mechanism in place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mechanism in place" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an established system or process that is set up to achieve a specific purpose or function. Example: "The company has a mechanism in place to ensure quality control in its manufacturing process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I never had a cost-control mechanism in place.

The New York Times

There is a half-recognisable democratic mechanism in place.

The Economist

There seems to be no mechanism in place to stop them.

The Guardian - Music

But the city has no mechanism in place to ensure that changes are actually made.

The New York Times

Only one of the police forces that inspectors visited had such a mechanism in place.

The Guardian

"I do not see an Iraqi-wide command and control mechanism in place".

The New York Times

There appears to be no other mechanism in place for Scotland to contribute to the monarchy.

The Guardian

Currently, only 12 of the European Union's 28 member states have any screening mechanism in place.

The New York Times

With a credible delivery mechanism in place, regional donors, philanthropists and the private sector should play an expanded role.

The Guardian

"If the reform process doesn't continue, then we will have a mechanism in place to add directors".

The New York Times

There's no mechanism in place to carry it to the ears of the people who can change things.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a solution to a problem, use "mechanism in place" to clearly indicate that the solution is already implemented and functioning. For example: "To address customer complaints, we have a "mechanism in place" for immediate feedback and resolution."

Common error

Avoid using "mechanism in place" when simply stating that something exists. Instead, reserve it for situations where the mechanism's function is also relevant. For example, instead of saying "There's a "mechanism in place" for breathing", say "People breathe".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mechanism in place" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an adverbial modifier. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly employed to signify that a particular system, procedure, or protocol is currently active and available for use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mechanism in place" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies the existence of an established system or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts, especially in news, science and academic writing. While highly useful, it is important to use this phrase judiciously, avoiding redundancy and ensuring that the context warrants specifying not just the existence, but the functionality of the described mechanism. Alternatives such as "system established" or "process implemented" may be more suitable in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

system established

Focuses on the establishment of a system, emphasizing its creation.

process implemented

Highlights the action of putting a process into effect.

procedure in effect

Emphasizes the current operational status of a procedure.

control established

Focuses on the existence of established control measures.

infrastructure available

Stresses the readiness and accessibility of necessary infrastructure.

framework operational

Focuses on the working condition of a structured framework.

protocol active

Emphasizes that a specific protocol is currently in use.

safeguard implemented

Emphasizes the introduction of a protective measure.

resources allocated

Highlights the assignment and availability of resources for a specific purpose.

arrangement finalized

Highlights the completion and readiness of an arrangement.

FAQs

How can I use "mechanism in place" in a sentence?

Use "mechanism in place" to indicate that a system or process is established and ready to be used. For instance, "The company has a "mechanism in place" to handle customer complaints efficiently."

What's a good alternative to "mechanism in place"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "system established", "process implemented", or "procedure in effect".

Is it correct to say "a mechanism is in place"?

Yes, "a mechanism is in place" is grammatically correct. It's commonly used to indicate that a particular system or process exists and is operational.

What does it mean when someone says a "mechanism in place" is needed?

It typically means that a system or process needs to be established to address a specific issue or achieve a particular goal. Without a "system established", the desired outcome is unlikely to be achieved effectively.