imposed on what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imposed on what" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be used in contexts where one is questioning the basis or subject of an imposition, but it lacks clarity without additional context. Example: "The regulations imposed on what criteria are still under discussion."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Mr. Rankin also wants controls imposed on what insurance companies can charge.

The New York Times

By opening every opportunity up to all children, the world expands and kids no longer have artificial limits imposed on what they can achieve.

Independent

One of the criticisms of Thamesmead and towns like it is that they are fundamentally middle-class constructs imposed on what were, at the time of their first building, working-class families.

The Guardian

But American and European negotiators said stricter limits would be imposed on what information could be gathered from the records, how it could be shared with the United States government, and how long it could be stored.

The New York Times

As the demand for Páramo de Guzmán increased, it was nearly impossible for Ambrosio to keep pace — milking, boiling, harping the curd, cutting it in fine pieces, etc. — and now there were complicated business concerns imposed on what had, at first, been a very simple act of creation.

The New York Times - Magazine

The major factor is the fact that countless entrepreneurially imbued Americans know there's no ceiling imposed on what they can aspire to.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A Chao's past two lives do not impose on what the chao will become in its third.

WikiHow

"If we pause and reflect on how we spend our time and what we impose on ourselves, what is worthy of our attention and what will enrich our lives and the lives of our families and those around us, then so much the better," she said.

The Guardian - Arts

There came endless lists of edicts that Jews, Muslims, and Christians still impose on themselves: what one was not allowed to do, on which days, with what consequences if one failed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some of the biggest importers, including the United States, the European Union and Canada, have imposed quotas on what they will buy from poor countries, under a series of "temporary" arrangements that have lasted 30 years.

The Economist

The I.O.C. had imposed restrictions on what reporters could and could not do: we were free to take down anything the members and Chinese officials said to one another, but we were not allowed to ask questions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "imposed upon what" or "imposed regarding what" for slightly improved grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "imposed on what" without a clear antecedent. This phrase can be vague. Ensure the sentence structure makes it obvious what is being acted upon. Rephrasing the sentence might lead to better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imposed on what" typically functions as part of a prepositional phrase, often within a larger clause that describes restrictions, limitations, or obligations. It aims to specify the subject or area upon which something is being enforced or applied. Ludwig indicates the phrase is not grammatically sound and requires additional context for clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "imposed on what" is used to inquire about the subject of a restriction or limitation. However, according to Ludwig, it is not the most grammatically sound option and can benefit from rephrasing for enhanced clarity. Consider alternatives like "imposed upon what" or "limitations on what". While appearing in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, attention to context is crucial to ensure the phrase’s meaning is clear. Using more precise alternatives can often lead to more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imposed upon what

Replaces 'on' with 'upon', offering a slightly more formal or emphatic tone while maintaining a similar structure.

imposed regarding what

Substitutes 'on' with 'regarding', clarifying the relationship as 'concerning' or 'about'.

placed on what

Replaces 'imposed' with 'placed', offering a less forceful and more neutral tone.

limitations on what

Focuses on the 'limitations' aspect, providing a more direct and common phrasing.

restrictions on what

Similar to 'limitations', but emphasizes the 'restrictive' nature of the influence.

constraints on what

Highlights the 'constraints' or 'restrictions' that are in place, often used in technical or formal contexts.

obligations on what

Specifically refers to 'duties' or 'responsibilities' that are influencing a situation.

influence on what

Emphasizes the 'impact' or 'effect' rather than a direct imposition.

controls on what

Indicates a 'governing' or 'regulating' effect, focusing on the act of controlling.

conditions on what

Implies that certain 'terms' or 'stipulations' are being applied, often in agreements or regulations.

FAQs

How can I make the phrase "imposed on what" grammatically correct?

To improve grammatical correctness, consider using alternatives like "imposed upon what" or "imposed regarding what". Providing a clear subject for the imposition also enhances clarity.

What phrases can I use instead of "imposed on what"?

Alternatives include "limitations on what", "restrictions on what", or "constraints on what", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "imposed on what"?

While not strictly incorrect, using "imposed on what" can sound awkward. Ensure the surrounding context is crystal clear to avoid ambiguity. Using clearer phrasings are more appropriate.

What is the difference between "imposed on what" and "imposed upon what"?

"Imposed upon what" is generally considered more grammatically formal than "imposed on what", though both can be used to indicate the subject being affected by a restriction or condition.