imposed from without

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imposed from without" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that is imposed on an individual or a group, by someone else, either physically or figuratively. For example: "Irene was feeling frustrated that her family had imposed such strict rules on her, from without."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

These experiences hurt on the inside but are imposed from without.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, the inhabitants of Iraq have been struggling with a false identity imposed from without.

The Guardian

Scales: the exercise suggests duty, repetition, an order imposed from without.

The New Yorker

Glinka's Russia ("Ruslan" is from 1842) was subject to a vast cultural oppression imposed from without.

The New York Times - Arts

As "Blessed" grows more involved, its meaning seems increasingly imposed from without, and its internal mysteries dim.

The New York Times - Arts

Click here Kelly affirmed that "dancing is a compulsion from within, more authentic than the forms imposed from without".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

What the best of these shows shared was an insistence on building from within the text rather than imposing from without.

The New York Times

It will not be possible to impose from without (as drains were built) the new norms of behaviour better serving the needs of middle and old age.

Bulletin of the History of Medicine

Rules can be imposed from above, without consultation and without taking account of the specifics of pastoral enterprise.

Pastoralism

While some residents express satisfaction that state involvement has brought new income streams and improved security, there is anger that changes are imposed from outside, without consultation with residents.

The Guardian

Historically, enterprises imposed from afar, without proper consultation with communities, have inevitably been unsustainable.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imposed from without" to emphasize that a rule, idea, or condition originates from an external source, especially when contrasting it with internal factors or self-governance.

Common error

Avoid using "imposed from without" interchangeably with 'imposed from above' unless the context explicitly refers to a hierarchical structure. "Imposed from without" emphasizes externality, while 'imposed from above' emphasizes a superior position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imposed from without" functions as a post-positive modifier, specifying the origin or source of something being imposed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes something enforced by an external entity rather than originating internally.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "imposed from without" is a versatile prepositional phrase that signifies an external source of influence or control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used across various formal contexts, including news, academia, and science. When writing, use "imposed from without" to emphasize the external origin of something, contrasting it with internal drivers or self-regulation. Be mindful not to confuse it with similar phrases like 'imposed from above', which implies a hierarchical structure. Alternatives such as "externally enforced" or "dictated from an external source" can offer nuanced variations. The phrase enjoys frequent usage in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, solidifying its place in polished, articulate English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

externally enforced

Focuses on the act of enforcement originating from an external source.

imposed externally

Emphasizes the external origin of the imposition.

forced upon from the outside

Highlights the forceful nature and external source.

mandated by an outside entity

Specifies the imposition as a mandate from an external body.

dictated from an external source

Conveys a sense of being dictated or commanded by something external.

prescribed by an external authority

Suggests a more formal or regulated imposition from an external authority.

subjected to external constraints

Focuses on the constraints originating from outside.

controlled by external forces

Highlights control being exerted by external powers.

governed by outside influence

Emphasizes influence from an external source.

compelled by external factors

Focuses on the compelling nature of external influences.

FAQs

How can I use "imposed from without" in a sentence?

Use "imposed from without" to describe rules, ideas, or conditions that are applied by an external source. For example: 'The regulations felt like they were "imposed from without", ignoring our local customs'.

What phrases are similar to "imposed from without"?

Alternatives include "externally enforced", "imposed externally", or "forced upon from the outside", each emphasizing the external origin of the action.

Is "imposed from without" formal or informal?

The phrase is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, often appearing in news, academic, and professional writing. It is less common in informal conversation.

When should I use "imposed from without" versus 'arising from within'?

Use "imposed from without" when emphasizing external control or influence. Use 'arising from within' when highlighting internal motivation, self-governance, or intrinsic factors. They represent opposite forces.