was not enforced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not enforced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a rule, law, or policy was not applied or implemented in a particular situation. Example: "The new regulation was not enforced during the initial phase of its introduction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Prohibition was not enforced under his rule.

Britannica

"Laïcité was not enforced," she said.

The New York Times

The ban was not enforced.

The New York Times - Sports

But the rule was not enforced.

The Guardian

He said that arms legislation was not enforced.

The New York Times

In AT&T's case, the clause was not enforced.

The New York Times - Sports

In addition, the situation could be worse where the underground pipeline planning was not enforced.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

But the ban was not enforced, and very little foreign aid was forthcoming.

The New York Times

But it was not enforced until the summer of 1986, after LTV filed for Chapter 11.

The New York Times

"In the case of phone hacking it clearly was not enforced".

The Guardian

His decree was not enforced and now, two years later, this failure has come back to haunt Iraq.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was not enforced", ensure the context clearly identifies what rule, law, or policy is being referred to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your statement's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "was not enforced" without specifying the subject it applies to. Unclear references can confuse readers and weaken the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not enforced" functions as a passive construction. It indicates that a specific rule, law, or policy existed but action to ensure compliance or adherence was absent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was not enforced" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that conveys the lack of active implementation of a rule, law, or policy. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, clarity is key. Ensuring that the subject to which it refers is well-defined avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your message. Related phrases like "was not implemented" or "was not applied" can serve as alternatives, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was not implemented

Focuses on the lack of practical application.

was not applied

Emphasizes the absence of a specific application.

was not executed

Highlights the failure to carry out a plan or order.

was not put into effect

Stresses the omission of activating a policy or procedure.

was not carried out

Indicates a failure to complete a task or instruction.

was not observed

Emphasizes the lack of adherence or compliance.

was not followed

Highlights the disregard for a set path or guideline.

was not respected

Focuses on the lack of deference or regard.

was not adhered to

Stresses the failure to stick to a rule or agreement.

was not put in motion

Indicates that the process has never begun or started.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was not enforced"?

Alternatives include "was not implemented", "was not applied", or "was not executed", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "was not enforced"?

Yes, "was not enforced" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction indicating that a rule or law wasn't put into effect.

What does "was not enforced" mean?

It means that a particular rule, law, or policy was in place but not actively applied or implemented in practice.

In what contexts is "was not enforced" typically used?

It's often used in legal, political, or organizational contexts to describe situations where rules or regulations exist but aren't actively maintained or upheld.