imposed upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imposed upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone being burdened or subjected to something, often in a negative context. Example: "I felt that I was being imposed upon by the constant demands of my job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Even the town's most progressive white residents feel imposed upon by these advancements.

Huffington Post

He will not be imposed upon.

The New Yorker

It will never be imposed upon them".

The New York Times

It's a war that has been imposed upon us.

The New York Times

Therefore, I accept the consequences imposed upon me".

The Guardian - Sport

Bob Bradley's Pharaohs had that imposed upon them.

The New York Times - Sports

Passive, they have been imposed upon and have survived.

The New Yorker

In doing so he is sticking to the conditions imposed upon him.

The Guardian - Film

And what they leave out allows them to achieve the brevity their editors imposed upon them.

The New York Times - Books

Nor did you genuinely agree to this rule; it was imposed upon you.

The New York Times - Magazine

Every possible sort of punitive labor was imposed upon him, but nothing helped.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imposed upon" to clearly express the idea of something being forced or thrust upon an individual or group, often against their will or preference. Ensure the context conveys the sense of burden or obligation.

Common error

Avoid using "imposed upon" when a more active voice would be clearer and more direct. Overusing the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imposed upon" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something is the recipient of an action. Ludwig indicates that this is grammatically correct. It often suggests that the subject is being burdened or subjected to something undesirable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imposed upon" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe something being forced or burdened on someone. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While versatile, it's important to understand the phrase's passive nature and potential for a clearer active voice. To use this phrase effectively, consider whether it best conveys the sense of burden or obligation you intend. Explore alternatives like "subjected to" or "burdened with" for subtle differences in meaning. Overall, mastering "imposed upon" can enrich your writing, especially when emphasizing unwanted constraints or actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subjected to

Focuses on the act of being made to undergo something, often unpleasant.

burdened with

Emphasizes the feeling of heaviness or difficulty resulting from something.

afflicted by

Highlights suffering or distress caused by something.

made to endure

Stresses the act of being forced to experience something difficult or painful.

compelled to accept

Indicates a lack of choice in the acceptance of something.

forced to bear

Similar to burdened, but with a stronger sense of obligation.

under duress

Implies coercion or pressure leading to an action or state.

put upon

Suggests that someone is taking advantage of another person.

saddled with

Implies being burdened with responsibility or a difficult task.

inflicted with

Suggests a harmful or negative experience being imposed.

FAQs

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

You can use "imposed upon" to describe a situation where someone or something is burdened or subjected to something unwanted. For example, "The new regulations were "imposed upon" the company without prior consultation".

What are some alternatives to "imposed upon"?

Alternatives include "subjected to", "burdened with", or "forced to accept", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "impose on" instead of "imposed upon"?

"Impose on" is a related phrase, but it generally means to take advantage of someone's generosity or goodwill. "Imposed upon" implies more of a burden or unwanted obligation being placed on someone. The two phrases are not interchangeable.

What is the difference between "imposed upon" and "inflicted upon"?

"Inflicted upon" suggests a more negative and harmful action, implying pain or suffering. While "imposed upon" can be negative, it doesn't necessarily carry the same weight of harm. For example, a tax might be "imposed upon" citizens, while a disease could be "inflicted upon" them.