it was imposed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was imposed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been enforced or applied, often in a context of rules, regulations, or restrictions. Example: "The new regulations were difficult to accept because it was imposed without any prior consultation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was imposed after Google changed its privacy policy and started combining personal information across its online services.

BBC

Coyle said: "It is a scandal that such a profound cut to the BBC's ability to deliver its services to the people who pay for it was imposed in a bullying backroom deal over a couple of days.

The Guardian

She said she did not know its duration or whether Dr. Kuklo requested it or it was imposed on him.

The New York Times

CAIRO — Egypt declared an end to its state of emergency Tuesday, nearly three months after it was imposed in the midst of nationwide protests that followed the ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi.

Los Angeles Times

It was imposed because Microsoft had not provided certain information about its products to competitors as it had been ordered to do in 2004.

BBC

It was imposed by a victorious German army.

The New York Times

It was imposed for short-term political reasons, and was ineffective.

The Guardian - Opinion

The stimulus, however, did prove real and effective (though it was imposed without debate).

The Economist

Mr. Lhota said the 14percentt surcharge should be removed the same way it was imposed.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Magazine

It was imposed on us by Ken Tynan [the Observer's theatre critic].

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was imposed", ensure the context clearly identifies the entity that did the imposing and the entity on which it was imposed to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify 'The sanction was imposed by the UN on the country' rather than just 'It was imposed'.

Common error

A common mistake is failing to specify who or what imposed the action, leading to vagueness. Always clarify the source of the imposition to provide a complete picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was imposed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an action (imposition) was carried out on a subject. This construction, as evidenced by Ludwig AI, emphasizes the recipient of the action rather than the actor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was imposed" is a frequently used passive construction to indicate that something was enforced or officially established. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media contexts. To ensure clarity, it is best practice to specify who or what did the imposing. Consider using active voice constructions or synonyms like "it was enforced" or "it was mandated" for variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was enforced

Replaces 'imposed' with 'enforced', emphasizing the active enforcement of a rule or law. Enforce implies an active agent.

it was applied

Uses 'applied' to denote the practical implementation of a rule, law or principle. Applied suggests something already exists and is brought to bear.

it was mandated

Uses 'mandated' to suggest a formal requirement or order. Often used in legal or official contexts.

it was dictated

Replaces 'imposed' with 'dictated', highlighting the authoritative or controlling nature of the action. 'Dictated' carries a stronger sense of control.

it was forced

Uses 'forced', emphasizing the lack of consent or willingness. 'Forced' strongly suggests coercion.

it was required

Uses 'required' to indicate necessity or obligation. It is a more general term and can apply to less formal situations.

it was placed

Replaces 'imposed' with 'placed', referring to the act of putting something in a specific position or under certain conditions. It is less direct and can apply to physical or abstract things.

it was prescribed

Replaces 'imposed' with 'prescribed', suggesting a formal recommendation or instruction, often in medical or legal contexts. It's more specific than 'imposed'.

it was levied

Uses 'levied', which is often specific to taxes, fines, or other financial charges. It's more specific than 'imposed'.

it was inflicted

Replaces 'imposed' with 'inflicted', emphasizing the negative or harmful effect of the action. It carries a negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "it was imposed" in a sentence?

Use "it was imposed" to indicate that a rule, restriction, or condition was officially or authoritatively established and enforced. For example, "The curfew "it was imposed" by the local government after the protests".

What can I say instead of "it was imposed"?

You can use alternatives like "it was enforced", "it was mandated", or "it was required" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing how something was imposed?

While "it was imposed" uses the passive voice, consider using the active voice for clarity and directness if the actor is known. For instance, instead of "it was imposed by the council", use "the council imposed it".

What's the difference between "it was imposed" and "it was suggested"?

"It was imposed" indicates that something was enforced or mandated, whereas "it was suggested" implies a recommendation or proposal that is not necessarily binding. "Imposed" carries a sense of authority and enforcement.