to enforce

USAGE SUMMARY

"to enforce" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the action of exercising authority or using a means of coercion to ensure that rules, laws, etc. are obeyed. For example, "The police were sent to the scene to enforce the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's try to enforce it".

The New York Times

"To enforce the law means everything".

The New York Times - Arts

It's difficult to enforce.

The New York Times

It's impossible to enforce".

The Guardian - Tech

Establish a broad coalition to enforce it.

The New York Times

The rules are difficult to enforce.

The New York Times

Internal discipline is harder to enforce.

The Economist

If we wait to enforce the W.T.O.

The New York Times

"We need to enforce the border.

The New York Times

"It was time to enforce the rule".

The New York Times

Give us the tools to enforce it.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to enforce", clearly specify what is being enforced. For example, instead of saying "the rules need to be enforced", specify "the new safety regulations need to be enforced".

Common error

Avoid using "to enforce" without a clear subject. It's better to say "the police need to enforce the law" rather than "the law needs to enforce itself."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to enforce" functions primarily as an infinitive of purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the intent or goal behind an action, particularly in relation to rules, laws, or regulations. The phrase often indicates the intention to compel compliance or ensure adherence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to enforce" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express the action of compelling adherence to rules, laws, or standards. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best practice to specify what exactly is being enforced for clarity. Alternatives like "to implement" or "to apply" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. When using "to enforce", be sure to clarify who is performing the enforcement action to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to implement

Focuses more on the practical application or execution of a plan or system rather than the act of compelling obedience.

to apply

Emphasizes the action of putting something into operation or bringing it to bear on a particular case or situation.

to carry out

Highlights the completion or fulfillment of a task or order, often implying a more hands-on or active role.

to execute

Suggests a more formal or official process of carrying out a plan, law, or order, sometimes implying precision and efficiency.

to impose

Indicates the act of establishing or inflicting something, such as a rule or punishment, often against resistance or opposition.

to enact

Refers specifically to the process of making a bill or proposal into law.

to compel adherence

More formal and emphasizes the act of forcing someone to obey or follow a rule.

to ensure compliance

Focuses on making certain that rules or standards are followed, often through monitoring or verification.

to uphold

Suggests maintaining or defending a principle or law, often in the face of challenges or opposition.

to administer

Focuses on managing or directing the application of rules or laws, often within a specific organization or system.

FAQs

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

You can use "to enforce" to describe the act of making sure a rule or law is followed, such as: "The government needs "to enforce" the new environmental regulations."

What are some alternatives to "to enforce"?

Alternatives include "to implement", "to apply", or "to execute", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "to enforce" and "to apply"?

"To enforce" implies compelling obedience, while "to apply" suggests putting something into operation. You "enforce" laws and "apply" rules or procedures.

Is it always necessary to specify who is "to enforce" something?

While not always grammatically required, specifying who is "to enforce" something improves clarity and reduces ambiguity. For example, "The authorities will "to enforce" the curfew" is clearer than "The curfew will be enforced."