it was imposed on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was imposed on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where something was enforced or placed upon someone or something, often without their consent. Example: "The new regulations were imposed on the community without any prior consultation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

"Would you say he had the desire to go and fight, or that it was imposed on him?" he asked.

The New York Times

"It was imposed on all taxpayers at the start," he said, "and when we eliminate the surcharge everyone who is paying the tax should have it eliminated".

The New York Times

It was imposed on the masses by businessmen, who hired technicians to manufacture it, and its function was to convince people that life under capitalism is natural and good.

The New Yorker

The partnership has been unpopular with TFL, and with London's municipal government generally, since it was imposed on London by Mr Brown early in his tenure as chancellor of the exchequer.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It was Thursday when we spoke, two days after the N.C.A.A.'s Committee on Infractions unveiled the penalties it was imposing on Miami after a long, tortured — and botched — investigation by the N.C.A.A.'s much-feared enforcement staff.

The New York Times

Greece was facing bankruptcy and at loggerheads with its European patrons — leaving ample space for the fund to come in and not just provide $40 billion in financing but to present a kinder, gentler side of itself by convincing an angry Germany that the conditions it was imposing on Greece were too onerous.

The New York Times

As more context match signals are generated by hippocampus, prefrontal cortex may down-regulate the excitatory drive that it was imposing on striatum when the mismatch signals first occurred (Fig. 7D4).

Hippocampus

Close to tears, he said: "No one can stand it, but it is imposed on us.

The New York Times

It's an ID its "owners" don't carry around with them, yet it's imposed on them whenever they interact with government agents or agencies.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the subject receiving the imposition is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. Clarity enhances the impact and precision of your writing.

Common error

Avoid replacing the passive construction "it was imposed on" with an active voice construction if the emphasis should remain on the receiver of the action. Using an active voice may shift the focus inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was imposed on" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject received an action. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and used to describe situations where something is enforced or placed upon someone. It is frequently employed to show the lack of consent or agency.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was imposed on" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that indicates something has been enforced or placed upon someone or something, often without their consent. As Ludwig shows, it's applicable in various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business writing. To ensure clarity, always identify the subject clearly and avoid unnecessary active voice substitutions. Common alternatives include "it was forced upon" and "it was inflicted upon". The phrase serves to highlight the lack of choice or control in a given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was forced upon

Emphasizes the use of force or coercion in the imposition.

it was inflicted upon

Highlights the negative or harmful nature of what was imposed.

it was mandated for

Indicates a formal or legal requirement to comply.

it was dictated to

Suggests that the action was commanded or ordered, implying a lack of choice.

it was foisted on

Implies that the action was unwelcome or unwanted.

it was thrust upon

Focuses on the sudden or unexpected nature of the imposition.

it was levied on

Specifically refers to the imposition of a tax or fee.

it was burdened with

Indicates that what was imposed is a heavy or difficult load.

it was saddled with

Similar to burdened, but with a connotation of being stuck or encumbered.

it was decreed for

Emphasizes the official and authoritative nature of the imposition.

FAQs

What does "it was imposed on" mean?

The phrase "it was imposed on" means something was enforced or placed upon someone or something, often without their consent or against their will. This suggests a lack of choice or control.

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

You can use "it was imposed on" to describe situations where a rule, burden, or decision is forced upon someone. For example, "The new tax "was imposed on" the citizens without a vote."

What are some alternatives to "it was imposed on"?

Alternatives include "it was forced upon", "it was inflicted upon", or "it was mandated for", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "it was imposed on"?

The phrase "it was imposed on" is inherently passive. Use it when you want to emphasize the receiver of the action rather than the actor. If you want to focus on the actor, consider rewriting the sentence in the active voice (e.g., "They imposed it on us").