imposed

IPA/ɪmˈpəʊz/
KK[ˌɪmpˈozd]IPA/ɪmˈpoʊz/

imposed — verb

  • imposedpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • imposeds3rd person singular
  • imposeding-ing form
  • imposededpast simple

1. to bring in an official rule, tax, or penalty that people must follow or pay

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to bring in an official rule, tax, or penalty that people must follow or pay

例句

The city council imposed a ban on single-use plastic bags last April.

impose + a ban + on + noun

A large fine was imposed on the factory after the chemical spill.

passive: was imposed on + noun

同義詞
  • enforce

    focuses on making sure rules are followed, not on creating them

  • levy

    used specifically for taxes and fines, never for rules

  • institute

    formal; emphasises establishing something new rather than forcing compliance

反義詞
  • lift

    to remove a restriction or ban

  • abolish

    to formally end a law or system permanently

文法句型

impose + noun

impose + noun + on + noun

用法筆記

Usually passive when the focus is on the rule rather than who created it. Common in news reports and legal contexts.

常見錯誤

❌The school imposed the students to wear uniforms.
✅The school imposed a uniform policy on the students.
💡'impose' takes the thing being forced as its direct object, not the person.

2. to make a person or group accept an idea, set of customs, or lifestyle that they

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make a person or group accept an idea, set of customs, or lifestyle that they may not want

例句

Haruto's grandparents imposed their traditional values on every family decision.

impose + values/beliefs + on + person

The colonial rulers imposed their language and customs on the island for centuries.

同義詞
  • foist

    implies forcing something unwanted onto someone, often by deception

  • inflict

    used for pain, suffering, or punishment rather than beliefs or customs

文法句型

impose + noun + on + noun

用法筆記

Object is almost always abstract — a belief, value, custom, or ideology. Distinguish from sense 1 (OFFICIAL RULES), which deals with laws and penalties from an authority.

常見錯誤

❌They imposed their children strict discipline.
✅They imposed strict discipline on their children.
💡the thing imposed comes first, followed by 'on' and then the person.

3. to ask for someone's time, help, or company in a way that is unfair or more than

3.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to ask for someone's time, help, or company in a way that is unfair or more than they want to give

例句

Ingrid imposed on her neighbours by asking for a ride to work every morning.

impose on + noun — intransitive pattern

Santiago knew he had imposed on his cousin's hospitality after staying three weeks.

同義詞
  • intrude

    focuses on entering a space or situation where not wanted; broader than asking for favours

  • presume

    implies taking social liberties; often used as 'presume on someone's hospitality'

文法句型

impose + on + noun

用法筆記

Only intransitive sense — always followed by 'on' or 'upon.' The subject is the person causing the burden. Distinguish from senses 1 and 2, which are transitive and take a direct object.

常見錯誤

❌She imposed her friends all weekend.
✅She imposed on her friends all weekend.
💡this sense needs 'on'; without 'on' the sentence sounds like an incomplete transitive use.