do not enforce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not enforce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that a rule, law, or guideline should not be applied or upheld. Example: "In this situation, we advise that you do not enforce the policy regarding late submissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Because some toddlers dislike tooth-brushing, some parents do not enforce it.

The New Yorker

And although almost all countries have made it illegal, most do not enforce the rules.

The Economist

And because some toddlers dislike tooth-brushing, some parents do not enforce it.

The New York Times - Health

Lenders who do not enforce the requirement will face higher penalties.

The New York Times

However, ratings remain voluntary and we do not enforce mandatory appraisal ratings distribution".

The Guardian

The police do not enforce the law, she said, because they are too busy.

The New York Times

On Thursday, Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin demanded a crackdown on regulators who do not enforce safety measures.

The New York Times

The police do not enforce traffic laws, so few new drivers bother to get licenses or instruction, he said.

The New York Times

Countries which do not enforce international refugee rules by deporting "irregular migrants" could face legal action and fines from the European Commission.

Independent

Reprints Related items Intellectual property: Patently problematicSep 12th 2002Most of the world's people live in countries which either do not have, or do not enforce, intellectual-property rights.

The Economist

Your name will be referred to one of the residential hotels in the Times Square area that do not enforce nonsmoking in rooms.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do not enforce", ensure the context clearly indicates what is not being enforced and why. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "do not enforce" without specifying the boundaries. For instance, stating that a general rule is "not enforced" can lead to misinterpretations if exceptions exist. Instead, clarify the specific cases or conditions where the rule is not applicable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not enforce" functions as a negative imperative, indicating a prohibition or lack of obligation to implement or apply a rule, law, or policy. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correct grammatical form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not enforce" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, indicating a deliberate decision or a systemic failure to implement or apply a rule, law, or policy. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; specifying what is "not enforced" is essential to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives such as "do not implement" or "refrain from enforcing" may be more suitable depending on the nuances you wish to convey. Understanding these subtleties ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not implement

Focuses on the action of not putting a plan or system into practice.

do not apply

Emphasizes that a rule or guideline is not relevant or applicable in a specific situation.

refrain from enforcing

Highlights a conscious decision to abstain from enforcing something.

avoid enforcing

Suggests an active attempt to prevent the enforcement of a rule or law.

do not execute

Implies not carrying out or performing a specific action, especially a plan or order.

do not impose

Focuses on not forcing or inflicting something on someone or something.

fail to enforce

Highlights a lack of success in enforcing a rule, often due to negligence or inability.

neglect to enforce

Emphasizes a careless or unintentional failure to enforce.

do not uphold

Highlights a lack of support or maintenance of a rule or principle.

do not administer

Focuses on not managing or applying a system or process.

FAQs

How can I use "do not enforce" in a sentence?

You can use "do not enforce" to indicate that a rule, law, or policy is not being applied or upheld. For example, "The school might "do not enforce" the dress code on spirit days."

What are some alternatives to "do not enforce"?

Alternatives include "do not implement", "do not apply", or "refrain from enforcing", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "do not enforce" or "does not enforce"?

"Do not enforce" is used with plural subjects (e.g., 'they do not enforce'), while "does not enforce" is used with singular subjects (e.g., 'he does not enforce'). Choose the correct form based on the subject of your sentence.

What's the difference between "do not enforce" and "fail to enforce"?

"Do not enforce" implies a deliberate decision not to apply a rule or law, while "fail to enforce" suggests a lack of ability or negligence in applying it. Consider the intended meaning when choosing between the two.