remain in force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remain in force" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to talk about a rule, law, or agreement that has not been changed, canceled, or otherwise altered. For example, "The negotiations quickly reached an agreement, which will remain in force indefinitely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If the current deadlock remains, then the current import ban will remain in force.

The Guardian

Those measures remain in force worldwide.

The New York Times

Emergency laws remain in force.

The Guardian

But restrictive immigration policies remain in force.

The New York Times - Books

But strict rules on dog ownership remain in force.

Independent

"Impunity will remain in force," Mr. Rivero said.

The New York Times

The outlines of that deal appear to remain in force.

The New York Times

Those would remain in force unless they were repealed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The decision will remain in force for three years.

The New York Times

American ­sanctions under the Syria accountability act remain in force.

The Guardian

3. The massive police apparatus will remain in force.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remain in force" to clearly indicate that a rule, law, or agreement is still valid and applicable without any changes or cancellations. This phrase is especially useful in legal and formal contexts where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "remain in force" when referring to something that is intended to be temporary. Instead, use phrases like "is in effect" or "is valid" for the duration of the specified period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain in force" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating the continued validity or effectiveness of a law, rule, agreement, or regulation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remain in force" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the continued validity or effectiveness of a rule, law, or agreement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is particularly prevalent in formal contexts such as news reporting, academic writing, and legal documentation. Its strong presence in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian further underscores its authoritative nature. When aiming for clarity and precision in your writing, especially in professional or legal contexts, "remain in force" is an excellent choice. For more informal situations, alternatives such as "stay in effect" or "continue to apply" may be suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay in effect

This alternative is more general and can apply to rules, regulations, or even abstract concepts.

continue to apply

This alternative emphasizes the ongoing relevance and applicability of a rule or law.

stay valid

This alternative focuses on the continued legal or official soundness of something.

persist

This alternative implies that something continues to exist or be effective, often despite challenges.

hold good

This alternative, although less common, suggests that something remains true or valid.

be still operative

This alternative is a formal way of saying something continues to function or be in effect.

abide

A formal alternative for the continuation of something, such as a treaty.

be sustained

This alternative suggests that something is maintained or supported, allowing it to remain in effect.

carry on

While less formal, this alternative can imply the continuation of a process or state.

be upheld

This alternative emphasizes the act of maintaining or defending the validity of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "remain in force" to indicate that a rule, law, or agreement is still valid and applicable. For example, "The contract will "continue in force" until the end of the year."

What's a simpler way to say "remain in force"?

If you're looking for a simpler way to say "remain in force", you could use phrases like "stay in effect" or "continue to apply", depending on the specific context.

Is "remain in force" formal or informal?

"Remain in force" is generally considered a formal phrase, often used in legal, official, or business contexts. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "remain in force" and "come into force"?

"Remain in force" indicates that something is already active and continues to be so, while "come into force" indicates the point at which something becomes active or effective. For example, a law might "come into effect" on a certain date and then "remain in effect" until amended or repealed.