impose sanctions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impose sanctions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to taking official action against a party in order to compel them to comply with a ruling or agreement. For example, "The United Nations voted to impose sanctions on the country for continuing to develop nuclear weapons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Should the EU impose sanctions on Russia?

The Economist

Will they impose sanctions on Israel?

The New York Times

First, it will impose sanctions for non-compliance.

Harvard University

These and other Arab governments should impose sanctions.

The New York Times

Can the addicts impose sanctions on the pusher?

The New York Times

Beijing and Moscow fear the Council's power to impose sanctions.

The New York Times

ruling, it would challenge the move to impose sanctions.

The New York Times

European officials declined to say when Europe would impose sanctions.

The New York Times

But it would still require Washington to impose sanctions.

The New York Times

Housing court judges rarely impose sanctions unless lawyers request them.

The New York Times

1. Impose sanctions on Iran: Either new or old ones.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impose sanctions", clearly state who is imposing the sanctions and on whom or what they are being imposed. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "impose sanctions" always refers to international relations. Sanctions can be applied in various contexts, such as within organizations or even in personal relationships. Be precise in your language to reflect the intended scope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impose sanctions" functions as a verb phrase, where "impose" is the verb and "sanctions" is the direct object. It describes the action of officially enacting penalties or restrictions, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impose sanctions" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the action of enacting penalties or restrictions, primarily in political and legal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various sources, especially in news and media. While alternatives like "apply penalties" or "enact restrictions" exist, "impose sanctions" maintains a neutral and formal register. When using the phrase, it's essential to specify who is imposing the sanctions and on whom to ensure clarity. The phrase is versatile and can be applied in different scenarios, from international relations to organizational policies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apply penalties

This alternative focuses on the act of applying consequences for a violation, similar to imposing sanctions.

enact restrictions

This alternative emphasizes the implementation of limitations, akin to the restrictive nature of sanctions.

levy punitive measures

This alternative highlights the act of levying or enacting measures designed to punish or deter.

place embargoes

This alternative specifies a type of sanction involving trade restrictions.

decree embargoes

This option highlights the official and authoritative nature of imposing sanctions.

institute a boycott

This alternative involves a collective refusal to deal with a particular entity.

trigger consequences

This option focuses on the act of instigating the results of certain actions or violations.

take disciplinary action

This alternative refers to actions taken to correct or punish wrongdoing.

undertake coercive measures

This alternative highlights the undertaking of actions aimed at compelling compliance.

bring about retributions

This alternative describes retaliatory actions in response to perceived injustices.

FAQs

How is "impose sanctions" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "impose sanctions" is commonly used to describe a formal action taken against a country, organization, or individual to enforce a rule or law. For example, "The United Nations voted to "impose sanctions" on the country for violating international agreements."

What are some alternatives to "impose sanctions"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "apply penalties", "enact restrictions", or "levy punitive measures".

Is it more appropriate to say "impose sanctions on" or "impose sanctions against"?

Both "impose sanctions on" and "impose sanctions against" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on personal preference, although "impose sanctions on" might be slightly more frequent.

What is the difference between "sanctions" and "penalties" in the context of international relations?

"Sanctions" generally refer to economic or political measures taken against a country to force a change in policy, while "penalties" can include a broader range of punishments, including legal or financial repercussions. Sanctions are a specific type of penalty.