enforces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enforces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of compelling compliance with a law, rule, or standard. Example: "The organization enforces strict safety regulations to ensure the well-being of its employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have, moreover, found a new focus in the WTO, which enforces the rules for a globalising economy.

The Economist

Now a journalist on the Sunday Times, Jonathan Miller, has spotted a legal loophole in the Beeb's defences.He is refusing to pay his £112 on the grounds that the 1998 Human Rights Act's definition of freedom of expression overrides the law that enforces collection of the licence fee.

The Economist

In printing them, it kills two birds with one stone: it enforces its exchange-rate target and simultaneously achieves its monetary goals.

The Economist

On March 6th the Council passed a resolution expressing "extreme concern" about the attacks and authorising the UN to use chapter VII military action or sanctions to enforces its decisions against anyone found responsible.To that end, the UN is setting up a commission to determine who is carrying out the attacks rather than just whether they actually happened, as in past investigations.

The Economist

Some of the dangers that the Centre protects German shoppers against are genuine enough (eg, closing-down sales that are nothing of the sort); but it also enforces some fairly weird restrictions, such as a ban on advertisements which draw direct comparisons with competitors and the labelling of anything as "free"."No one in business offers anything for free.

The Economist

Miss Mahdavi, a female commander of Qom's baseej, the republic's voluntary militia which among other things—enforces propriety and political loyalty, recently organised a conference to raise awareness of "satanic plots" and to "safeguard the values and ideals of the revolution and religion".

The Economist

In America the tone of disputes over religious buildings (or cultural centres or cemeteries) is affected by everyone's presumption that if the issue went to the highest level, the cause of liberty would probably prevail.The European Convention on Human Rights, and the court that enforces it, also protect religious freedom.

The Economist

Unless the Argentine Football Association strictly enforces the new rules, the government says it will withdraw the $200m it provides each year so that football fans can enjoy televised matches free of charge.None of this is likely to be sufficient to stop the rot.

The Economist

His think-tank has long agitated to have problems of national security, human rights and religious freedom treated as investment risks.The new interpretation changes the way in which the SEC enforces its requirement to disclose anything that makes an offering risky or speculative.

The Economist

It elaborates and enforces a code of European law that has grown in scope with each new Union treaty, and that overrules the national laws of each and every EU country.Now the court is asking governments, politely but firmly, to change its rules.

The Economist

Mr Erdogan seems wary of offering anything more than rhetorical Turkish support for the coalition, unless America enforces a buffer and no-fly zone on the Syrian side of the border.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enforces", ensure the subject clearly has the authority or power to compel compliance. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity about who is responsible for upholding the rule or law.

Common error

Avoid using "enforces" when describing actions that simply encourage compliance. "Enforces" implies a formal, authoritative role with the power to compel obedience, not just suggest or encourage it.

Linguistic Context

The verb "enforces" functions as a transitive verb, indicating an action performed by a subject on an object. Ludwig confirms this by showing examples where an entity actively compels compliance with rules or laws. This usage shows the subject's power and authority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "enforces" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term that means to compel compliance with a rule, law, or standard. As validated by Ludwig, its primary function is to assert authority and ensure adherence, particularly in formal settings such as news, business, and legal contexts. When using "enforces", it's crucial to ensure the subject has the authority to compel compliance, and to avoid using it when describing mere encouragement. Strong alternatives include "implements", "applies", and "upholds", depending on the nuance you want to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implements

Focuses on putting a plan or system into effect, similar to ensuring compliance.

applies

Highlights the action of putting a rule or law into operation.

administers

Emphasizes the managerial aspect of ensuring rules are followed.

upholds

Stresses the act of maintaining and supporting existing laws or standards.

ensures compliance with

Explicitly states the goal of guaranteeing that rules are obeyed.

carries out

Highlights the execution and fulfillment of rules or orders.

prosecutes

Specifically refers to taking legal action to enforce laws.

demands adherence to

Emphasizes the insistence on following specific rules or guidelines.

oversees the execution of

Focuses on the supervisory role in ensuring laws are put into practice.

makes sure to observe

Expresses the goal of checking that rules are fully respected.

FAQs

How is "enforces" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "enforces" is used to describe an entity or authority that ensures laws, rules, or regulations are followed. For example, "The government "enforces strict environmental policies"".

What are some alternatives to using the word "enforces"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "implements", "applies", or "upholds" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express.

What is the difference between "enforces" and "encourages"?

"Enforces" implies a mandate and the power to compel compliance, often through penalties or sanctions. "Encourages", on the other hand, suggests promoting or persuading someone to do something without the power to force compliance.

Is it appropriate to use "enforces" when talking about social norms?

While technically correct, "enforces" is more commonly used in formal contexts like legal or regulatory environments. When discussing social norms, words like "promotes", "reinforces", or "upholds" might be more appropriate.