enforce an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"enforce an idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of a particular idea or concept. For example, "We must enforce the idea that everyone deserves equal rights in our society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"That's pathetic," I retort, "that's trying to enforce an idea on people".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Readiness to pay a price in order to enforce an idea of what is right is part of what keeps sides from settling: writers accept the loss of paychecks because they believe they deserve a cut of the revenue from their work, and producers accept the loss of business because they believe that TV shows and movies are their property.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I don't want to enforce any ideas or views upon them.

The New York Times

Foster is enforcing a new idea in academia: market forces.

Forbes

Enforcing a "marketplace of ideas" is just another way our universities – already effectively turned into businesses by the imposition of tuition fees – are being subjected to the discipline of the free market.

Vice

On Friday, all three leaders agreed on the need for a more strictly enforced reform program — an idea that would need the support of all 27 governments and that will probably be viewed with suspicion in Germany and Britain.

The New York Times

All three leaders agreed on the need for a more strictly enforced reform program, an idea that would need the support of all 27 governments and that is likely to be viewed with suspicion in Germany and Britain.

The New York Times

The presidency is the most powerful position in the country, and the term limit on that office helps enforce the idea that we are a republic.

The New York Times

Although the resolution prevents a detailed description of the EM structures, the close packing of the two filamentous structures is consistent with the idea that SlmA DNA enforces an anti-parallel arrangement of FtsZ polymers.

EMBO Journal

According to his "harm principle," the exercise of political or social power is only legitimate if necessary to prevent serious harm done to one person by another, not to enforce some idea of the good in a paternalistic manner.

SEP

But they also enforce the idea that fierce dedication is not simply a "laughable naïveté," as Vera puts it, but a way of being in the world.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "enforce an idea", consider the context and ensure that it accurately reflects the intent to firmly establish or uphold a specific concept, principle, or belief. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the need for consistent application or adherence to the idea.

Common error

Avoid using "enforce an idea" when a more persuasive or collaborative approach is needed. This phrase can sound authoritarian, particularly in sensitive discussions where gaining buy-in is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enforce an idea" functions as a verb phrase where "enforce" acts as a transitive verb taking "an idea" as its object. It is used to describe the action of compelling adherence to a concept or belief. Ludwig confirms that it's correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "enforce an idea" is grammatically correct, although Ludwig AI indicates that it's not very common. It serves to emphasize the need for adherence to a specific concept and is found in various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While it's effective for asserting the importance of an idea, it's crucial to consider whether a more persuasive approach might be appropriate. Alternatives like "promote an idea" or "instill an idea" offer softer approaches to influencing beliefs or behaviors. The phrase is most often found in neutral contexts, meaning it is suitable for a variety of communicative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Impose an idea

Implies a forceful or authoritative assertion of an idea.

Promote an idea

Focuses on advocacy and spreading awareness rather than strict enforcement.

Advocate an idea

Stresses active support and promotion of the idea.

Instill an idea

Emphasizes gradual implantation of an idea into someone's mind.

Champion an idea

Implies passionate and dedicated support for an idea.

Establish an idea

Highlights the act of setting up or solidifying an idea's acceptance.

Entrench an idea

Suggests an idea is deeply rooted and difficult to remove.

Solidify an idea

Focuses on making an idea firm and resistant to change.

Enshrine an idea

Suggests a formal or sacred adoption of an idea.

Popularize an idea

Highlights the act of making an idea widely accepted.

FAQs

How can I use "enforce an idea" in a sentence?

You can use "enforce an idea" to describe the act of compelling acceptance or adherence to a concept. For example, "The new regulations aim to "enforce the idea" that sustainability is a core business value."

What are some alternatives to "enforce an idea"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "promote an idea", "instill an idea", or "impose an idea". Each carries a slightly different connotation regarding the method and degree of influence.

Is it better to "enforce an idea" or "support an idea"?

"Enforce an idea" implies a stricter, more directive approach, suggesting that the idea is being actively maintained through rules or pressure. "Support an idea" implies a more passive endorsement, where you are in favor of the idea but not necessarily pushing it onto others. The best choice depends on the specific situation and your desired level of influence.

What's the difference between "enforce an idea" and "implement an idea"?

"Enforce an idea" focuses on making sure that people adhere to an existing concept or belief, whereas "implement an idea" refers to putting a new concept or plan into action. They address different phases of an idea's lifecycle.