imposes on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imposes on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of placing a burden or obligation on someone or something. Example: "The new regulations impose on small businesses, making it harder for them to operate efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Expressivity here is directly related to the kind of restrictions one imposes on structural resource management.

SEP

"That imposes on us obligations and duties".

The Guardian

Whatever rules Monáe imposes on herself seem to be working.

The Guardian - Music

.  imposes on us certain rhythms, codes, modes that we accept  . .

The New Yorker

"It's the segregation a minority imposes on itself.

The New Yorker

Mr Ortiz has denounced the costs Telmex imposes on Mexico.

The Economist

Performing in a shared territory imposes on society.

The Guardian

Maybe it is the social isolation some say such a radical diet imposes on them.

The New York Times - Science

The duties that imposes on me helps me get through the day.

The New York Times

More important, however, will be any changes the commission imposes on Microsoft's business practices.

The New York Times

Much contemporary horror imposes on the mind; these great ghost stories insinuate themselves into the imagination.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "imposes on", ensure the subject clearly identifies who or what is doing the imposing, and the object specifies who or what is being affected. Clarity enhances the sentence's impact and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "imposes on" in passive constructions where the entity doing the imposing is unclear. This can weaken the sentence and confuse the reader. Always specify who or what is doing the imposing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imposes on" functions as a transitive verb phrase, indicating the act of placing a burden, obligation, or restriction upon someone or something. Ludwig examples show it used to describe rules, costs, or constraints that affect individuals, organizations, or systems. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "imposes on" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to describe the act of placing a burden, obligation, or constraint. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal communication. While alternatives like "places upon" or "exerts on" exist, "imposes on" often conveys a stronger sense of authority or obligation. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the subject and object to avoid ambiguity. Considering its frequency and acceptance, incorporating "imposes on" into your writing can effectively communicate the impact of rules, regulations, or circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

places upon

Replaces "imposes" with "places", maintaining the sense of burden or obligation, but with a slightly more formal tone.

obligates to

Directly expresses the creation of an obligation or duty.

exerts on

Shifts the focus to the active application of influence or force, rather than a passive placement of obligation.

requires of

Highlights the necessity of something from someone or something.

enforces upon

Highlights the active enforcement of rules or regulations on a subject.

inflicts upon

Emphasizes a negative consequence or suffering that results from the imposition.

mandates for

Emphasizes a formal and authoritative requirement or order.

levies on

Suggests a more official or legal form of imposition, such as taxes or fines.

dictates to

Indicates a higher degree of control and authority in the imposition.

ascribes to

Changes the focus from imposing a burden to attributing a quality or characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use "imposes on" in a sentence?

Use "imposes on" to describe placing a burden, obligation, or restriction. For example: "The new law "imposes on" small businesses". You can replace it with alternatives such as "places upon" or "exerts on".

What are some alternatives to "imposes on"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "imposes on" include "places upon", "levies on", "obligates to", or "mandates for".

Is it correct to say "imposed on" instead of "imposes on"?

Yes, "imposed on" is the past tense form. "Imposes on" is present tense, used for ongoing or habitual actions, while "imposed on" refers to something that happened in the past. For example: "The company "imposed on" new regulations last year".

What's the difference between "imposes on" and "places on"?

While similar, "imposes on" often carries a stronger connotation of authority or burden than "places on". "Places on" can be a more neutral way to describe adding something, while "imposes on" suggests a constraint or obligation.