a compulsion to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a compulsion to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong, often irresistible urge to do something. Example: "She felt a compulsion to check her phone every few minutes, even during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

These days, a compulsion to take things is increasingly folded into the broader diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive behavior.

The New Yorker

Suddenly I heard, behind the music, a compulsion to die.

Independent

We suffer from a compulsion to repeat our disasters.

The New Yorker

It becomes a compulsion to dig for the base metal.

The Guardian - Music

He was consumed by a compulsion to be helpful.

The New Yorker

"I have a compulsion to create music," he said.

The New York Times

I felt a compulsion to uncover and fictionalise her story.

The Guardian - Books

Journalists are competitive; their nerve endings burn with a compulsion to beat rivals to a story.

The New York Times

She sees an egg and she has a compulsion to do that.

The New York Times

He had a horror of "letting people down" — and a compulsion to do just that.

The New York Times

You might say he is driven by a compulsion to swing.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity you wish to convey. While "a compulsion to" suggests a strong urge, alternatives like "an irresistible urge to" can amplify the feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "a compulsion to" when describing simple habits or preferences. Compulsions imply a sense of urgency and difficulty in resisting, which is different from a routine behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a compulsion to" functions as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive, serving to describe a strong, often irresistible, internal drive or urge to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a compulsion to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a strong, often irresistible urge to do something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and appears frequently in news and media, science, and formal writing. When using this phrase, it's crucial to differentiate between a true compulsion and a simple habit, and to consider the level of intensity you wish to convey. While alternatives like "an urge to" or "a drive to" exist, "a compulsion to" specifically emphasizes the difficulty in resisting the inner drive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an irresistible urge to

Emphasizes the difficulty of resisting the urge; slightly stronger in feeling.

a pressing need to

Highlights the urgency and necessity of the action.

an overwhelming desire to

Focuses on the intensity of the desire as the driving force.

a strong inclination to

Suggests a natural tendency or leaning towards the action.

a powerful motive to

Highlights the underlying reason or incentive for the action.

an inner drive to

Focuses on internal motivation and inherent impulse.

a mandatory requirement to

Indicates an obligation that one needs to fulfill.

a reflex to

Conveys an automatic, almost involuntary response.

a magnetic pull to

Emphasizes the attractive, almost irresistible nature of the action.

a fixed idea to

Presents it as an obsession or a constant persistent thought.

FAQs

How can I use "a compulsion to" in a sentence?

Use "a compulsion to" to describe a strong, often irresistible urge to do something. For example, "He felt "a compulsion to" check his phone every few minutes."

What are some alternatives to "a compulsion to"?

You can use alternatives like "an urge to", "a drive to", or "an irresistible desire to" depending on the context and the level of intensity you wish to convey.

Is "a compulsion to" the same as "an obligation to"?

No, ""a compulsion to"" refers to an internal urge, while "an obligation to" refers to an external duty or requirement.

When is it appropriate to use "a compulsion to" in writing?

Use ""a compulsion to"" when you want to emphasize a strong, internal drive that is difficult to control. Avoid using it for simple preferences or routines.