once in force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once in force" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a law, regulation, or agreement that has come into effect and is currently applicable. Example: "The new environmental regulations will take effect next month and will be binding once in force."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Once in force, sanctions should be carefully and regularly assessed and evaluated," the report said.

The New York Times

And the California rule — once in force there and in 17 other states — would in fact constitute a uniform standard covering nearly half the car market.

The New York Times

But the new rule still seems odd: once in force, it will be open to abuse, while inconveniencing a desirable bunch of would-be citizens for no good reason.

The Economist

Once in force, the new law will mean only police or councils will be allowed to immobilise or remove a car in exceptional circumstances, such as a car blocking a road.

Independent

Once in force, the restriction is valid for the European Economic Area (EEA), having a population of more than 500 million people.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Once in force, however, a treaty serves as a principal source of international law.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In the WFM's 1903 04 struggle in Colorado, with martial law once again in force, two declarations uttered by the National Guard and recorded for posterity further clarified the relationship of the mine operator's enforcement army — provided courtesy of the Colorado governor — to the workers.

Wikipedia

Once in jail, forced into dark cells so small they can't even lie down, the men are mercilessly beaten in various ways, including having to run through a gauntlet of twenty men wielding bats aimed at the victims from the waist down.

Huffington Post

This once fashionable reduction-in-force program was rationalized as a convenient way to bounce less-desired employees and shift the chosen ones into the right slots without the anticipated teeth gnashing problems.

Forbes

Its indictments, once issued, remain in force until the indictee is either tried or dead.

The Economist

Once they are in force, European officials claim, the moratorium will be lifted.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "once in force", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being enforced, such as a law, regulation, or agreement. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid assuming the reader understands what specific rule or law is being referred to when using "once in force". Always clarify the subject of the enforcement to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once in force" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, typically indicating a condition or time when a particular state (being in effect) begins. It describes when a law, regulation, or agreement becomes operational, as illustrated by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "once in force" is a useful and grammatically sound expression to indicate when a rule, law, or agreement becomes operational. According to Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. While there are several alternatives, such as "upon implementation" or "when effective", each carries slightly different nuances. When using "once in force", ensure that the specific rule or law being referred to is clear to avoid ambiguity. Overall, it's a valuable phrase for specifying the timing of implementation in a wide range of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in effect

A shorter, more direct synonym focusing on the current state of being operational.

upon implementation

Focuses on the act of putting something into effect, shifting the emphasis from a continuous state to a single event.

when effective

Highlights the moment something begins to operate, differing in the time-centric viewpoint.

after taking effect

Emphasizes the action of something becoming operational, highlighting the transition.

after enactment

Emphasizes the process of enacting a law or rule, adding a layer of formality.

upon coming into effect

More verbose and emphasizes the transition to an active state.

after validation

Highlights the confirmation or approval process before something takes effect, adding the nuance of authorization.

when operative

Similar to "effective" but may imply a more mechanical or procedural context.

once active

Implies a state of being operational or functional, diverging from the legal or regulatory implications of "force".

following ratification

Specifically indicates the formal approval or confirmation of a treaty or agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "once in force" to describe the moment a law, regulation, or agreement becomes operational. For example: "The new environmental regulations will be binding "once in force"."

What are some alternatives to "once in force"?

Some alternatives include "upon implementation", "when effective", or "after enactment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "when in force" instead of "once in force"?

While "when in force" isn't incorrect, ""once in force"" more precisely indicates the point at which something becomes operational and binding.

What is the difference between "in effect" and "once in force"?

"In effect" describes a current state of being operational, while ""once in force"" refers to the moment something transitions into that state.