enforce upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enforce upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the idea of demanding something from someone. For example, "The teacher enforced upon the students to finish their assignments on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He then used this quadruple alliance to enforce upon Spain a settlement of its differences with Austria.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And six states now recognize clotheslines as solar collectors: Some communities have tried to enforce upon homeowners strict aesthetic criteria that deem wet linens and lingerie unsightly.

The New York Times

They enforce upon me the lesson that no matter who we are and how different we seem to be, we are all part of and subject to a greater cycle – a cycle which in the end ensures that we all end up unified and largely undifferentiated".

The Guardian - Opinion

During the day, the space is sliced in half by a wood-panelled wall for chamber-music performances, featuring such eminent musicians as the tenor Paul Groves, the pianist Stephen Prutsman, and the St. Lawrence String Quartet; in the air-conditioned space the performances are crisp and vibrant, having none of the ruminative quality that outdoor humidity can enforce upon musicians.

The New Yorker

"The UCI assumes that the decision and file will also detail the sanction the USADA may wish to enforce upon the riders who have provided testimony in exchange for reduced sanctions".

BBC

"The UCI assumes that the decision and file will also detail the sanction the Usada may wish to enforce upon the riders who have provided testimony in exchange for reduced sanctions," he said.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The Anglo-American legal heritage belongs to the enforced upon more than to the enforcers.

The New Yorker

But where tyranny is enforced upon the people, as Barack Obama is doing, the people suffer and mourn".

The New Yorker

As opposed to the restrictive, heavy, floor-length skirts enforced upon the older players, Dod's age meant she was allowed to wear a calf-length dress.

The Guardian - Sport

I have said that I would take a pay cut and I asked that a pay cut be enforced upon me.

The Guardian

"The reality of our lives enforces upon us at times the dreadful mixing of sadness with sadness, of sadness with joy," Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said at the ceremony.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enforce upon" when you want to convey the idea of actively imposing a rule, law, or standard on someone or something. It suggests a deliberate act of ensuring compliance.

Common error

Avoid using "enforce upon" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "make them do it" or "insist on" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enforce upon" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of compelling someone to adhere to a rule, law, or standard. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enforce upon" is a grammatically sound and usable verb phrase that conveys the act of compelling someone to adhere to a rule or standard. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, its usage is relatively uncommon and leans towards formal contexts, as illustrated by its presence in news media and encyclopedic sources. Related phrases like "impose on" or "demand from" can serve as alternatives depending on the desired nuance. When writing, be mindful of the context and choose simpler alternatives in casual settings to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Impose on

Uses a more direct verb to indicate the act of applying a rule or obligation.

Inflict upon

Suggests a more negative or burdensome application.

Demand from

Emphasizes the act of requiring something from someone.

Require of

Formally indicates a necessity or obligation.

Compel to

Focuses on forcing someone to do something.

Obligate to

Highlights the creation of a duty or responsibility.

Exact from

Implies a forceful extraction or demand.

Press for

Suggests persistent urging or insistence.

Forcefully apply

Emphasizes the strength and rigor of the implementation.

Mandate for

Indicates a formal command or instruction.

FAQs

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

You can use "enforce upon" to describe the act of imposing a rule or standard. For example, "The government will enforce strict regulations upon the industry".

What is a good alternative to "enforce upon"?

Consider using alternatives like "impose on", "inflict upon", or "demand from" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "enforce upon" and "apply to"?

"Enforce upon" implies a more active and forceful imposition, while "apply to" simply means that something is relevant or applicable. You might "apply new rules to a situation", but "enforce discipline upon students".

Is "enforce upon" formal or informal?

"Enforce upon" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "make someone do something" might be more appropriate.