I'm wondering how to correctly use the idiom "in force". Often "active" can be used instead, but are there any situations in which "in force" can be used and "active" cannot, or vice versa? More generally, what are the idiomatic limitations of this expression?
To illustrate, I have the following example from a text I wrote (emphasis added):
Each event has associated with it a tension weight. The tension at a
particular point in the story is obtained by adding all individual tension
weights in force at that particular point. [It is not specified] how to
determine which tensions are in force.
In both cases, the sentence could be rewritten to use the word "active" instead, but is it incorrect to use "in force" here?
I found the following here:
in force
- In full strength; in large numbers: Demonstrators were out in force.
- In effect; operative: a rule that is no longer in force.
The second meaning seems to suggest that the above use of "in force" is ok.
Best Answer
This is one of times where English is very, very tricky!
I believe in this particular usage, you want to use the idiom "in force" and the words "reinforce" and "enforce" in the following manners:
"Each event has associated with it a tension weight. The tension at a particular point in the story is obtained by adding all individual weights, in force [altogether, or, all at once], which reinforces [strengthens] that particular point. [It is not specified] how to determine which tensions are enforced [compelled to act on the particular point in the story]."
As far as general usage of the idiom, I most often use it to reference attendance (as in the first usage of your definition), such as "On the day of the rally, protesters were out in force on the capitol's streets." It is also frequently used, as in your example, to mean "all at once" or "all together." The "all at once" usage is more appropriate to use in reference to objects and events than to beings, though.
I'm not sure of your exact intentions, but hope this was a bit helpful. The definitions of the words "enforce" and "reinforce" (from a few different sources) are as follows:
enforce: tr.v. en·forced, en·forc·ing, en·forc·es 1. To compel observance of or obedience to: enforce a law. 2. To impose (a kind of behavior, for example): enforce military discipline. 3. To give force to; reinforce: "enforces its plea with a description of the pains of hell" (Albert C. Baugh).
to emphasize or reinforce (an argument, demand, etc.)
to put or keep in force; compel obedience to: to enforce a law.
reinforce: re·in·force also re-en·force or re·en·force (rn-fôrs, -frs) tr.v. re·in·forced also re-en·forced or re·en·forced, re·in·forc·ing also re-en·forc·ing or re·en·forc·ing, re·in·forc·es also re-en·forc·es or re·en·forc·es
Psychology a. To reward (an experimental subject, for example) with a reinforcer subsequent to a desired response or performance. b. To encourage (a response) by means of a reinforcer.
to give added strength or support to
(Psychology) Psychol to reward an action or response of (a human or animal) so that it becomes more likely to occur again
to strengthen with some added piece, support, or material: to reinforce a wall.