was enforced

USAGE SUMMARY

"was enforced" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that was instituted decisively and strictly followed. For example, "The new rule of no late submissions was enforced without exception."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Orthodoxy was enforced".

The New York Times

A similar curfew was enforced in September.

Independent

Payment was enforced by community pressure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The penalty was enforced on the kickoff.

The New York Times - Sports

The amateur rule of the Olympics was enforced rigorously.

Princeton University

A driving ban was enforced in some areas.

Independent

Justice was enforced by the gang or impromptu militias.

The Economist

But people had assumed that the law was enforced impartially.

The Economist

Very, very good!" After that, silence was enforced.

The Guardian - Opinion

For years, diversity was enforced at Starrett City.

The New York Times

The Nazi view of the composer as Führer was enforced in the Third Reich.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was enforced" when you want to emphasize that a rule, law, or agreement was actively and rigorously applied. This highlights the action taken to ensure compliance.

Common error

Avoid using "was enforced" with abstract concepts or feelings. The phrase implies a concrete action being applied to a tangible situation. For instance, instead of saying "Justice was enforced by hope", rephrase it to "Justice was pursued through hope".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was enforced" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a rule, law, or agreement was actively applied. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, as demonstrated by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was enforced" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive voice construction, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It signifies that a rule, law, or agreement was actively applied and carried out, as illustrated by numerous examples across diverse fields. Its register is generally neutral, lending itself to both formal and informal communication settings. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that the subject aligns with the concrete application of a rule or law. Alternatives such as "was implemented" or "was applied" offer nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was implemented

Focuses on the act of putting something into effect or operation.

was put into effect

Similar to implemented, but with more focus on the active initiation of a process.

was applied

Emphasizes the act of putting something to use or relating it to a specific case.

was mandated

Indicates that something was required by law or official decree.

was imposed

Suggests that something was forced or inflicted upon someone or something.

was executed

Highlights the carrying out or performing of something, often a plan or order.

was enacted

Refers specifically to the process of making a law or regulation.

was upheld

Indicates that something was maintained or supported, especially a decision or principle.

was administered

Focuses on the management or supervision of something, like a system or process.

was brought to bear

Emphasizes the exertion of influence or pressure to achieve a specific outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "was enforced" in a sentence?

Use "was enforced" to indicate that a rule or law was actively applied. For example, "The new parking regulation was enforced starting Monday."

What are some alternatives to "was enforced"?

Alternatives include "was implemented", "was applied", or "was mandated", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the rule is enforced" or "the rule was enforced"?

"The rule is enforced" indicates a present, ongoing action, while "the rule was enforced" refers to a past action. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the timing of the enforcement.

What's the difference between "was enforced" and "was implemented"?

"Was enforced" emphasizes the active application of a rule, while "was implemented" focuses on putting something into effect. Enforcement implies ensuring compliance, whereas implementation focuses on the initial action of making something operational.