a constructive force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a constructive force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that has a positive and beneficial impact on a situation or environment. Example: "The community organization has proven to be a constructive force in promoting local development and social cohesion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It is desperate to be seen as a constructive force in Argentina".

The New York Times

Yet private enterprise can still be a constructive force in postwar Iraq.

The New York Times

That feat was achieved in December by Adam Wildavsky, long a constructive force on the New York bridge scene.

The New York Times - Arts

China is a staunch supporter of liberalisation in investment and trade and is also a constructive force in global economic and financial restructuring.

The Economist

Neither value is reducible to liberalism or conservatism as we now understand them, although communitarianism presumes a belief that government is at least potentially a constructive force.

The New York Times - Books

Neither has any interest in metaphysical principles or historical missions; they do not aim to justify Judaism as a constructive force in world history.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

There are plans aplenty for demolishing large parts of what's left of Detroit, which in its heyday was the symbol of an America that was still a powerfully constructive force, a place that could produce things and improve the lives of its people and inspire the rest of the world.

The New York Times

And a G.O.P. remade along libertarian-populist lines — more anti-interventionist abroad, suspicious of big government and big business at home — would be a much more interesting party, and in certain ways a more constructive force in American politics, than the G.O.P. that Mitt Romney led down to defeat last fall.

The New York Times

They must assert that not only is democracy an essential component of Israel's very being and a potent constructive force throughout Israel's history, but that the defense of Israel's vibrant democratic traditions are a core value for those on the political right.

Huffington Post

It was a sound constructive force in the world".

The New York Times

Riverside Labour party was a very constructive force in doing that.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a constructive force" when you want to emphasize the active and positive role that something or someone plays in a situation. For example, "Education can be a constructive force in reducing poverty".

Common error

Avoid using "a constructive force" in situations where simpler, more direct language would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a constructive force" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig shows that it's used to describe entities or concepts that have a positive and beneficial impact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a constructive force" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes something or someone having a positive impact. According to Ludwig, it frequently appears in news and media, highlighting its use in formal contexts. While it's a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in simple situations. Consider alternative phrases like "a positive influence" or "a beneficial factor" for variety. When in doubt, evaluate your audience and purpose to choose the most effective language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a positive influence

Focuses on the impact of something, rather than its active role.

a beneficial factor

Highlights the advantage or benefit provided.

a contributing element

Emphasizes the role in adding to a larger outcome.

a helpful influence

More directly emphasizes the assistance provided.

a valuable asset

Highlights the worth and importance of something.

a driving force

Emphasizes the energy and momentum behind something.

an enabling influence

Highlights the capacity to empower or facilitate.

a stabilizing influence

Specifically relates to promoting stability and order.

a formative influence

Relates to shaping or molding something over time.

a positive catalyst

Implies accelerating a positive change or reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "a constructive force" in a sentence?

You can use "a constructive force" to describe something or someone that has a positive and beneficial impact. For example: "The new policy proved to be "a constructive force" in improving community relations."

What's a good alternative to "a constructive force"?

Alternatives to "a constructive force" include "a positive influence", "a beneficial factor", or "a contributing element" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a constructive force"?

While grammatically correct, "a constructive force" may sound overly formal in casual contexts. Consider the audience and purpose of your writing to determine if a simpler alternative is more suitable.

What's the difference between "a constructive force" and "a destructive force"?

"A constructive force" implies a positive and beneficial impact, while "a destructive force" implies a negative and harmful impact. They are antonyms, representing opposite effects.