enact

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "enact" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "enact" to refer to the establishment of an official law or policy, usually through a formal process. Example sentence: The city council voted to enact a new policy regulating plastic straw usage in restaurants.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The activities of industry in developing countries amplifies the challenges for governments to enact effective population-wide action.

The Guardian

Employees working in uninspiring jobs may be tempted to enact destructive behaviour as a source of stimulation, whereas individuals stressed out by heavy workloads may perpetrate bullying to cope with frustration or to assert personal control.

The Guardian

Obviously, as supporters of a direct action organisation looking to create a mass movement, we don't believe politicians will roll over and enact these reforms if simply asked.

The Guardian - Business

Many people have suggested that it is particularly provocative of the Saudis to enact this punishment in the immediate wake of the Paris killings, as discussion about free expression rages in the west.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Pressure from the international community, including labour-sending countries, and the UAE's allies, such as the UK, the US and regional bodies such as the EU, would help to push the authorities to enact the law in line with international standards," Begum said.

The Guardian

And in the tumult of the past year – whether from faith- and fear-based state laws that even our most backward southern neighbors won't enact, or the unrest and police violence in the streets of Ferguson – that character flaw was laid bare.

The Guardian - Opinion

A two-thirds majority is enough to change the constitution and also to enact an entirely new one.

The Guardian - Opinion

To add insult to injury, the Central Committee decided what the base would ask the higher authority to enact, as if it were its own wish.

The Guardian

Our challenge is to persuade these organisations to enact their commitments.

The Guardian

When it comes to saving money, we all know that the more you can do early, the smoother the ride George Osborne With Osborne eager to enact tough measures as early as possible, the new chief secretary to the Treasury, Greg Hands, has started to ask departments whether they can find ways of trimming their 2015-16 plans to fast-track the three-year squeeze.

The Guardian - Business

Politicians get to enact laws, but they should not make public health policy without the input of the scientific community.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enact" in legal or political contexts, ensure the subject is an entity with the authority to make laws, such as a legislature or parliament. For example, “Congress can enact laws.”

Common error

Avoid using "enact" when the subject lacks the authority to create laws. For instance, it would be incorrect to say "The citizens enacted a law"; instead, say “The citizens voted for a law.”

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "enact" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of establishing something, typically a law or decree, by formal or authoritative means. Ludwig AI confirms the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enact" is a transitive verb primarily used to describe the action of making something, typically a law, official. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and usable in written English. It's frequently found in formal contexts, especially within the News & Media and Formal & Business sectors. While generally grammatically correct, be mindful of ensuring that the subject of "enact" possesses the authority to create laws. Alternatives such as "implement" or "legislate" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implement

Focuses on the systematic application of a plan or policy.

pass into law

Focuses specifically on the legal aspect of making a bill a law.

legislate

Specifically refers to the creation of laws by a legislative body.

bring into effect

Emphasizes the action of making something operational or valid.

put into practice

Highlights the implementation or execution of a plan or idea.

execute

Emphasizes the completion of a task or plan, sometimes with a sense of precision or rigor.

carry out

Implies the performance or completion of a task or duty.

decree

Suggests a formal and authoritative order or command.

ordain

Implies a formal or ceremonial establishment, often with religious connotations.

perform

Relates to the action of carrying out a task, role, or play.

FAQs

How is "enact" typically used in a sentence?

"Enact" is generally used to describe the process of making a bill or proposal into a law. For example, "The government is expected to enact new environmental regulations soon."

What verbs are similar to "enact" in meaning?

Similar verbs include "implement", "legislate", and "pass into law". The choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "enact" in informal contexts?

While "enact" is more common in formal and legal settings, it can be used in less formal contexts to describe implementing or putting something into effect, though alternatives like "carry out" or "implement" may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "enact" and "implement"?

"Enact" specifically refers to making something a law, whereas "implement" refers to putting a plan or policy into effect. You enact a law, and then you implement it.