has been enforced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been enforced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a rule, law, or policy has been put into effect and is currently being applied. Example: "The new safety regulations have been enforced to ensure a safer working environment for all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But students say the policy has been enforced erratically.

The New York Times

In extreme cases, this virtue has been enforced in strong-handed fashion.

The New York Times

With only a few exceptions, the ordinance has been enforced continuously since the 1920s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since then, stricter control of cutting has been enforced, and some reforestation has been carried out.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is the first time that remote monitoring has been enforced to check patient compliance.

The Guardian

A strengthened version of Section 508 has been enforced since June 2001.

The New York Times - Tech

It was unclear yesterday how strictly the current freeze has been enforced.

The New York Times

Zero tolerance has been enforced to an at times comical degree.

The Guardian

The other interesting thing that has been enforced this year is the three bass daily limit for non-commercial anglers.

Independent

But 17 years have elapsed since the full extent of the pace-of-play rule has been enforced.

The New York Times

"It's a collaboration, rather than something that has been enforced on staff like it has at other publishers".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been enforced" to clearly indicate that a rule, law, or policy is not only in place but is also actively being applied. This is especially useful when discussing regulations, restrictions, or standards.

Common error

Avoid using "has been enforced" when an active voice would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The police have been enforcing the law", consider "The police are enforcing the law" to convey a more immediate sense of action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been enforced" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice, indicating that a rule, law, or policy is currently being applied or implemented. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been enforced" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase in the passive voice, denoting that a rule, law, or policy is actively being applied. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent appearance in various sources, including news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can increase within legal or official settings. When writing, consider whether an active voice might be more impactful. Several alternatives like "is in effect" or "is being implemented" can be used depending on context. The analysis confirms that "has been enforced" is a clear and effective way to communicate that a specific guideline is not just present but is actively being put into practice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is actively applied

Emphasizes the active and consistent application of a rule or policy.

is in effect

Focuses on the current operational status of a rule or law, without necessarily implying active enforcement.

is being implemented

Highlights the ongoing process of putting something into action, often a policy or program.

is being executed

Suggests a more formal and structured application, often associated with plans or strategies.

is under implementation

Similar to "is being implemented", but stresses that the process is still underway.

is currently operative

Highlights the present-day functionality and effect of a system or law.

is in operation

Similar to "is in effect", indicating the working condition of something.

is being administered

Focuses on the management and supervision aspect of a rule or policy.

is now mandatory

Emphasizes the required nature of a rule, highlighting its compulsory aspect.

is now in practice

Indicates that a theoretical concept or rule is actively being used in real-world situations.

FAQs

How do I use "has been enforced" in a sentence?

Use "has been enforced" to describe a rule, law, or policy that is currently being actively applied. For example, "The new regulations on emissions have been enforced since January".

What are some alternatives to "has been enforced"?

You can use alternatives like "is in effect", "is being implemented", or "is actively applied" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "has been enforced" and "was enforced"?

"Has been enforced" implies that the enforcement is ongoing or has continued relevance to the present. "Was enforced" indicates that the enforcement occurred in the past and may or may not be currently active.

Is it correct to say "the law has been enforced erratically"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Saying "the law has been enforced erratically" means that the law has not been applied consistently or predictably. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage in reliable sources.