sixteenth amendment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sixteenth amendment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the constitutional amendment that addresses the right to vote and prohibits the denial of the right to vote based on age for citizens who are 18 years or older. Example: "The sixteenth amendment was a significant milestone in expanding voting rights in the United States."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The Sixteenth Amendment was not.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, the campaign to repeal the Sixteenth Amendment grew.

The New Yorker

Like the Federal Reserve and the Sixteenth Amendment, its centennial is coming up soon.

The New Yorker

Sixteenth Amendment, amendment (1913) to the Constitution of the United States permitting a federal income tax.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Sixteenth Amendment was introduced in 1909 to remedy this problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both the Sixteenth Amendment and the Federal Reserve will be a hundred years old in 2013.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Fourteenth Amendment, Fourteenth Amendment, Fourteenth Amendment.

The New Yorker

Check the First Amendment.

The New York Times

First Amendment?

The New York Times

"The First Amendment and food.

The New Yorker

The Fourth Amendment must prevail".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or historical contexts, use the full phrase "sixteenth amendment" for clarity. In more informal settings, "the 16th amendment" is acceptable.

Common error

Avoid assuming the "sixteenth amendment" solely defines current tax laws. While it enabled the federal income tax, the actual tax code is shaped by subsequent legislation and regulations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sixteenth amendment" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying a specific amendment to the United States Constitution. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, as shown in Ludwig examples, such as "The sixteenth amendment was not."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sixteenth amendment" refers to a pivotal addition to the United States Constitution, enabling the federal income tax. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and very common across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and academic discussions. Its primary function is to identify this specific amendment in discussions related to taxation and constitutional law. While "the 16th amendment" serves as a less formal alternative, understanding the full scope and historical context is essential for accurate usage. Although the phrase is generally neutral in tone, discussions surrounding it often involve significant economic and political implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the 16th amendment

A shortened, numerical form of the term, often used in less formal contexts.

amendment sixteen

Reverses the order of the words while retaining the same meaning.

the income tax amendment

Focuses on the amendment's primary effect, which is the authorization of federal income tax.

the constitutional amendment authorizing income tax

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the constitutional aspect and the power it grants.

the federal income tax amendment of 1913

Adds historical context by specifying the year of ratification.

the amendment allowing federal income tax

Emphasizes the permission granted by the amendment.

the ratification of the income tax

Highlights the act of approving the income tax through the amendment process.

the congressional power to levy income taxes

Focuses on the power granted to Congress by the amendment.

the United States income tax law

Broadens the scope to encompass the entire body of law related to income tax.

the system of federal taxation

Refers to the broader system enabled by the amendment, including collection and regulation.

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the "sixteenth amendment"?

The "sixteenth amendment" to the United States Constitution allows Congress to levy and collect an income tax on individuals and corporations, without apportioning it among the states based on population.

When was the "sixteenth amendment" ratified?

The "sixteenth amendment" was ratified on February 3, 1913, granting Congress the power to impose a federal income tax.

What led to the passage of the "sixteenth amendment"?

The "sixteenth amendment" was introduced to address the Supreme Court's ruling that a federal income tax was unconstitutional unless apportioned by population. Senator Norris Brown proposed the explicit language permitting an income tax that was incorporated into the "sixteenth amendment".

Why do some people advocate for repealing the "sixteenth amendment"?

Some argue the federal income tax system enabled by the "sixteenth amendment" is detrimental to the free enterprise system. Proponents of alternative tax systems like the FairTax advocate repealing the "sixteenth amendment" and replacing it with a national sales tax.