imposed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imposed by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone or something has imposed a certain rule or restriction on someone or something else. For example: "The strict curfew imposed by the school was met with criticism from many parents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Longer sentences imposed by judges?

The New Yorker

Import barriers were imposed by the dozen.

The Economist

Another time constraint is imposed by the foreign ministers.

The Guardian

It was assumed Jaruzelski's move was imposed by Moscow.

Independent

It too faces limits imposed by those with excess claims.

The Economist

Iraq shows us that democracy cannot be imposed by force.

The New York Times

It was imposed by a victorious German army.

The New York Times

Or a cunning Keynesian stimulus plan, imposed by stealth?

The Economist

It won't be dictated or imposed by anyone.

The New York Times

Its democracy, imposed by the Americans, looks fragile.

The Economist

(Please note here: "imposed by Congress" and "past debt").

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "imposed by", ensure that the agent doing the imposing is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "the regulations imposed by the government" rather than just "the regulations imposed".

Common error

Avoid using "imposed by" in passive constructions where the subject doing the imposing is unclear or missing. This can lead to confusion about responsibility and authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imposed by" functions as a prepositional modifier, indicating the agent or entity responsible for implementing a rule, restriction, or condition. As Ludwig AI shows, it clarifies the source of the imposition, making sentences more precise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

7%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "imposed by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that specifies the source of a rule, restriction, or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is common across various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. When using "imposed by", ensure the agent is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use it to add clarity and precision to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mandated by

Indicates a formal requirement or command, often with legal or official backing. Differs in implying a stronger, more authoritative decree.

required by

Signifies a necessary condition or obligation. Differs in focusing on the necessity rather than the act of imposing.

dictated by

Implies control and authority in determining the outcome or action. Differs by highlighting a more forceful and less negotiable directive.

prescribed by

Suggests a rule or course of action that is officially recommended or advised. Differs in often referring to medical or procedural contexts.

enforced by

Highlights the action of making sure a rule or law is obeyed. Differs in emphasizing the act of ensuring compliance.

ordained by

Indicates something established by higher authority or divine will. Differs in implying a religious or deeply moral imperative.

decreed by

Signifies an official order or legal judgment issued by a ruler or authority. Differs in its formal and often historical connotation.

legislated by

Indicates laws or regulations created through a formal legislative process. Differs in emphasizing the legal and democratic aspect of the imposition.

stipulated by

Suggests a condition or term that has been specifically agreed upon or laid down in an agreement. Differs in the consensual aspect of the imposition.

compelled by

Implies being forced or obliged to do something due to circumstances or authority. Differs in focusing on the pressure leading to the action.

FAQs

How can I use "imposed by" in a sentence?

Use "imposed by" to show that a rule, law, or restriction has been put in place by a specific entity. For example, "The sanctions were "imposed by the United Nations"."

What are some alternatives to "imposed by"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "mandated by", "required by", or "dictated by" to convey a similar meaning.

What is the difference between "imposed by" and "enforced by"?

"Imposed by" refers to the act of establishing a rule or restriction, while "enforced by" refers to the act of ensuring that the rule or restriction is followed. For example, a tax might be "imposed by" the government but "enforced by" the IRS.

Is it grammatically correct to use "imposed on" instead of "imposed by"?

Yes, both "imposed by" and "imposed on" are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "Imposed by" indicates the agent doing the imposing, while "imposed on" indicates the recipient of the imposition. For example, "The tax was imposed by the government" versus "The tax was imposed on the citizens".