in force

USAGE SUMMARY

"in force" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to laws, regulations, or other rules that are currently in effect and applicable. For example: "The new safety regulations have been in force since July."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That remains in force".

Independent

A curfew remains in force.

The Economist

Still, the health law remains in force.

The Economist

Laws now in force diluted it".

The New York Times

The police will be out in force.

The Economist

(RIF stands for Reduction in Force).

The New Yorker

"We can't do reductions in force".

The New York Times

But the driving ban remains in force.

Independent

The art world turned out in force.

The New York Times

And the wordsmiths were out in force.

The New York Times

All are in force, all at once.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in force" to clearly indicate that a law, rule, or agreement is currently valid and being implemented. This avoids ambiguity about its operational status.

Common error

Avoid using "in force" when you mean something is actively being "enforced". "In force" indicates validity, while "enforced" means actively implemented or compelled.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in force" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (e.g., "law", "regulation", "agreement"). It indicates that the noun it modifies is currently valid, operational, or effective. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in force" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that a rule, law, or agreement is currently valid and operational. As highlighted by Ludwig, it functions as an adjectival phrase and carries a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for various contexts, especially in news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. While alternatives like "effective" or "in effect" exist, it's important to differentiate "in force" from "enforced", which describes the action of actively implementing a rule. By understanding its specific meaning and usage, you can ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in effect

A close synonym that also indicates a state of being operational or valid.

effective

A direct synonym focusing on the state of producing a desired result or effect.

remaining in effect

Emphasizes the continuation of a valid state over time.

currently valid

Replaces "in force" with a more descriptive term emphasizing current validity.

still applicable

Focuses on the continued relevance and applicability of a rule or law.

operative

A single-word substitute that conveys the sense of being in operation or effective.

enforceable

Highlights the capacity to be enforced or upheld, implying legal or regulatory backing.

in operation

Suggests that a system or process is currently running or functioning.

existing

A broader term suggesting something is currently present and active.

upheld

Implies that a decision or rule has been maintained or supported.

FAQs

How can I use "in force" in a sentence?

Use "in force" to indicate that a law, regulation, or agreement is currently valid and active. For example, "The new regulations are now "in force"".

What's a simple alternative to "in force"?

A simpler alternative is "effective". For instance, instead of "The law is in force", you can say, "The law is effective".

Is "in force" the same as "in effect"?

"In force" and "in effect" are very similar and often interchangeable. Both indicate that something is currently operational or valid.

When should I use "in force" instead of "enforced"?

Use "in force" to describe the state of being valid or operational. Use "enforced" when describing the action of making something be obeyed or implemented. For example, a rule may be "in force", but it needs to be "enforced" to ensure compliance.