to impose upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to impose upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is taking advantage of another person or situation, often in a way that is unwelcome or inappropriate. Example: "I didn't mean to impose upon you by asking for your help at such a late hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Shakespeare is too elusive to conform to the pattern that Hughes and Sagar seek to impose upon him.

The Guardian - Books

What if they had remained resolutely wild, refusing the domestic kinship humans tried to impose upon them?

The New York Times

The photographers, clucking & capering until their victims smiled, were able to impose upon them a dreadful fixed gaiety.

The New Yorker

The definitions of the war which our government has sought to impose upon the world have changed over the years.

The New Yorker

"We cannot expect to impose upon this world a set of rules, a set of regulations, a set of expectations".

The New York Times

But human beings have a remarkable talent for getting around rules including the rules they try to impose upon themselves.

The Economist

The marketing effort sought to "impose upon the criminal a cost-benefit analysis with respect to the gun" to deter gun use, Mr. Comey said.

The New York Times

Secondly, I think the internal situation in the Sudan is an internal affair, and we are not in a position to impose upon them".

The New York Times

Increasingly, they seem to want to tell us how to live and think, or inflict upon us the strictures they choose to impose upon themselves.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In addition to imposing upon patients' quality of life, LBP is of significant socioeconomic relevance because it may lead to a temporary loss of productivity, enormous medical and indirect costs, or even permanent disability[ 3].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

It's more than just a little ludicrous, and one of the many head-scratching oddities that the industry used to be able to forcibly impose upon people.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to impose upon", consider the nuance you wish to convey. If you want to emphasize the unwanted nature of the action, "to inflict on" might be more appropriate. If you wish to highlight the burden, "to burden with" could be a better choice. Choose the wording that most precisely reflects the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences with "to impose upon" in a way that obscures who is doing the imposing. Be clear about the agent of the action to maintain clarity and directness. For example, instead of saying "A decision was imposed upon the team", state "The manager imposed a decision upon the team".

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to impose upon" typically functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, indicating an action of enforcing, burdening, or taking advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to express the act of placing something (like rules, burdens, or one's presence) on someone or something else, often against their will or without their consent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to impose upon" is a versatile phrase used to describe the action of forcing something onto someone, often with negative connotations. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is considered grammatically correct and finds frequent application across various domains including news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like ""to take advantage of"" and ""to burden with"" exist, selecting the most appropriate term depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When employing "to impose upon", clarity regarding the agent of the action is paramount to maintain clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to take advantage of

Focuses on the exploitation aspect, highlighting the unfair use of someone's situation or kindness.

to burden with

Emphasizes the act of placing a weight or responsibility on someone, often unwanted.

to inflict on

Highlights the act of causing something unpleasant or unwanted to be experienced.

to force upon

Stresses the lack of consent and the act of compelling someone to accept something.

to foist upon

Indicates the act of imposing something unwanted or unnecessary.

to obtrude on

Suggests intrusiveness and unwelcome interference.

to press on

Implies a persistent and possibly unwelcome attempt to influence or impose.

to saddle with

Highlights the act of burdening someone with an unwanted responsibility or problem.

to encumber with

Suggests hindering or impeding someone with a burden or obstacle.

to dictate to

Emphasizes the act of commanding or controlling someone's actions or thoughts.

FAQs

How can I use "to impose upon" in a sentence?

You can use "to impose upon" to describe the act of forcing something onto someone or taking advantage of them. For example, "I didn't want "to impose upon" your generosity by asking for another favor." It can also mean to establish or apply something authoritatively, such as "The government sought "to impose upon" the country new regulations".

What are some alternatives to "to impose upon"?

Alternatives include "to take advantage of", "to burden with", "to inflict on", or "to force upon", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "to impose on" or "to impose upon"?

While both "to impose on" and "to impose upon" are acceptable, "to impose upon" is often considered more formal and emphasizes the act of intrusion or taking advantage of someone or something. "To impose on" is generally considered less formal and more direct.

What's the difference between "to impose upon" and "to influence"?

"To impose upon" suggests a forceful or unwelcome action, while "to influence" implies a more subtle and persuasive approach. For example, you might "to impose upon" someone a strict set of rules, but you would "to influence" their decision-making through reasoned arguments.