an external force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an external force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing influences or factors that come from outside a system or entity, such as in physics, social sciences, or organizational behavior. Example: "The changes in the market were driven by an external force that we had not anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I provide my students an external force to oscillate themselves.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But I'm against change and reform imposed by an external force".

The New York Times

This is an attack on the entire Sri Lankan umpiring fraternity by an external force".

The Guardian - Sport

"You are in his country, and he sees you as an external force," Colonel Miskina said.

The New York Times

Both these properties represent the reaction of a mineral to an external force.

Britannica

A liquid flows under the action of an external force; it does not hold its shape.

Britannica

Meaningful democracy cannot flourish as long as an external force maintains the balance of power.

The Washington Post

MT: Is it "the community" that forces out the Muslims or, to a greater extent an external force coming in?

The Guardian

Except that shame is an external force; pretty much by definition, it's a social sanction, not a psychological barrier.

The New Yorker

The device uses a piezoelectric actuator to generate the haptic illusion of an external force.

Mechatronics

However, like any dance, these complex movements could only occur if an external force was acting on the dancer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an external force" in scientific writing, be precise about the nature of the force, its point of application, and its effects on the system under consideration.

Common error

Avoid attributing changes or effects solely to "an external force" without considering the internal dynamics and pre-existing conditions of the system. Always analyze the interaction between external forces and internal factors for a comprehensive understanding.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "an external force" is as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a factor originating from outside a defined system or entity. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in diverse contexts, from physics to social dynamics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an external force" is a frequently used noun phrase that signifies an influence originating from outside a defined system. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its wide applicability across science, news, and encyclopedia contexts. Related phrases, such as "an outside influence" or "an exogenous influence", offer nuanced alternatives depending on the desired emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the specific nature and impact of the force, and avoid attributing effects solely to external factors without considering internal dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exogenous influence

Uses a more technical term, "exogenous", common in scientific and economic contexts, to indicate an outside variable.

an outside pressure

Substitutes "force" with "pressure", highlighting the constraining or compelling nature of the external influence.

an outside influence

This alternative replaces the direct concept of "force" with a broader term for influence, softening the mechanistic implication.

an extrinsic effect

Highlights the effect stemming from something that is not inherent or intrinsic to the system.

an extraneous factor

This alternative emphasizes the irrelevance or non-essential nature of the outside element affecting the system.

an imposed change

Focuses on the result of the external force, which is the act of something being imposed.

an exterior stimulus

Focuses on the external factor as a trigger or cause of a response within the system.

a foreign intervention

Suggests a more deliberate and potentially disruptive external influence, especially in political or social contexts.

an alien power

Emphasizes the foreign or unfamiliar source of the influence.

an imposed constraint

This alternative emphasizes that the effect of the external force is that of something being limited.

FAQs

How can I use "an external force" in a sentence?

You can use "an external force" to describe influences from outside a system. For instance, "The company's downfall was due to "an external force", such as increased competition".

What phrases are similar to "an external force"?

Alternatives include "an outside influence", "an extraneous factor", or "an exogenous influence", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an external force" in formal writing?

Yes, "an external force" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to describe influences originating from outside a system, and it appears in reputable sources.

What's the difference between "an external force" and "an internal force"?

"An external force" originates from outside a system, while "an internal force" originates from within the system. For example, market competition is often viewed as "an external force", whereas company culture is "an internal force".