try to enforce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to enforce" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing efforts to implement rules, laws, or policies. Example: "The organization will try to enforce the new regulations starting next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Let's try to enforce it".

The New York Times

So why is it any different when liberals try to enforce ideological purity?

The New York Times

"There's one time we definitely don't try to enforce it," he says.

The New York Times

"If they try to enforce that, we'll end up back in the courtroom".

The New York Times - Health

Now, the departments have begun to try to enforce and license their copyrights and trademarks.

The New York Times

Still, Mr. Arafat vowed to continue to try to enforce the cease-fire, Mr. Larsen said.

The New York Times

But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to enforce our laws.

The New York Times

"The fact the law is difficult to enforce doesn't mean you don't try to enforce it".

The Guardian

Ignore, briefly, the fact that the last person to try to enforce "moral standards" in Soho was Shirley Porter.

Independent

Mr. Marsh declined to say whether Myriad would try to enforce its remaining patents against any of these companies.

The New York Times

He notes that those militants who call for boycotts and try to enforce them with violence are losing the battle.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try to enforce", consider the specific context and choose words that reflect the level of effort, authority, and formality appropriate for the situation. For example, "strive to uphold" might be more appropriate in a moral or ethical context, while "take steps to ensure" might be better in a legal or regulatory context.

Common error

Avoid using "try to enforce" when the outcome is guaranteed. The phrase implies uncertainty or difficulty in achieving the desired result; if compliance is assured, use stronger language like "will enforce" or "ensure compliance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to enforce" functions as a verb phrase indicating an attempt or effort to ensure that a rule, law, or agreement is followed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try to enforce" is a common and grammatically sound way to express an attempt to ensure that a rule, law, or agreement is followed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "attempt to implement" or "seek to implement" exist, the specific choice depends on the nuance you aim to convey. When using "try to enforce", be mindful of the context and avoid overstating the certainty of enforcement, as the phrase inherently implies a potential for difficulty or uncertainty in achieving full compliance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to implement

Focuses on the action of putting something into effect, rather than specifically ensuring compliance.

seek to implement

Implies a formal or determined effort to put something into practice.

endeavor to apply

Suggests a conscientious effort to put a rule or law into effect.

strive to uphold

Emphasizes the effort to maintain or defend a principle or law.

work to maintain

Highlights the ongoing effort to keep something in effect.

make an effort to impose

Suggests a more forceful attempt to establish a rule or law.

take steps to ensure

Focuses on the specific actions taken to guarantee compliance.

aim to secure compliance

Highlights the objective of achieving adherence to a rule or law.

undertake to compel adherence

Implies a formal agreement or promise to ensure compliance, often with a legal or contractual dimension.

move to give effect to

Refers to formal actions taken to make a law or agreement operational.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to enforce" to describe an attempt to make sure a law, rule, or agreement is followed. For example: "The police will "try to enforce" the new traffic regulations."

What are some alternatives to "try to enforce"?

Alternatives include "attempt to implement", "seek to implement", or "strive to uphold", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "try to enforce" or "attempt to enforce"?

Both "try to enforce" and "attempt to enforce" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context, although ""try to enforce"" might sound slightly less formal.

What does "try to enforce" imply about the difficulty of enforcement?

"Try to enforce" suggests that there might be challenges or obstacles in ensuring compliance. It implies that the enforcement process might not be straightforward or completely successful.