are compulsory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are compulsory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is required or mandatory in a specific context, such as rules, regulations, or guidelines. Example: "Attendance at the safety training sessions are compulsory for all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Seat belts are compulsory.

The New York Times

7. Regrettably bagpipes are compulsory.

The Guardian

Helmets are recommended, and are compulsory for races.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Jacket and tie are compulsory - strictly no lycra allowed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are a lot of cash incentives and subsidies for such schemes, but none are compulsory.

The Guardian

War films are shown three times a week and are compulsory.

The Guardian - Books

The lunches are compulsory, with parents being charged £75 upfront for each six-week period.

The Guardian - Opinion

Further information A yellow fever certificate and Mali visa are compulsory.

The Guardian - Travel

The pour and speed tests are compulsory events in the Legends of Bartending tournament.

The New York Times - Style

PSHE encompasses a number of different areas, many of which are compulsory.

Independent

Weekly shower baths are compulsory in some of the public schools.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are compulsory", ensure the context clearly indicates what entities or actions are subject to the requirement. For example, specify "Attendance at all meetings are compulsory for team leaders."

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the scope of what is "compulsory". Do not assume the audience understands the unstated subject. For instance, instead of "These are compulsory", specify "These safety procedures are compulsory for all personnel."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are compulsory" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject and indicating a state of requirement or obligation. Ludwig examples confirm its role in specifying mandatory actions, rules, or items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are compulsory" is grammatically correct and widely used to express that something is required or mandatory. As Ludwig AI confirms, its applications span news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, reflecting a neutral to slightly formal register. When using "are compulsory", prioritize clarity by explicitly stating the subjects or actions being mandated to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "are mandatory" or "are required", depending on the nuances of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are mandatory

Replaces "compulsory" with "mandatory", a direct synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

are required

Substitutes "compulsory" with "required", another synonym, keeping the meaning almost identical.

are obligatory

Employs "obligatory" in place of "compulsory", offering a more formal tone while preserving the core meaning.

are a must

Uses a more informal and emphatic way to express the necessity of something.

are not optional

Expresses the lack of choice, highlighting that something is mandatory.

are enforced

Focuses on the active enforcement of a rule or regulation.

are dictated

Emphasizes that a set of rules or guidelines is imposed.

are demanded

Highlights a strong requirement or expectation.

are non-negotiable

Indicates that something cannot be altered or debated.

are a condition

Highlights that something is an essential requirement for something else to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "are compulsory" in a sentence?

You can use "are compulsory" to indicate that certain actions, rules, or items are required and not optional. For example, "Helmets "are compulsory" during the race."

What phrases have similar meanings to "are compulsory"?

Alternatives include "are mandatory", "are required", or "are obligatory". These phrases all convey a sense of necessity and lack of choice.

Is there a difference between "are compulsory" and "are required"?

While both phrases indicate something is not optional, "are compulsory" can sometimes imply a stronger sense of enforcement or regulation than "are required". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What is the best way to ensure clarity when using "are compulsory"?

To avoid confusion, explicitly state what the subject of the phrase refers to. Instead of saying "These "are compulsory"", specify "These safety regulations "are compulsory" for all employees."