enforced upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"enforced upon" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is typically used when someone is making another person do something, especially in spite of resistance. For example, "The new safety regulations were enforced upon all employees in the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

It can never be specified or enforced upon us.

University of California, Berkeley

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

Phil Robilotto, chief of department for the Suffolk County Police, said the law would be enforced "upon observation," not by setting up checkpoints to catch users.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

"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

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

Stakeholder economists, such as Will Hutton, argue that we need to regulate market capitalism by enforcing upon companies obligations to communities and employees as well as shareholders.

The Guardian - Books

After Theodosius ordered the massacre of the citizens of Thessalonica, however, Ambrose demanded that the emperor undergo penance, thereby enforcing upon Theodosius submission to the church as its son, not its master.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation of force. "Enforced upon" often implies a lack of consent, therefore ensure it is the appropriate term when describing situations where rules or changes are implemented.

Common error

Avoid using "enforced upon" when a more direct and active voice would be clearer and more impactful. Instead of "Compliance was enforced upon the team", consider "The manager enforced compliance within the team" for a more concise sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enforced upon" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a rule, law, or standard is being actively applied or imposed on someone or something. Ludwig AI explains this highlights that an external force is compelling compliance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Academia

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enforced upon" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates the act of compelling someone or something to comply with a rule or standard. Ludwig AI underscores that this phrase often implies an external force imposing its will. It is considered appropriate for neutral to slightly formal contexts like news reports, academic writing, and general discussions. While "enforced upon" may imply a lack of consent, alternatives like "imposed on", "required of", and "mandated for" can provide similar meanings with subtle differences in nuance. Be mindful of the passive voice and consider more direct alternatives for clearer communication. The phrase is often found in news, academic, and scientific sources according to the data analyzed by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imposed on

Direct synonym, focuses on the act of placing a burden or obligation.

placed upon

General term for putting something on someone or something, similar to imposed on but broader.

mandated for

Suggests a formal requirement or legal obligation.

compelled to

Highlights the lack of choice or coercion involved.

subjected to

Emphasizes the experience of being acted upon, often negatively.

required of

Indicates a necessary condition or expectation.

levied on

Often used in the context of taxes or fines, implying a financial burden.

decreed for

Implies an official order or proclamation.

ordained for

Suggests a divine or moral imperative.

visited upon

Often refers to negative consequences or punishment.

FAQs

How is "enforced upon" different from "imposed on"?

While both phrases convey the idea of something being applied to someone or something, "enforced upon" specifically emphasizes the act of compelling adherence to a rule or standard. "Imposed on" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply active compulsion.

Can I use "enforced upon" when something is willingly accepted?

Generally, "enforced upon" implies a lack of consent or resistance. If something is willingly accepted, it's more appropriate to use phrases like "agreed to" or "adopted by" instead.

What are some alternatives to "enforced upon" in formal writing?

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "mandated for", "required of", or "stipulated for" depending on the specific context. These options often sound more objective and less forceful.

Is "enforced upon" considered formal or informal language?

"Enforced upon" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for many types of writing, but avoid it in very informal or casual contexts where simpler language would be more appropriate.