imposes

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "imposes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about the act of officially forcing someone to comply with a rule, law, or demand. For example, "The new tax law imposes a higher rate on incomes over $50,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One traditional criticism of Mitchell's approach is that she imposes her trademark style regardless of the original material's intentions.

The Guardian

Marine scientists maintain the capture process imposes huge physiological stress upon dolphins and increases their chances of dying once they are in captivity – hence the need to constantly replenish stocks from the wild.

The Guardian

But the British choose a government that imposes cuts – and then the poorest are forced either to steal, or to beg from this decade's other great phenomenon: food banks.

The Guardian - Opinion

They also demanded the implementation of a UN resolution that imposes sanctions against anyone "hampering the process of peaceful transition of power" and called for urgent action to ensure the safety of the Yemeni president, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who resigned last month after the Houthis put him under house arrest.

The Guardian

President Barack Obama is a "Marxist-Leninist" hell-bent on destroying freedom – a dictator who lights his cigarettes with smouldering copies of the constitution as he invites brown-skinned aliens to overrun the country, and imposes socialism upon us all.

The Guardian - Opinion

It imposes duties on the PLP which, for most of the past 10 years, it has not fulfilled.

The Guardian

The lawsuit claims the protesters have a first amendment right to be at the park 24 hours a day, seven days a week, although Tucson city ordinance imposes park curfews.

The Guardian

After huge public and NGO pressure against it, Cameron's Lobbying Act, as George Monbiot said, "restricts the activities of charities and trade unions but imposes no meaningful restraint on corporations".

The Guardian - Business

Somewhere along the way, the USA bought into Klinsmann's vision of a team who play on the front foot and imposes their own agenda on the game.

The Guardian - Sport

2006-2010: The security council adopts a total of six resolutions and imposes gradual sanctions on Iran, including freezing assets of individuals and companies related to the enrichment programme and banning the supply of nuclear-related technology to the country.

The Guardian

The policy imposes an penalty of between £14 and £22 a week on working-age tenants deemed to have more bedrooms than they need.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "imposes", ensure the subject clearly indicates who or what is doing the imposing, and the object specifies what is being imposed (e.g., a rule, tax, restriction).

Common error

Avoid using "imposes" with overly abstract or vague subjects. Ensure the subject has the authority or capacity to actually enforce what is being imposed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "imposes" is that of a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what is being enforced, placed, or inflicted. Ludwig examples show it used to describe duties, sanctions, and restrictions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imposes" functions as a transitive verb used to describe the act of enforcing or applying a rule, law, or obligation. The Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in formal contexts. It is commonly found in news, business, and somewhat science-related writing, with neutral to formal tone. To ensure clarity, always specify who or what is doing the imposing and what is being imposed. Related terms include "levies", "enforces", and "mandates", each with slightly different nuances. According to Ludwig, "imposes" is correct and usable in written English, serving to express authority and obligation in a clear and direct manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enforces

Highlights the act of compelling obedience to a law or rule.

mandates

Highlights a formal order or command that must be followed.

levies

Focuses specifically on the action of imposing a tax, fee, or fine.

applies

Emphasizes the implementation or putting into effect of a rule or policy.

dictates

Stresses the authoritative and controlling nature of the imposition.

stipulates

Focuses on the specification of a condition or requirement in an agreement.

prescribes

Implies a mandatory requirement, often in a formal or official context.

places

Highlights the action of putting something (like a restriction) on someone.

inflicts

Suggests causing something unpleasant or painful to be endured.

establishes

Implies setting up or creating a new rule or system.

FAQs

How is "imposes" used in a sentence?

The verb "imposes" is used to describe the act of establishing or enforcing something, such as a rule, law, or tax. For example, "The government "imposes" a tax on imported goods."

What are some alternatives to the word "imposes"?

Alternatives to "imposes" include "enforces", "applies", "levies", or "mandates", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "imposes on"?

Yes, it is correct to say "imposes on". For example, "The new regulation "imposes" a burden on small businesses."

What's the difference between "imposes" and "suggests"?

"Imposes" implies a mandatory action or requirement, while "suggests" offers a recommendation or possibility. "The law "imposes" a fine," means the fine is mandatory. "The doctor "suggests" a diet," means the diet is a recommendation.