enforce sanction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'enforce sanction' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of implementing a punishment or restriction. For example: The government enforced sanctions against the corrupt company to prevent them from doing further business.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The New Yorker, February 10 , 1951P. 83 U.N. vote on resolution to enforce sanction against China.

The New Yorker

By Richard H. Rovere The New Yorker, February 10 , 1951P. 83 U.N. vote on resolution to enforce sanction against China.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Security Council must strictly enforce sanctions against Mr. Gbagbo and his henchmen.

The New York Times

Vetoes by Russia and China shut down attempts to enforce sanctions on the regime of Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A critical question, however, was whether China will really enforce sanctions against North Korea, which China dominates economically.

Independent

Although UNEP oversees many modern-day agreements, it has little power to impose or enforce sanctions on noncomplying parties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The United States continues to fly patrol missions over southern Iraq from Prince Sultan to enforce sanctions against Baghdad.

The New York Times

Your Sept. 10 editorial "Read the Report" notes the threats raised by Iran's nuclear program and the need for nations to enforce sanctions to halt its progress.

The New York Times

Angola's insurgents are too suspicious of the outside world (which tries to enforce sanctions on UNITA) to allow aid workers to enter their territory.

The Economist

Canada, which has been a leader in trying to strengthen council resolutions generally, announced that it would put financial support behind the efforts to enforce sanctions against Unita.

The New York Times

At the United Nations, efforts were afoot to enforce sanctions against the North, which the North says would amount to a declaration of war.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the active role of an enforcer, specify the actor, such as "The UN must enforce sanctions." This provides clarity and accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "impose sanction" and "enforce sanction" interchangeably. While related, "impose" refers to the initial act of establishing a sanction, whereas "enforce" refers to ensuring compliance with an already established sanction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enforce sanction" functions as a verb phrase where "enforce" (verb) acts upon "sanction" (noun). It describes the action of compelling adherence to a rule or law by applying a penalty or restriction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enforce sanction" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies the act of compelling adherence to a rule or law through the application of penalties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, encyclopedia entries, and wiki articles, its register leans towards neutral to formal. Alternative phrases like "implement sanctions" or "apply sanctions" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Key to using this phrase effectively is understanding its difference from "impose sanctions", which refers to the initial act of establishing the penalty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implement sanctions

Changes the verb to 'implement', focusing on the act of putting sanctions into effect.

apply sanctions

Substitutes 'enforce' with 'apply', highlighting the action of bringing sanctions to bear.

impose sanctions

Replaces 'enforce' with 'impose', emphasizing the act of setting or levying sanctions.

carry out sanctions

Uses the phrasal verb 'carry out' instead of 'enforce', stressing the execution of sanctions.

execute sanctions

Replaces 'enforce' with 'execute', giving a more formal and official tone to the action.

administer sanctions

Substitutes 'enforce' with 'administer', focusing on the management and oversight of sanctions.

strengthen sanctions

Shifts the focus to making existing sanctions more effective, rather than simply enforcing them.

uphold sanctions

Highlights the maintenance and support of existing sanctions.

ensure compliance with sanctions

Focuses on guaranteeing that the sanctioned party adheres to the sanctions.

monitor sanctions implementation

Shifts the focus to observing and tracking how sanctions are being applied.

FAQs

How can I use "enforce sanction" in a sentence?

You can use "enforce sanction" to describe the act of compelling adherence to a penalty. For instance, "The Security Council decided to "enforce sanctions" against the country due to its violation of international law."

What's the difference between "impose sanctions" and "enforce sanctions"?

"Impose sanctions" refers to the initial act of creating and applying a penalty, while "enforce sanctions" means ensuring that these penalties are obeyed and implemented.

What are some alternatives to "enforce sanction"?

Alternatives include "implement sanctions", "apply sanctions", or "carry out sanctions", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "enforcing sanction" instead of "enforce sanction"?

While "enforcing sanction" ("enforcing sanction") can be used as a gerund or participle, "enforce sanction" is the base form and more appropriate for general statements about the act of enforcement.