impose discipline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impose discipline" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to refer to instilling rules and regulations to maintain order and organization. For example, "If we want to succeed in this project, we will need to impose a strict set of guidelines and discipline to stay on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes, Arnold had to impose discipline.

The New Yorker

Big banks' creditors — like bond holders — don't impose discipline, either.

The New York Times

She is tolerant but she can impose discipline.

The Guardian

When a student's speech interferes substantially with the school's educational mission, a school can impose discipline.

The New York Times - Style

As leader of the Free Democrats, Mr. Westerwelle failed to impose discipline among his ministers.

The New York Times

And if potential sinners can behave like that, then why would the financial markets impose discipline?

The Economist

But Mr Peña's attempts to impose discipline on regional governments go beyond Michoacán.

The Economist

The camps are run by military trainers who have the power to impose discipline.

The Guardian

The reforms sought to impose discipline on a notoriously dysfunctional agency.

The New York Times

They are not out to impose discipline just to show they are boss".

The New York Times

Borda has the rare ability to cultivate experiments and impose discipline in equal measure.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impose discipline", consider the context and the audience. In formal settings, it conveys a sense of necessary order, while in informal settings, it may sound overly authoritarian. Choose alternative phrases like "maintain order" or "instill discipline" for a softer tone.

Common error

Avoid using "impose discipline" in casual conversation or when describing self-regulation. Instead, opt for phrases like "self-control" or "stay focused" to maintain a natural and relatable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impose discipline" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "impose" is the main verb and "discipline" is its direct object. It describes the act of enforcing rules or standards of behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impose discipline" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of enforcing rules or standards to maintain order and control. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts such as news, business, and academia. When writing, consider the formality of the setting and choose appropriate alternatives when needed. Remember that while effective, overuse in informal contexts should be avoided. Top sources like The New York Times and The Economist frequently employ this phrase, reinforcing its acceptance in authoritative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enforce rules

Focuses specifically on the act of enforcing established rules, narrowing the scope from general discipline.

maintain order

Emphasizes the outcome of discipline, which is the preservation of order and structure.

instill discipline

Highlights the process of introducing discipline, rather than just enforcing it.

apply control

Suggests a more direct and potentially forceful application of authority.

exercise authority

Focuses on the power dynamic and the act of using one's authority.

lay down the law

A more informal and colloquial way to express enforcing strict rules.

enforce compliance

Stresses the act of ensuring adherence to a set of standards or regulations.

demand obedience

Shifts the focus to expecting and requiring compliance from others.

keep in line

An idiomatic expression for maintaining control over a group.

set boundaries

Focuses on defining and enforcing limits of acceptable behavior.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "impose discipline" in a sentence?

To effectively use "impose discipline", ensure that the subject has the authority or ability to enforce the rules or standards being implemented. For example, "The manager needed to "impose discipline" to improve productivity" indicates the manager's role in enforcing standards.

What are some alternatives to "impose discipline" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "enforce rules", "maintain order", or "instill discipline". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits the situation.

Is "impose discipline" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "impose discipline" can sound formal in casual settings. For everyday conversation, consider using phrases like "set limits" or "keep things in order" which are less direct and more conversational.

What is the difference between "impose discipline" and "practice self-discipline"?

"Impose discipline" refers to enforcing rules or standards on others, while "practice self-discipline" refers to one's own ability to control their actions and behavior. The former is external, while the latter is internal.