impose

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/ɪmˈpoʊz/
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To place an official requirement on someone, force an idea or will onto others, or inconvenience someone by asking too much.
Practice using impose in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The school imposes a uniform policy on all students.
  • She felt the guests had imposed themselves on her weekend.
  • He tried to impose his opinion on the whole group.
  • The director imposed her style on every scene.
  • Please tell me if this visit would impose on your schedule.

Similar words

require
burden
inconvenience
levy
dictate
presume
enforce
press
encroach
order

Meanings

Set an official burden or rule

verb
law
neutral
To make a rule, tax, fine, restriction, duty, or other requirement apply to someone by authority.

Usage

Use impose for official or formal requirements that are placed on people, groups, or situations.

Examples

  • The government imposed new import restrictions overnight.
  • The judge imposed a heavy fine on the company.
  • The school imposes a uniform policy on all students.
  • Sanctions were imposed after the treaty was broken.
  • The contract imposes strict duties on both parties.
  • A late fee is imposed when the payment misses the deadline.

Common mistakes

The object is often dropped even though the verb normally needs the thing being applied.
IncorrectCorrect
The council will impose next month. The council will impose a new fee next month.
The judge imposed the company a fine. The judge imposed a fine on the company.
The school imposed students a uniform policy. The school imposed a uniform policy on students.
They imposed the meeting to Monday. They moved the meeting to Monday.

Similar words

levy
enforce
apply
set
mandate
order
require
institute

Force ideas or control onto others

verb
social
neutral
To make other people accept a will, view, style, or way of doing things, especially when they have not chosen it.

Usage

Use impose when an idea, preference, personality, or system is pushed onto others rather than freely accepted.

Examples

  • He tried to impose his opinion on the whole group.
  • The director imposed her style on every scene.
  • Parents should not impose their ambitions on their children.
  • The new software imposes a rigid workflow on the team.
  • She felt the guests had imposed themselves on her weekend.
  • The speaker imposed his agenda on a meeting meant for questions.

Common mistakes

The preposition on is usually needed before the person or group affected.
IncorrectCorrect
He imposed his opinion the group. He imposed his opinion on the group.
She imposed to everyone her plan. She imposed her plan on everyone.
They imposed their children to study law. They forced their children to study law.
The manager imposed a friendly suggestion on us. The manager offered us a friendly suggestion.

Similar words

force
press
inflict
foist
dictate
push
enforce

Inconvenience someone by asking too much

verb
everyday
neutral
To trouble someone, take too much of their time or kindness, or make oneself an unwelcome burden.

Usage

Use impose in polite or apologetic language when a request, visit, or expectation may inconvenience someone.

Examples

  • I hope I am not imposing by asking for another favor.
  • They stayed for a week and began to impose on their hosts.
  • Please tell me if this visit would impose on your schedule.
  • He did not want to impose on her kindness again.
  • The extra paperwork imposes on staff who are already busy.
  • Calling so late would impose on the family.

Common mistakes

The phrase impose on is often replaced by a direct object even when the meaning is inconvenience.
IncorrectCorrect
I do not want to impose you. I do not want to impose on you.
Are we imposing your family? Are we imposing on your family?
Thanks for imposing me at your house. Thanks for hosting me at your house.
This small change imposes to your schedule. This small change imposes on your schedule.

Similar words

intrude
burden
inconvenience
trouble
presume
encroach

Usage

Use impose when something is placed on someone with force, authority, pressure, or possible inconvenience.

Common mistakes

Omitting on after the object causes errors such as impose someone a fine instead of impose a fine on someone.

Etymology

From Old French imposer, from Latin imponere, meaning to place upon.

FAQ

What does impose mean?

impose means to place a rule, burden, idea, or inconvenience on someone, often through authority or pressure.

What does impose on someone mean?

impose on someone means to inconvenience them, take too much of their time or kindness, or ask more than is comfortable.

Is impose always official?

No. impose can describe official rules and taxes, but it can also describe social pressure or an inconvenient request.

Which preposition follows impose?

The usual pattern is impose something on someone, as in impose a fine on the company.

What are common synonyms of impose?

Common synonyms include levy, enforce, apply, force, inflict, burden, and inconvenience.

What is the origin of impose?

impose comes from Old French imposer and Latin imponere, meaning to place upon.

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