Meaning & use
impose
Last updated
Meanings
verbtransitiveformal
To bring in a rule, tax, fine or limit and make people follow it.
Grammar: Takes an object, often with 'on': impose a tax on imports.
Patterns
- impose something on someone
- impose something on something
The council will impose a fine on anyone who drops litter.
The government imposed new taxes on fuel.
Strict limits were imposed on how long visitors could stay.
verbtransitive
To force your own ideas, opinions or wishes on other people.
Grammar: Often 'impose something on someone': impose your views on others.
Patterns
- impose something on someone
- impose yourself on someone
Parents should not impose their dreams on their children.
He tried to impose his will on the committee.
I don't want to impose my taste on your design.
verbintransitive
To ask too much of someone, or take advantage of their kindness.
Grammar: No object; followed by on: impose on someone.
Patterns
- impose on someone
- impose on someone's time
I hate to impose on you, but could I borrow your car?
They imposed on their neighbors by staying a whole month.
She did not want to impose on his hospitality.
Word forms
| third person singular | imposes |
|---|---|
| past tense | imposed |
| past participle | imposed |
| -ing form | imposing |
Common combinations
- impose a ban
- The city imposed a ban on plastic bags.
- impose sanctions
- Several countries imposed sanctions on the regime.
- impose a limit
- The school imposed a limit on phone use.
- impose a penalty
- The referee imposed a penalty after the foul.
- impose on someone's time
- I hope I'm not imposing on your time.
Synonyms and how they differ
- enforce
- Enforce means to make sure an existing rule is obeyed, while impose means to set it up in the first place.
- inflict
- Inflict is used for harm or pain, while impose is used for rules and burdens.
- levy
- Levy is specific to taxes and fees, so it is narrower than impose.
- intrude
- Intrude means to enter where you are not welcome, while impose on means to ask too much.
Opposites
Word family
- imposition noun
- an unfair demand or burden
- imposing adjective
- impressive in size or appearance
- imposer noun
- a person who imposes
Commonly confused: impose or expose? impose or opposed?
impose vs expose
Expose means to uncover or reveal, while impose means to force something on someone. They look alike but have different meanings.
impose vs opposed
Opposed means against something. It does not mean forcing something on someone.
Practice
I'm sorry to ___ on you, but could you watch my dog this weekend?
Choose one answer.
Impose on someone means to ask too much of them. Propose and oppose do not take 'on' in this sense, and expose has a different meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “impose”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.