imposed against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imposed against" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward in certain contexts.
It can be used when discussing something that has been enforced or applied in opposition to something else, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "The new regulations were imposed against the previous policies, causing confusion among the staff."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Similar devaluations were imposed against other major currencies.

The New York Times

However, energy-poor Turkey has been hard hit economically by the sanctions regime imposed against Iran.

The Guardian

Sanctions could be imposed against firms that breach a new code.

The Guardian - Business

The conduct should be monitored, with sanctions imposed against any violation of the rules.

The Guardian

Sanctions against South Africa will be imposed against the Administration's wishes.

The New York Times

In that year, three years probation with sanctions was imposed against the basketball program.

The Washington Post

Since the end of the Cold War, strategic embargoes have been imposed against Iraq, Libya, and North Korea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The toothless sanctions already imposed against a few of Putin's political supporters haven't changed the Kremlin's calculus.

The New Yorker

State officials called the penalties imposed against the dentist, Kevin P. Ward, the harshest ever against a New Jersey dentist.

The New York Times

Visa, meanwhile, agreed to suspend or rescind various fines it had imposed against Fifth Third, TJX's card processor.

The New York Times

"I think six months is too little," Professor Gillers said of the sanction imposed against Mr. Schafer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternatives like "imposed on" or "enforced against" for clearer and more common phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "imposed against" when "imposed on" or "enforced against" sound more natural and are more widely accepted by native speakers. "The sanctions imposed on the country" is generally preferred over "the sanctions imposed against the country".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imposed against" functions as a passive construction where 'imposed' is a past participle verb and 'against' is a preposition indicating opposition or direction. This construction describes the act of enforcing something in opposition to something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "imposed against" is understandable and relatively common, Ludwig suggests that it isn't always the best choice. The analysis shows that it can sound awkward and that phrases like "imposed on" or "enforced against" are generally preferred. The most frequent contexts for "imposed against" are news, encyclopedias, and academic writing, reflecting its use in describing official actions and regulations. As Ludwig AI highlights, keeping this in mind can improve the clarity and naturalness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enforced upon

Emphasizes the act of making sure a rule or law is obeyed.

levied on

Focuses on the act of officially assessing and collecting a payment or charge.

assessed against

Focuses on the act of evaluating and determining the amount of something.

applied to

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

placed upon

Highlights the act of putting a burden or obligation on someone or something.

charged to

Indicates that someone is responsible for a cost or fee.

decreed for

Implies an official order or decision has been made.

brought against

Often used in legal contexts to indicate accusations or charges.

inflicted on

Suggests a negative consequence or suffering is being caused.

exacted from

Emphasizes a demand for something, often with force or authority.

FAQs

Is "imposed against" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "imposed against" can sound awkward. Alternatives like "imposed on" or "enforced against" are generally preferred.

What's a better way to say "imposed against"?

Consider using phrases like "levied on", "enforced upon", or "applied to" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "imposed against"?

While not incorrect, "imposed against" is less common than other options. It might be used when emphasizing a direct conflict or opposition, but alternatives are often clearer.

What is the difference between "imposed on" and "imposed against"?

"Imposed on" is generally more accepted and versatile. "Imposed against" might suggest a more forceful or adversarial imposition, but it's often better to use "imposed on" for clarity.