have been enforced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been enforced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that certain rules, laws, or regulations have been put into effect and are currently being upheld. Example: "The new safety regulations have been enforced to ensure the well-being of all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Similar policies have been enforced in the UK.

Independent

"Those agreements have been enforced for more than 10 years.

The New York Times

Frisell's diffidence may have been enforced by a long apprenticeship.

The New Yorker

Now the resolutions he defied have been enforced.

The New York Times

The standards have been enforced by blacks as well as by whites.

The New Yorker

Without his crusade, the ruling in Brown might never have been enforced.

The New Yorker

(As it turned out, this edict may not have been enforced).

Encyclopedia Britannica

For too long, prostitution laws have been enforced in a gender-discriminatory manner.

The New York Times

But such efficiency could only have been enforced in the areas directly administered by the central government.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Indeed, many funds do have such rules -- but they have been enforced only for the little people.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Of course, ornery commuters have been enforcing de facto quiet cars since the dawn of the mobile age.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been enforced" when you want to emphasize that a rule or law is not just on the books, but is actively being applied and followed.

Common error

Avoid using "have been enforced" when you mean "should have been enforced". The former indicates a current state of enforcement, while the latter expresses a missed opportunity or obligation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been enforced" primarily functions as part of the passive voice of the verb 'enforce'. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to describe that a rule, law, or agreement is being actively applied or implemented. For instance, "Similar policies have been enforced in the UK."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been enforced" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying the active application of rules, laws, or regulations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It commonly appears in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When writing, be mindful to not confuse it with similar phrases like "should have been enforced", which implies a missed opportunity. Consider related alternatives such as "have been implemented" or "have been applied" depending on the specific context you have in mind. Ludwig's examples illustrate the phrase's use in various domains, highlighting its versatility and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been implemented

Focuses on the action of putting a plan or system into effect.

have been applied

Emphasizes the act of using a rule or law in a particular situation.

have been enacted

Highlights the process of making a law or rule official.

have been executed

Focuses on the carrying out or enforcement of a plan or order.

have been carried out

Highlights the completion of an action or instruction.

have been put into effect

Emphasizes the beginning of the enforcement or implementation.

have been upheld

Stresses the maintenance of a decision or law.

have been administered

Highlights the management and application of rules or regulations.

have been imposed

Focuses on the authoritative placement or enforcement of rules.

have been regulated

Emphasizes the control and governance aspect.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "have been enforced"?

You can use alternatives like "have been implemented", "have been applied", or "have been enacted" depending on the context.

What does "have been enforced" mean?

The phrase "have been enforced" means that rules, laws, or regulations are actively being applied and followed.

Is it correct to say "the rules have been enforced"?

Yes, "the rules have been enforced" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It indicates that the rules are being actively applied.

What's the difference between "have been enforced" and "should have been enforced"?

"Have been enforced" indicates that something is currently being enforced, while "should have been enforced" implies that something was not enforced but should have been.