English Language & Usage Asked by BartoszKP on July 22, 2021
Are "impose a problem" and "pose a problem" both correct? If not, why? An example usage I have is:
"We’re doing X. This imposes two problems: 1) … 2) …"
However I can’t find a credible reference for using the word "impose" this way – only "pose": https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/pose – I’m sure though I’ve "heard it" 😉 being used that way.
"We're doing X. This imposes two problems: 1) ... 2) ..."
Put simply, that is wrong - you have used "impose" wrongly. The subject of "impose" must have authority over its object.
To impose - to place a burden (or unfavourable conditions) on someone or something.
Transitive: 2020 Greybeard EL&U: "The king imposed a tax on all wine and beer. The king imposed severe punishments on anyone failing to pay the tax."
Intransitive: 2020 Greybeard EL&U: "Can I ask you to drive me to see my mother - I hope I am not imposing on you."
OED
4.a. To lay on, as something to be borne, endured, or submitted to; to inflict (something) on or upon; to levy or enforce authoritatively or arbitrarily.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vi. 159 Pretending to abhor tests, he had himself imposed a test.
1854 J. S. C. Abbott Napoleon (1885) lxi. 471/1 [Alexander said] We have no wish to impose the Bourbons on the French people.
Answered by Greybeard on July 22, 2021
Get help from others!
Recent Questions
Recent Answers
© 2024 TransWikia.com. All rights reserved. Sites we Love: PCI Database, UKBizDB, Menu Kuliner, Sharing RPP