impose a change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impose a change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of enforcing or implementing a modification or alteration in a situation, policy, or system. Example: "The management decided to impose a change in the work schedule to improve productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The Prodi government could impose a change, but that would outrage trade unions.

The Economist

In the Russian view, the campaign extended far beyond the mandate granted by the resolution and reinforced Kremlin suspicions that the Western powers were really seeking to impose a change in government.

The New York Times

In the end a Ryanair employee showed me the way.I had to argue to get booked on the next Berlin flight, which departed from Gatwick eight hours later on the other side of London, a privilege for which easyJet attempted to impose a change fee.

The Economist

She added that France was caught between "two steel jaws", saying: "On one side we have the importing of foreign cultures by a wave of foreigners who, unlike those who came before wish to impose a change on our behaviour and our lives.

The Guardian

What's the rule in question Joe? SAWARD: The procedure provided for by Appendix 5 of the Sporting Regulations and, as per the provisions of the article 199 of the FIA International Sporting Code: It is too late for FIA to impose a change for the 2009 season that has not obtained the unanimous agreement of all the competitors.

The New York Times

"Any genetic change to the wheat starch will impose a change to the flour characteristics.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

When Napoleon imposed a change of government on the republic (1805) and it became the Batavian Commonwealth, he appointed Schimmelpenninck head of government as councillor pensionary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The master controller imposes a change of cell current representing a change in power demand and sets the amount of fuel gas, the steam-to-carbon ratio, the air number and the cathode gas recycle ratio to their corresponding conditions for optimal steady state electric efficiency.

Journal of Power Sources

(a) Suggesting and discussing new options works better than imposing a change.

Annals of Intensive Care

The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) imposes a change in the folding rate of the ICAM-1 protein that has potential functional implications.

BMJ Open

"We're saying to Hunt: you don't have the authority to impose a contract change; your powers to make such major changes to the NHS were devolved to the organisation itself in 2012 under the Health and Social Care Act," says Dr Francesca Silman, one of the five doctors launching the challenge.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impose a change", consider the context and the level of authority being exerted. Ensure that the tone matches the situation; for example, in formal settings, provide clear justifications for the change to avoid resistance.

Common error

Avoid using "impose a change" without providing adequate reasoning or context. Simply stating that a change is being imposed can create resistance and distrust. Always explain why the change is necessary and how it benefits the affected parties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impose a change" functions as a verb phrase where "impose" acts as the main verb, and "a change" serves as its direct object. It describes the action of enforcing or implementing a modification, as also stated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impose a change" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that describes the action of enforcing or implementing a modification. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English writing. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times, The Economist, and The Guardian, indicating its acceptance in news media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. It is important to consider the level of authority being conveyed when using this phrase, as it can imply a forceful or unilateral action. Alternatives such as "implement an alteration" or "enforce a modification" may be more appropriate depending on the context and desired tone. Remember to provide clear reasoning when imposing changes to avoid resistance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enforce a modification

Emphasizes the authoritative enforcement of a modification, carrying a stricter connotation than "impose a change".

implement an alteration

Highlights the practical application and execution of an alteration, focusing on the action taken rather than the imposition.

effect a transformation

Suggests a significant and fundamental change, implying a deeper impact than "impose a change".

bring about a shift

Indicates a change in direction or perspective, with a softer connotation than "impose a change".

institute a reform

Specifically refers to establishing a systematic improvement, more formal and structured than "impose a change".

introduce an amendment

Focuses on adding or altering a specific element, often within a formal or legal context, narrower in scope than "impose a change".

prescribe a modification

Emphasizes authority in dictating a change, highlighting the official recommendation rather than the execution.

decree a revision

Suggests a formal and authoritative order for a revision, often carrying legal or governmental weight.

mandate an adjustment

Highlights the compulsory nature of an adjustment, emphasizing the authoritative requirement more strongly than "impose a change".

coerce an evolution

Suggests a forced or pressured gradual development, emphasizing resistance and influence more than direct imposition.

FAQs

How can I use "impose a change" in a sentence?

You can use "impose a change" to describe a situation where a rule, system, or method is being changed. For example, "The company decided to impose a change in policy regarding remote work".

What are some alternatives to saying "impose a change"?

You can use alternatives like "implement an alteration", "enforce a modification", or "bring about a shift" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "impose a change" and "implement a change"?

"Impose a change" often implies authority or a forced action, while "implement a change" suggests a more practical, step-by-step approach to putting a change into effect. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the authority or the process.

Is it better to "impose a change" or "suggest a change"?

It depends on the context. "Impose a change" implies authority and can be necessary when swift action is needed. However, "suggest a change" is preferable when seeking collaboration or when the authority to mandate the change is limited.