enforce the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enforce the idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you wish to emphasize the importance of an idea or concept. For example, "We must enforce the idea that safety is our top priority."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Parliament's opulence seems to enforce the idea that government is about anything but the people.

The Guardian

However, he was unable to enforce the idea that all players should be teetotallers.

The Guardian

Experimental economists believe (and enforce the idea) that researchers should not employ deception in the design of experiments.

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization

If universities cut the number of languages offered, they will enforce the idea that Americans are insular and self-serving.

The New York Times

It doesn't enforce the idea that white people should be afraid of black people and not afraid of each other".

The Guardian - Books

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"It really enforces the idea for Beijingers that Beijing is the political center of China.

The New York Times

The largest stress and strain gradients are observed at grain boundaries, enforcing the idea that grain boundary fracture is indeed the irreversible mechanism underlying ratchet growth.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

British politicians finally agree that devolving and localising power is a better way to run things – why on earth should we be part of an organisation that believes the very opposite, and enforces the idea through its courts?

The Guardian - Opinion

In one draft, Nora argued that she left because it was better for the children; Moi wrote to Hnath, "You could get some traction here by enforcing the idea that not all women are made to be mothers. . . .

The New Yorker

Waselenchuk said he was given pointers by his father, but he never had a formal coach until he turned professional — which meant he never had anyone enforcing the idea that there were right and wrong ways to play; never had anyone to impose regimented habits on him, or constrain his creativity.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enforce the idea", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are emphasizing the importance of making a particular concept understood or accepted.

Common error

Avoid using "enforce the idea" when you simply mean 'to support' or 'to suggest'. "Enforce" implies a level of insistence or authority that may not always be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "enforce the idea" is a verb phrase where 'enforce' is the transitive verb and 'the idea' is the direct object. It describes the action of compelling acceptance or adherence to a specific concept, as Ludwig examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enforce the idea" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the importance of a concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. With a common frequency, it appears mainly in news, science, and wiki contexts. While grammatically correct, ensure the context warrants the level of insistence the word 'enforce' implies. Consider alternatives like "establish the idea" or "strengthen the idea" to nuance your message. Using "enforce the idea" effectively requires considering the audience and the desired impact on their understanding and acceptance of the concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish the idea

Focuses on setting up or creating the idea, rather than compelling its acceptance.

reinforce the concept

Stresses the act of making the concept stronger or more pronounced.

strengthen the idea

Emphasizes reinforcing the existing idea, making it more robust.

promote the idea

Highlights advocating for the idea, encouraging its spread and adoption.

implement the concept

Focuses on putting the concept into action, making it a practical reality.

instill the belief

Implies gradually planting the belief in someone's mind.

drive home the message

Emphasizes communicating the message clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.

ingrain the notion

Suggests embedding the notion deeply within someone's mind.

impose the view

Highlights forcing the acceptance of a particular viewpoint.

assert the principle

Focuses on confidently stating and defending the principle.

FAQs

What does "enforce the idea" mean?

"Enforce the idea" means to strongly promote or insist on the acceptance of a particular concept or belief. It implies making sure that the idea is understood and followed.

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

You can use "enforce the idea" in a sentence like this: "The teacher aimed to enforce the idea that hard work leads to success."

What are some alternatives to "enforce the idea"?

You can use alternatives like "establish the idea", "strengthen the idea", or "promote the idea" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "enforce the idea" or "enforce the rule"?

"Enforce the rule" is typically used when referring to regulations or laws, while "enforce the idea" is used when referring to concepts or beliefs. The choice depends on what you are trying to emphasize.