they were imposed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were imposed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing rules, restrictions, or conditions that have been enforced upon a group or individual. Example: "The new regulations were imposed on all employees to ensure compliance with safety standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Not because the reforms they imposed were wrong, but because they were imposed.

The Guardian

But since they were imposed to disarm Mr. Hussein, revoking them means finding that Iraq is free of illegal weapons.

The New York Times

Both of these fines seemed large when they were imposed, but from today's perspective they seem almost trivial.

The New Yorker

But why do we have to stick to his choices when they were imposed on him by the social climate?

The Guardian - Film

It was the first time the limits went into effect since they were imposed by federal regulators two weeks ago.

The New York Times

In a statement, Mount Sinai said it regretted the layoffs, saying they were imposed to hold down costs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

And so, they were imposing standards.

Yale University

As a result, the members wrote, they were imposing a special assessment retroactively for January to July.

The New York Times

Campaign officials said they were imposing the restrictions to prevent the actual records from wide dissemination.

The New York Times

Israeli officials said they were imposing the travel restrictions as a response to the attack on Sunday.

The New York Times

The Met Police said they were imposing conditions under the Public Order Act.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were imposed", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what is being enforced or applied. For example, "The sanctions were imposed by the United Nations" provides clarity.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying who or what is doing the imposing. Saying only "they were imposed" without context leaves the reader wondering about the source of the imposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were imposed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that an action (imposition) was carried out upon a subject ("they"). Ludwig AI confirms this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, evident in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were imposed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction indicating that something has been enforced or applied. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most commonly in news and media contexts, with substantial usage in science and formal business settings. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial: ensure the subject and the imposer are clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternative phrasings like "they were enforced" or "they were applied" to tailor the language to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were enforced

Replaces "imposed" with a direct synonym, focusing on the act of making something compulsory.

they were applied

Suggests a broader application of rules or principles, rather than strict enforcement.

they were enacted

Emphasizes the formal creation and implementation of laws or regulations.

they were established

Highlights the creation and setting up of rules or systems.

they were implemented

Focuses on the practical execution and putting into effect of plans or policies.

they were prescribed

Implies a more formal or authoritative recommendation or requirement.

they were dictated

Suggests imposition by an authority with little to no consultation.

they were levied

Specifically used when referring to taxes, fines, or other charges.

they were mandated

Similar to "enacted", but emphasizes the authority or legal basis for the imposition.

they were saddled with

Implies that the entities being referred to are unwillingly burdened by the things being 'imposed'.

FAQs

How to use "they were imposed" in a sentence?

Use "they were imposed" to describe rules, restrictions, or conditions enforced on a group or individual. For example, "The new regulations "were imposed" on all employees".

What can I say instead of "they were imposed"?

You can use alternatives like "they were enforced", "they were applied", or "they were enacted" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "they were imposed" or "they was imposed"?

"They were imposed" is correct. "They" is plural, so it requires the plural form of the verb "to be" which is "were". "They was imposed" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "they were imposed" and "they were suggested"?

"They were imposed" means something was enforced or made mandatory. "They were suggested" means something was recommended or offered as a possibility. The key difference is the level of compulsion.