imposing on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imposing on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of burdening someone with an unwelcome or unreasonable demand or request. For example, "I felt like my boss was imposing on me by requesting that I work extra hours during the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And without imposing on the one or the other financial or penitential burdens that are humanly untenable.

Huffington Post

If a majority of one resolves a vote, then they are imposing on the minority but for one.

Huffington Post

He might look gangly but as a target for his back row no one was more imposing on either side.

The Guardian - Sport

If we don't like what the government is imposing on us, there is but one choice – don't fly.

The Guardian - Opinion

No one should be a free rider who can afford to pay something imposing on others costs he should bear.

The New York Times

They're imposing on her.

The New Yorker

Klose looks taller and more imposing on the field than he does up close.

The New York Times - Sports

The next two weeks I sleep on couches, imposing on friends and acquaintances.

The New Yorker

"Before, you were shyer; you stayed back and you felt you'd be imposing on people".

The New York Times

This is critical, given the level of debt that the buyout is imposing on the company.

The New Yorker

Manners defined the man and his songs, imposing on both a meticulous and elegant symmetry.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "imposing on", consider the potential negative connotation and ensure that the context clarifies whether the action is necessary or justifiable.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overuse of "imposing on" and consider alternatives such as "placing on" or "subjecting to" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imposing on" functions as a prepositional verb phrase, often acting as part of a verb phrase to describe the action of placing a burden, obligation, or unwelcome demand on someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imposing on" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional verb phrase that describes the act of placing a burden, responsibility, or unwelcome demand on someone or something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, its negative connotation requires careful consideration to ensure clarity and appropriateness in writing. Alternatives like "burdening with" or "placing on" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

placing on

Indicates assigning a duty, responsibility, or restriction.

burdening with

Focuses specifically on the act of placing a heavy load or responsibility on someone.

forcing upon

Indicates compelling someone to accept or do something against their will.

enforcing upon

Shares the sense of compelling compliance, but emphasizes the active application of a rule or law.

subjecting to

Highlights the act of causing someone to undergo a particular experience, often negative.

compelling to

Implies strongly influencing or forcing someone to do something.

pressuring into

Suggests the application of persuasive tactics to influence someone's decision.

inflicting upon

Implies causing something unpleasant or painful to be experienced by someone.

obligating to

Emphasizes a legal or moral requirement to perform a certain action.

laying down for

This phrase implies establishing a set of rules or expectations that have to be followed.

FAQs

How to use "imposing on" in a sentence?

You can use "imposing on" to describe the act of burdening someone with something unwelcome. For example, "I don't want to be "imposing on" your time, but I need your help".

What can I say instead of "imposing on"?

Alternatives include "burdening with", "placing on", or "subjecting to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "impose on" or "imposing on"?

"Impose on" is the base verb form, while "imposing on" is the present participle, used in continuous tenses or as a gerund. The choice depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence. For example: "I don't want to impose on you" vs. "I'm sorry for "imposing on" your time."

What's the difference between "imposing on" and "infringing on"?

"Imposing on" generally means burdening or inconveniencing someone, while "infringing on" means violating or encroaching upon someone's rights or territory. The former relates to burdens, the latter to rights. For example: "Imposing on someone's generosity" versus "Infringing on their privacy."