application of force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "application of force" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to the act of exerting physical strength or power, the purpose of which is to make something move, change, or obey a command. For example: "The policeman warned the crowd to disperse, but when his pleas went ignored, he had to resort to the application of force."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They can loiter, observe and strike, with a far more precise application of force.

The New York Times

Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi had felt the wrath of Reagan's jets, so the application of force concentrated his mind.

The New York Times - Books

This is a direct application of force, and it puts young men and women in harm's way.

The New York Times

With the application of force, however, the molecules straighten out in the direction in which they are being pulled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His rules for the application of force have been maligned by more interventionist critics, liberal and conservative, as an excuse for inaction.

The New York Times - Magazine

"All injuries were consistent with what might be expected from the application of force reasonably necessary to secure them during the direct action mission at Hazar Qadam.

The New York Times

Moreover, in his theory of impetus, all terrestrial motion, presumably including that of Earth itself, would grind to a halt without the continued application of force.

Encyclopedia Britannica

First, they involve the use of deceit and concealment, rather than the application of force or violence, for the illegitimate gain of money, property, or services.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After the incident, according to the safety board, simply pushing the throttles to full open with "a normal application of force" would produce an error message on the plane's computer screens.

The New York Times

The final wording narrowed the application of force by saying it would require the express consent of Somalia's government and should be pursued with an appropriate level of intensity.

The New York Times

But he underscored a lesson learned during his time in uniform, dating to the Vietnam War, which he described as "an acute understanding of the finite application of force abroad — as well as its impact at home".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or ethical contexts, be specific about the type and level of "application of force" to avoid ambiguity. For example, distinguish between "application of deadly force" and "application of necessary force".

Common error

Avoid using "application of force" as a vague term. Always specify the nature, context, and justification for the force being applied. Vague usage can lead to misinterpretations and ethical concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "application of force" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of exerting physical strength or power. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "application of force" is a versatile noun phrase frequently employed across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias. Ludwig AI validates its correct grammatical structure and wide-ranging applicability. While grammatically sound, writers should strive for specificity to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives like "use of force" or "exertion of force" can provide nuanced meaning depending on the context. Remember to specify the "application of force" context and type for accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

use of force

This alternative focuses on the act of using force, rather than the act of applying it.

exertion of force

This alternative emphasizes the effort involved in applying force.

exercise of power

This alternative broadens the concept to include non-physical forms of influence.

deployment of strength

This alternative highlights the strategic use of strength.

implementation of authority

This alternative suggests the use of force stemming from a position of authority.

enforcement of rules

This alternative specifically refers to the use of force to ensure compliance with rules.

imposition of control

This alternative emphasizes the act of gaining or maintaining control through force.

administration of power

This alternative suggests a more managed or systematic use of force.

delivery of impact

This alternative stresses the effect resulting from the application of force.

wielding of influence

This alternative suggests skillfully using force to achieve a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "application of force" in a sentence?

You can use "application of force" to describe the exertion of power or strength. For example, "The police officer's "application of force" was deemed excessive by the review board".

What are some alternatives to "application of force"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "use of force", "exertion of force", or "exercise of power".

Is "application of force" formal or informal?

"Application of force" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, and news-related contexts.

What is the difference between "application of force" and "application of violence"?

"Application of force" is a broader term that encompasses the exertion of power, while "application of violence" specifically refers to the use of physical force intended to cause harm or damage.