started to enforce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to enforce" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to express the idea of beginning to enforce something. For example: "The governor started to enforce a statewide curfew to stop the spread of the virus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

About a decade ago, the entertainment industry started to enforce RPC-2.

The Guardian - Tech

Some arrived in Macedonia before the government started to enforce regulations to ensure they could not sink roots into the ethnic-Albanian communities established there.

The Economist

Since no one would buy them voluntarily, the regime started to enforce a rule that institutional investors should put 45% of their portfolios into government paper.

The Economist

The New York State Department of Correctional Services has started to enforce rules limiting the number of reporters who can visit.

The New York Times

GE embarked on this course after the American government started to enforce its Foreign Corrupt Practices act more vigorously, and other American firms asked it to lobby against the law.

The Economist

"Why can't they wait a little more, until they reach their offices or somewhere they can smoke?" On Nov. 1, ticketing started to enforce the no-smoking ordinance, the first in Japan to carry a penalty.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Once you've made the decision to start to enforce, then that decision runs across the board".

The New York Times

Some companies, particularly in Europe, are starting to enforce time away from e-mail during nonwork hours.

MIT Technology Review

Today, with spring warmth greening the aspens here, workers sometimes sleep in cars, and the Forest Service starts to enforce a two-week maximum stay rule at local campgrounds.

The New York Times

"We keep hoping for steeper declines as people get more educated about the risks of simple passwords (hence the annual list) and as websites start to enforce stronger password policies," he said.

Independent

The test, captured on video by Sequoia Capital venture capitalist Aaref Hilaly, shows the drone hovering and lowering a package to the floor, and comes as the US starts to enforce the registration of public drones.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "started to enforce", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being enforced and by whom. Providing this clarity will strengthen your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "started to enforce" without specifying what is being enforced. For instance, instead of saying "The city started to enforce," specify "The city started to enforce parking regulations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to enforce" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a predicate, indicating the initiation of an action. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase signals that a process of ensuring compliance with a rule or law has begun.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started to enforce" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate the commencement of an enforcement action. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it's typically employed in neutral contexts, most commonly in News & Media, to communicate the beginning of implementing rules or laws. While grammatically correct, clarity is key: always specify what is being enforced. Alternatives such as "began to implement" or "initiated enforcement of" can provide nuanced shades of meaning. Although 'started to enforce' is not exceedingly common, it serves as a direct and easily understood means of conveying the initiation of enforcement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to implement

Focuses on the act of putting a plan or system into effect, rather than just applying pressure.

initiated enforcement of

More formal and emphasizes the official commencement of legal or regulatory action.

commenced to apply

Similar to "started to enforce", but highlights the act of applying a rule or regulation.

moved to impose

Suggests a deliberate action to bring something into effect, often implying authority.

took steps to enforce

Emphasizes the actions taken to ensure compliance with a rule or law.

undertook to implement

Implies a formal commitment to putting something into practice.

set about enforcing

Suggests a determined approach to ensuring compliance.

proceeded to execute

Focuses on the carrying out of a plan or order, implying a structured process.

embarked on enforcement

Implies a significant and often lengthy process of ensuring compliance.

moved towards enforcing

Focuses on the progress or direction of enforcing rules.

FAQs

What does "started to enforce" mean?

The phrase "started to enforce" means that someone or some entity has begun to actively ensure that a rule, law, or agreement is being followed.

How can I use "started to enforce" in a sentence?

You might say, "The police "started to enforce" the new traffic laws" or "The company "started to enforce" its data security policies."

What are some alternatives to "started to enforce"?

Alternatives include "began to implement", "initiated enforcement of", or "commenced to apply", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "began enforcing" instead of "started to enforce"?

Yes, "began enforcing" is a grammatically correct and often more concise alternative to ""started to enforce"". Both phrases convey the same meaning.