enforcing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enforcing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of ensuring compliance with rules, laws, or regulations. Example: "The government is focused on enforcing the new environmental regulations to protect natural resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ministers have estimated that the cost to British businesses of enforcing a new EU law on the right to be forgotten and related regulations would be up to £360m a year.

The Guardian - Tech

In the course of enforcing laws that had not been enforced for 25 years, we were being more proactive, we were engaging more people, and often they didn't like it.

The Guardian

Over the following decade the ketogenic diet was developed: a strict programme enforcing a 4 1 ratio of fats to proteins and carbohydrates.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Apart from the continuing concerns about corruption in domestic politics – from cash-for-honours to MP's expenses – the UK has a woeful record in enforcing the 1997 OECD anti-bribery convention, which outlaws the bribery of foreign public officials.

The Guardian - Opinion

The current system of policing and enforcing the entitlement of foreign nationals to free NHS care is chaotic and often out of control.

The Guardian

However, the Community Standards, which the moderators are responsible for enforcing, are set centrally, although we consult with the senior editorial team when revising them.

The Guardian

Bury's order prohibits them from enforcing that rule while the rest of the case plays out in court.

The Guardian

In a video interview with Justice Across Borders, a new group campaigning against the opt-outs, he added: "The fact is that the main measures that are there, things like the European arrest warrant, are things which most people in the British government think are necessary in helping and enforcing the fight against crime.

The Guardian

Judge Higginbotham filed an injunction prohibiting the NHL from enforcing the clause, effectively rendering it dead.

The Guardian - Sport

Hockey said the government welcomed foreign investment, but was serious about enforcing the law.

The Guardian

"It's one thing having the court hearing in America, but it's something else enforcing those costs here.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and level of formality when using "enforcing"; in some contexts, alternatives like "applying" or "implementing" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the effects of "enforcing" a rule or regulation; focus on providing accurate and realistic assessments of its consequences.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "enforcing" is that of a present participle, often used as part of a continuous verb tense or as a gerund. Ludwig confirms that it functions to express the action of compelling obedience to a law or rule.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enforcing" is a versatile verb form, commonly used to describe the action of ensuring adherence to laws, rules, or standards. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and highly prevalent across diverse contexts, notably in news, business, and scientific domains. While "enforcing" is widely applicable, consider alternatives like "implementing" or "applying" to refine your message. When using "enforcing", ensure clarity regarding who is responsible for the enforcement to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implementing

Focuses on the act of putting a plan or system into effect, similar to "enforcing" but with a broader scope.

applying

Emphasizes the act of using a rule or law in a specific situation, closely related to "enforcing".

upholding

Suggests maintaining or defending a law or principle, implying a sense of preservation and endorsement alongside "enforcing".

implementing strictly

Adds the element of rigidity, like "enforcing" with zero tolerance.

ensuring compliance

Highlights the outcome of "enforcing", which is to guarantee adherence to rules.

administering

Refers to managing and applying rules or laws, similar to "enforcing" but with an emphasis on the management aspect.

imposing

Focuses on establishing a rule or requirement, which then necessitates "enforcing" it.

prosecuting

Highlights the legal action taken when "enforcing" fails, specifically in the context of law.

executing

Emphasizes the performance or carrying out of something such as a law. Enforcing is related because it ensures execution happens.

effectuating

Suggests bringing about or causing something to happen, with "enforcing" as the mechanism to achieve this.

FAQs

How can I use "enforcing" in a sentence?

You can use "enforcing" to describe the act of making sure a law, rule, or agreement is obeyed. For example: "The police are responsible for enforcing the law."

What are some alternatives to "enforcing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "implementing", "applying", or "upholding".

What is the difference between "enforcing" and "applying"?

"Enforcing" implies making sure a rule is obeyed, often with authority or coercion, while "applying" simply means using a rule or law in a specific situation. "Enforcing" often follows the "applying" of rules.

Which is correct: "enforcing a rule" or "enforcing to a rule"?

"Enforcing a rule" is the correct phrase. You enforce something directly, not "to" it.