enforce a policy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enforce a policy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the implementation or application of rules or guidelines within an organization or system. Example: "The management decided to enforce a policy that requires all employees to wear identification badges at all times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Netanyahu appears to have launched the raid to decapitate Hamas's military leadership, destroy its armory, and show that Israel is strong enough to enforce a policy of deterrence.

The New Yorker

In order to break the strike, guards apparently sought to enforce a policy of putting hunger strikers in individual accommodation, away from the communal parts of the camp.

The Guardian

Yet it was from Bengkulu, as he watched the Dutch regain possession of the Indonesian archipelago and enforce a policy of complete commercial monopoly, that he made his next move to extend British influence in southeastern Asia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such parents can be granted a special annual allowance as well as a bonus towards their retirement assistance.But it is difficult to enforce a policy that is so tangled with loopholes.

The Economist

For decades starting in the 1930s, Turkey tried to enforce a policy of absorbing the Kurds, the nation's largest minority — now more than 12 million people out of a population of 78 million — into a greater Turkish identity.

The New York Times

Two months after Southwest Airlines announced that it would strictly enforce a policy of charging very large customers for two seats, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has put its own spin on the issue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

After Mobutu took power, he enforced a policy of "authenticity" — a rejection of colonial values that obligated his citizens to embrace local cultures.

The New Yorker

Ever since, and to the frustration of many in Forza Italia, he has enforced a policy of restrained opposition on other issues.

The Economist

In Rome, officials are enforcing a policy whereby cars with odd or even numbers on licence plates are banned on alternate days during the three day period.

Independent

Zeng Guofan succeeded Senggelinqin as general and enforced a policy of detaching the earth-wall masters from their men and of employing the latter as his troops.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A union leader said the strike was to deter Standard Chartered from further enforcing a policy of layoffs through forced transfers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about enforcing a policy, be specific about the methods used to ensure compliance. Clearly state who is responsible for enforcement and what consequences will result from non-compliance.

Common error

Avoid writing about "enforcing a policy" without detailing concrete steps. Instead of saying "The company will enforce its attendance policy", specify how, for example, "The company will enforce its attendance policy by tracking tardiness and issuing warnings for repeat offenses."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enforce a policy" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase. Grammatically, it indicates the action of making sure that a specific rule or guideline is followed and obeyed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is both grammatically correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

16%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

11%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enforce a policy" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys the act of ensuring compliance with established rules or guidelines. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, formal business, and encyclopedia sources. Related phrases include "ensure a policy" and "apply a policy". When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify the enforcement methods and consequences of non-compliance. While the register is generally neutral, its usage is more frequent in formal settings. In summary, "enforce a policy" is a versatile phrase for discussing the implementation and upholding of regulations across different domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ensure a policy

Focuses on guaranteeing that the policy is followed.

Apply a policy

Emphasizes the practical implementation of the policy in specific situations.

Implement a policy

Highlights the action of putting the policy into effect.

Uphold a policy

Stresses maintaining and supporting the policy over time.

Administer a policy

Focuses on the management and execution of the policy.

Execute a policy

Emphasizes the active performance and completion of the policy's requirements.

Carry out a policy

Stresses the completion of tasks according to the policy.

Impose a policy

Highlights the authoritative introduction of a new policy, often with a sense of obligation.

Enact a policy

Focuses on the formal establishment of a policy, often through legal or official means.

Prescribe a policy

Emphasizes the detailing and specification of the policy.

FAQs

How can I effectively "enforce a policy" in my workplace?

To effectively "enforce a policy", ensure that the policy is clearly communicated, consistently applied, and that consequences for violations are well-defined and consistently administered. Regularly review and update the policy to address any loopholes or changing circumstances.

What are some alternatives to "enforce a policy"?

You can use alternatives like "ensure a policy", "apply a policy", or "implement a policy" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "enforce a policy" and "implement a policy"?

"Implement a policy" refers to the act of putting a policy into effect, while "enforce a policy" refers to the act of ensuring that the policy is followed and that violations are addressed.

Is it better to "enforce a policy" strictly or with flexibility?

The decision to "enforce a policy" strictly or with flexibility depends on the nature of the policy and the context in which it is applied. Some policies, such as safety regulations, may require strict enforcement, while others may benefit from a more flexible approach that considers individual circumstances.