations. It's more suitable for formal writing where precision and a critical perspective are required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capricious enforcement" functions as a noun phrase, where 'capricious' modifies 'enforcement'. According to Ludwig, it describes instances where rules or laws are applied inconsistently or unpredictably. It is typically used to criticize or highlight unfair application of regulations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capricious enforcement" is a phrase used to describe the inconsistent and unpredictable application of rules or laws. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal contexts such as news reporting and academic analysis. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys criticism of unfair or arbitrary regulatory practices. Alternative phrases include "arbitrary enforcement" and "inconsistent enforcement", offering similar but nuanced meanings. When writing, consider specific examples to underscore your argument and ensure the tone matches the formality of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arbitrary enforcement

Replaces "capricious" with "arbitrary", emphasizing the lack of reason or system.

inconsistent enforcement

Focuses on the lack of consistency in applying the rules.

uneven enforcement

Highlights the disparity in how the rules are applied.

selective enforcement

Suggests that rules are applied only to certain individuals or groups.

erratic enforcement

Emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the enforcement.

unpredictable enforcement

Highlights the inability to foresee when and how the rules will be applied.

discriminatory enforcement

Implies that the enforcement is biased against certain groups.

subjective enforcement

Highlights that enforcement relies on personal opinions or feelings rather than facts.

random enforcement

Emphasizes the lack of any discernible pattern in the enforcement.

arbitrary and inconsistent application of rules

Expands the phrase to explicitly mention both arbitrariness and inconsistency.

FAQs

What does "capricious enforcement" mean?

It refers to the inconsistent and unpredictable application of rules or laws, often seeming arbitrary or based on whims.

How can I use "capricious enforcement" in a sentence?

You might say, "The "capricious enforcement" of parking regulations frustrated residents."

What are some alternatives to "capricious enforcement"?

Consider using "arbitrary enforcement", "inconsistent enforcement", or "uneven enforcement" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "capricious enforcement" and "selective enforcement"?

"Capricious enforcement" implies unpredictability and inconsistency, while "selective enforcement" suggests a deliberate choice to enforce rules against certain individuals or groups.