enforcing the rule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enforcing the rule" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of ensuring compliance with a specific rule or regulation. Example: "The committee is responsible for enforcing the rule regarding attendance at meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This means, above all, enforcing the rule of law.

The Guardian

In late October, the city stopped enforcing the rule against tents.

The New Yorker

As for enforcing the rule, Mr. Parker said, "I'm not the sex police".

The New York Times

In the meantime, Ms. Barnard said, the town is not enforcing the rule.

The New York Times

The Agriculture Department will begin enforcing the rule in March, to give the meat industry time to prepare.

The New York Times

Or the government may be getting tougher at enforcing the rule that exporters must repatriate 75% of their proceeds.

The Economist

By spring, with only about 200 students in uniform, the school told teachers to stop enforcing the rule.

The New York Times

In February, a judge agreed with him and issued an order barring the N.C.A.A. from enforcing the rule.

The New York Times - Sports

The NYMEX says it's enforcing the rule because it's been told to do so by the CFTC.

The New York Times

"As soon as they started enforcing the rule, it made it virtually impossible for our condo buyers to obtain conventional financing," Mr. Mayfield said.

The New York Times

Enforcing the rule of law sounds on the face of it revolutionary, since it implies that the party itself is subject to external authority.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enforcing the rule", ensure the context clearly identifies the specific rule being enforced to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify which traffic law or company regulation is being upheld.

Common error

Avoid using "enforcing the rule" when referring to suggestions or guidelines that aren't mandatory. This phrase implies a formal, binding regulation is being actively upheld, not a casual recommendation.

Linguistic Context

"Enforcing the rule" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes the action of ensuring compliance with a specific rule or law, actively upholding its requirements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enforcing the rule" is a grammatically correct and highly prevalent phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a gerund phrase, typically highlighting the action of ensuring that a specific regulation or law is followed. Predominantly used in neutral to professional contexts such as News & Media, Academia and Formal & Business settings, it effectively conveys the act of compelling obedience to established guidelines. By understanding its function, usage patterns, and available alternatives, writers can employ this phrase with accuracy and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensuring compliance with the regulation

Highlights the outcome of making certain that a rule is followed.

implementing the regulation

Focuses on the practical application of a regulation rather than simply ensuring it's followed.

enforcing the legislation

Specifically related to laws enacted by a legislative body.

upholding the law

Emphasizes the act of maintaining and defending the legal system.

applying the policy

Specifically refers to the act of putting a policy into practice in particular cases.

putting the regulation into effect

Highlights the activation and initial enforcement stages.

administering the ordinance

Suggests a formal management and application of local laws.

executing the decree

Implies carrying out an official order with authority.

overseeing adherence to the standard

Focuses on monitoring and ensuring that a set standard is consistently met.

effectuating the guideline

Relates to making guidelines operative and impactful.

FAQs

How can I use "enforcing the rule" in a sentence?

You can use "enforcing the rule" to describe the act of making sure a specific regulation or law is being followed. For example: "The police are responsible for enforcing the rule against speeding".

What are some alternatives to "enforcing the rule"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "implementing the regulation", "upholding the law", or "ensuring compliance with the regulation".

Is it better to say "enforcing the rule" or "following the rule"?

"Enforcing the rule" refers to the action taken by an authority to ensure compliance, while "following the rule" refers to an individual's adherence to the regulation. The choice depends on whether you're discussing the enforcer or the compliant individual.

What's the difference between "enforcing the rule" and "making the rule"?

"Making the rule" refers to the creation or enactment of a new regulation. In contrast, "enforcing the rule" refers to the act of ensuring that an existing regulation is followed.