B2verb 2K

Impose

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɪmˈpəʊz/","/ɪmˈpəʊzɪz/","/ɪmˈpəʊzd/","/ɪmˈpəʊzɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɪmˈpəʊz/","/ɪmˈpəʊzɪz/","/ɪmˈpəʊzd/","/ɪmˈpəʊzɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Impose

to introduce a new law, rule, tax, etc.; to order that a rule, punishment, etc. be used

In simple words: to force something to happen or be accepted

Impose in a sentence

• The government decided to impose new regulations on the energy sector.
• She didn't want to impose her views on others during the discussion.
• The teacher had to impose a strict deadline for the project submissions.
• It's not fair to impose your schedule on someone who has other commitments.
• The hotel may impose extra charges for additional services.

How to use Impose

Use 'impose' when talking about rules, laws, or beliefs that are forced on others. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting an unwanted burden. Avoid using it in casual conversations where lighter language is expected.

Grammar pattern

impose + object

Memory hint

Think of 'impose' like 'imposing a rule' — imagine a giant hand placing a heavy rulebook on a table.

Related words

Collocations with Impose

• effectively
• simply
• centrally
• seek to
• try to
• on
• upon
• effectively
• simply
• centrally
• seek to
• try to
• on
• upon
• effectively
• simply
• centrally
• seek to
• try to
• on
• upon

Synonyms for Impose

• enforce
• inflict
• establish
• administer

Opposites of Impose

• revoke
• remove
• withdraw

Common mistakes with Impose

• 'Impose' is often confused with 'propose', but they mean different things.
• Learners sometimes use 'impose on' without an object, e.g., 'impose on my friends' should be 'impose something on my friends'.
• Some may mistakenly use 'impose' in the passive voice without clarity, e.g., 'Rules are imposed' without context.

Frequently asked questions about Impose

What does Impose mean?

to force something to happen or be accepted

What is the definition of Impose?

to introduce a new law, rule, tax, etc.; to order that a rule, punishment, etc. be used

How do you use Impose in a sentence?

The government decided to impose new regulations on the energy sector.

Can you give another example of Impose?

She didn't want to impose her views on others during the discussion.

What are synonyms for Impose?

Common alternatives include enforce, inflict, establish, administer.

What is the opposite of Impose?

Opposite meanings include revoke, remove, withdraw.

What words go with Impose?

It commonly pairs with effectively, simply, centrally, seek to, try to, on, upon, effectively, simply, centrally, seek to, try to, on, upon, effectively, simply, centrally, seek to, try to, on, upon.

What are common mistakes when using Impose?

'Impose' is often confused with 'propose', but they mean different things. Learners sometimes use 'impose on' without an object, e.g., 'impose on my friends' should be 'impose something on my friends'. Some may mistakenly use 'impose' in the passive voice without clarity, e.g., 'Rules are imposed' without context.

How do you pronounce Impose?

US: /["/ɪmˈpəʊz/","/ɪmˈpəʊzɪz/","/ɪmˈpəʊzd/","/ɪmˈpəʊzɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ɪmˈpəʊz/","/ɪmˈpəʊzɪz/","/ɪmˈpəʊzd/","/ɪmˈpəʊzɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Impose?

Use 'impose' when talking about rules, laws, or beliefs that are forced on others. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting an unwanted burden. Avoid using it in casual conversations where lighter language is expected.

What CEFR level is Impose?

"Impose" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.