could be enforced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be enforced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of implementing or applying a rule, law, or policy. Example: "The new regulations could be enforced starting next month if approved by the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such a policy would start from asking what kind of behaviour could be enforced, rather than, like Kyoto, incorporating enforcement as an afterthought.

The Economist

Price & Co. had only a lien which could be enforced in default of payment.

Cornell University

However, President Barack Obama vetoed the ruling this Saturday before the ban could be enforced.

Independent

It is unclear how House lawmakers think that mandate could be enforced.

The New York Times

But the state provisions could be enforced only by state courts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The French headteachers' union was skeptical that the ban could be enforced.

The Guardian

There's no mention in the article about how a global law could be enforced.

The Guardian

But moments later he concluded that there was no way such a law could be enforced.

The Guardian

The question, he said, was how the law could be enforced.

The Guardian

He resigned and left the White House before the subpoena could be enforced.

The Washington Post

She questioned whether the ambitious debt-reduction goals set for Greece in the next eight years could be enforced.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be enforced", ensure the context clearly indicates what entity or mechanism has the power to enforce the rule or law. For example: "The regulations "could be enforced" by the EPA."

Common error

Avoid using "could be enforced" without specifying who or what is responsible for the enforcement. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken the statement's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be enforced" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses the possibility or potential for an action (enforcement) to be carried out on a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

14%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be enforced" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the potential for a rule, law, or agreement to be put into effect. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, it serves to highlight the possibility of enforcement without necessarily implying certainty. Alternatives like "might be enforced" or "can be enforced" offer nuanced variations in meaning. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the responsible party for enforcement is explicitly stated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be enforced

Replaces "could" with "might", indicating a slightly lower degree of possibility.

can be enforced

Uses "can" instead of "could", suggesting a general ability or permission rather than a conditional possibility.

is capable of being enforced

More formal and verbose, emphasizing the capability for enforcement.

is susceptible to enforcement

Highlights the vulnerability or openness to enforcement.

is liable to be enforced

Implies a higher probability or likelihood of enforcement.

is subject to enforcement

Indicates that something falls under the authority or scope of enforcement.

may be implemented

Focuses on the act of putting something into effect rather than the power to compel compliance.

is potentially enforceable

Emphasizes the potential for enforcement, highlighting the possibility but not certainty.

allows for enforcement

Highlights permission for enforcment rather than the act of enforcement itself.

is designed to be enforced

Focuses on the intention or purpose behind the design, implying enforceability is a key feature.

FAQs

How can I use "could be enforced" in a sentence?

Use "could be enforced" to indicate the possibility of a rule, law, or agreement being put into effect. For example: "The new policy "could be enforced" starting next quarter."

What's a more formal way to say "could be enforced"?

A more formal alternative is "is capable of being enforced", which emphasizes the ability to implement the enforcement.

Which is correct, "could be enforced" or "should be enforced"?

"Could be enforced" indicates a possibility, while "should be enforced" expresses an opinion about what is right or necessary. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What does it mean when something "could be enforced"?

It means there is the potential or ability for a rule, law, or agreement to be put into effect and compliance to be compelled, but it is not necessarily guaranteed.