law was imposed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "law was imposed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the enforcement or establishment of a law or regulation by an authority. Example: "After the recent events, a new law was imposed to ensure public safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Martial law was imposed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Martial law was imposed in part to help the economy, which it has not done.

The New Yorker

I was five when emergency law was imposed in my native Syria.

The Guardian - Opinion

The National Guard did finally arrive and martial law was imposed, but the indignities continued.

The New York Times - Arts

The law was imposed in March to crack down on smuggling of milk powder to the mainland.

The New York Times

To the Swedish courts, it is arguing that no environmental assessment was made, and that the law was imposed retrospectively.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Darcy law is imposed in order to close the system.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

But the result of this is that aid is obstructed and martial law is imposed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The gunmen belonged to Boko Haram, a radical Islamist sect demanding that strict sharia law be imposed across Nigeria.

The Guardian

Poland A communist government rules under General Jaruzelski, but the country's independent trade union, Solidarity, gathers political force despite martial law being imposed between 1981 and 1983.

The Guardian

Its 1980 strike, and its defiance in the face of martial law being imposed in 1981, eventually lead to the corrosion of an already crumbling state.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "law was imposed", ensure the context clearly identifies the authority responsible for imposing the law. For example, specify 'Martial law was imposed by the government' for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "law was imposed" without specifying who imposed the law. This can lead to confusion about responsibility and authority. Instead, clearly state who imposed the law for better clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "law was imposed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a law has been enacted and is being enforced by an authority. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently used to describe the establishment of legal or regulatory measures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

26%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "law was imposed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction that signifies the enactment and enforcement of a law by an authority. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, from news reports and academic papers to encyclopedic entries. The analysis reveals that while grammatically sound, clarity can be enhanced by specifying the imposing authority. Alternative phrases like "law was enacted" or "law was enforced" offer nuanced ways to convey the same idea. The frequent use of "law was imposed" in news, academic and encyclopedia contexts confirms its place in formal and neutral communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

law was enacted

Focuses on the legislative process of making a law.

law was enforced

Emphasizes the active application and implementation of the law.

law was implemented

Highlights the practical execution and deployment of the law.

law came into effect

Indicates the point at which the law becomes operational and binding.

law took effect

Similar to 'came into effect', but with a slightly more active connotation.

law was passed

Focuses on the legislative approval of the law.

law was legislated

Highlights the formal legal process through which the law was created.

law was decreed

Suggests the law was issued by an authority, often unilaterally.

legislation was put in place

Indicates the establishment of a legal framework or set of rules.

a rule was established

Emphasizes the creation of a specific rule or guideline.

FAQs

What does "law was imposed" mean?

The phrase "law was imposed" means that a particular law or regulation was officially established and enforced by an authority, often implying a degree of force or compulsion.

What are some alternatives to "law was imposed"?

You can use alternatives such as "law was enacted", "law was enforced", or "law was implemented" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing how a law was created?

While "law was imposed" is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "The government imposed the law") can provide clearer attribution and make the sentence more direct.

In what situations is it most appropriate to use the phrase "law was imposed"?

The phrase "law was imposed" is suitable when emphasizing the authority and enforcement aspect of a law, particularly when it might involve restrictions or mandates that affect people's behavior or rights. For instance, "Martial "law was imposed" during the crisis".