enforce rules
Apply regulations
Use this phrase when someone in authority ensures that regulations are actually followed and respected.
15秒了解
- Ensuring people follow established laws or regulations.
- Moving from a written rule to real-world action.
- Used by managers, teachers, and officials to maintain order.
意思
This phrase means making sure people actually follow the rules. It is not just having rules, but taking action to stop people from breaking them.
关键例句
3 / 6In a business meeting
We need to enforce rules regarding late arrivals to meetings.
We need to apply the regulations about arriving late to meetings.
Talking about a strict school
The principal enforces rules about the dress code very strictly.
The principal applies the dress code regulations very strictly.
Texting a roommate about chores
If we don't enforce rules about the dishes, the kitchen will be a mess!
If we don't stick to the rules about dishes, the kitchen will be messy.
文化背景
The phrase reflects a Western legalistic tradition where written rules are expected to be applied consistently. It became highly prominent in the 20th century with the rise of organized sports and corporate HR departments. In many English-speaking countries, 'selective enforcement' is considered a major social injustice.
The 'Strict' Connection
This phrase almost always hangs out with the word 'strictly'. If you want to sound like a native, say 'strictly enforce'.
Don't be a Robot
Using this phrase with friends might make you sound like a 'hall monitor' (a kid who loves rules too much). Use it sparingly in social settings!
15秒了解
- Ensuring people follow established laws or regulations.
- Moving from a written rule to real-world action.
- Used by managers, teachers, and officials to maintain order.
What It Means
To enforce rules means you are the person making sure everyone behaves. Imagine a library where everyone is shouting. If the librarian tells them to be quiet or leave, they are enforcing the rules. It is the bridge between a rule existing on paper and a rule being real in life. Without enforcement, a rule is just a suggestion. You are basically saying, "I will make sure this happens."
How To Use It
You use this when talking about authority or management. You can enforce a law, a policy, or even a bedtime. Usually, a person in charge does the enforcing. Use it with the word strictly if you want to sound very serious. For example, "The teacher strictly enforces the no-phone rule." It sounds active and firm. It shows that there are consequences for breaking the law.
When To Use It
Use it in professional settings or when discussing discipline. It is perfect for meetings about office policy. You can use it at home when talking about parenting. It works well when discussing sports and referees. If you are complaining about a strict boss, this is your go-to phrase. It also fits perfectly in news reports or legal discussions.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for soft suggestions. If you are just asking a friend for a favor, do not say you are enforcing it. That sounds like you are a police officer! Avoid using it in very relaxed, equal friendships. It can sound a bit "bossy" or aggressive if used in the wrong place. Don't use it for habits you do alone. You don't enforce rules on your own breakfast routine.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, there is a big focus on "fair play." People generally like rules to be enforced equally for everyone. If a rule is enforced for one person but not another, people get very upset. There is a cultural respect for the "rule of law." However, there is also a funny stereotype of the "overzealous" person. This is someone who enforces rules that don't really matter, like a neighbor complaining about your grass being too long.
Common Variations
You might hear enforce the law or enforcement officer. Sometimes people say crack down, which is a more informal way to say they will start enforcing rules very strictly. You can also reinforce a rule, which means reminding people about it. If someone is not doing their job, you might say they are failing to enforce the regulations. It is a very versatile word for anyone in a position of power.
使用说明
This is a neutral to formal collocation. It is most commonly found in professional, legal, or educational contexts. Avoid using it in casual peer-to-peer relationships unless you are being intentionally ironic or humorous.
The 'Strict' Connection
This phrase almost always hangs out with the word 'strictly'. If you want to sound like a native, say 'strictly enforce'.
Don't be a Robot
Using this phrase with friends might make you sound like a 'hall monitor' (a kid who loves rules too much). Use it sparingly in social settings!
The 'Karen' Context
In modern internet culture, someone who tries to enforce rules they have no power over is often jokingly called a 'Karen'.
例句
6We need to enforce rules regarding late arrivals to meetings.
We need to apply the regulations about arriving late to meetings.
Used here to address a professional productivity issue.
The principal enforces rules about the dress code very strictly.
The principal applies the dress code regulations very strictly.
Describes a person in high authority being firm.
If we don't enforce rules about the dishes, the kitchen will be a mess!
If we don't stick to the rules about dishes, the kitchen will be messy.
A slightly more serious tone for a household problem.
My cat thinks he's the one who enforces rules around here.
My cat thinks he is the boss of the house.
Using a formal word for a funny, non-human situation.
The city failed to enforce rules that could have prevented the accident.
The city didn't apply the safety regulations that could have stopped the accident.
Used to express regret or blame after a tragedy.
The lifeguards are here to enforce rules and keep everyone safe.
The lifeguards are here to make sure people follow rules for safety.
Common public signage or explanation of a job role.
自我测试
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a basketball game.
The referee's job is to ___ rules on the court.
A referee doesn't usually make the rules, they just ensure players follow them.
Complete the sentence regarding office policy.
Management decided to ___ the no-smoking policy more strictly.
When a policy is 'strictly' handled, it means it is being enforced.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Enforce Rules'
Using 'stick to the plan' with friends.
Let's stick to the rules.
Standard use in workplaces or schools.
We must enforce rules.
Legal or governmental contexts.
The mandate shall be enforced.
Where to Enforce Rules
Sports
Referees during a match
Workplace
HR managing deadlines
Public Safety
Police on the highway
Home
Parents and screen time
常见问题
10 个问题No, making rules is creating them. Enforce rules means making sure people follow the rules that already exist.
Not really. You wouldn't say 'I enforce rules on my diet.' Instead, you would say 'I stick to my diet' or 'I am disciplined.'
It is neutral. It can be good (keeping people safe) or annoying (a boss being too strict), depending on the situation.
People in authority like police, teachers, managers, or parents are the ones who enforce rules.
The opposite is ignoring a rule or failing to enforce it, which means letting people break it without punishment.
Yes, but it sounds a bit serious. Use it if you are talking about a roommate agreement or a group project.
It is slightly formal but very common in everyday English. It is a 'neutral-formal' word.
Usually, there is a consequence, like a fine, a timeout, or a warning if the rule is broken.
Yes! You can say 'The software enforces rules about password strength,' meaning it won't let you use a weak password.
Always use enforce rules. 'Force rules' sounds like you are pushing a new rule onto people who don't want it.
相关表达
Lay down the law
To tell people the rules in a very firm, forceful way.
Crack down
To start enforcing rules much more strictly than before.
Play by the rules
To follow the rules as expected.
Call the shots
To be the person in charge who makes the decisions.
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