are forced to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are forced to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone has no choice but to do something due to external circumstances or pressure. Example: "Due to the unexpected circumstances, we are forced to cancel the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are forced to grow.

The New York Times

Indicted MPs are forced to quit.

The Economist

We are forced to steer by guesswork.

The New York Times - Magazine

When they are forced to.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are forced to buy exposure".

The New York Times

Some congregations are forced to rebuild.

The New York Times

We are forced to lie to doctors.

The Guardian - Opinion

Defenses are forced to pick their poison.

The New York Times - Sports

Officers are forced to make road closures.

The Guardian

"They are forced to find new contributors".

The New York Times

"They are forced to follow a script".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are forced to" when you want to emphasize that an action is not voluntary but is happening due to external pressures or circumstances. This can add a layer of meaning beyond simply stating what needs to be done.

Common error

Avoid using "are forced to" when the subject has a clear choice or actively participates in the action. This phrase implies a lack of control or consent, so ensure the context aligns with this meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are forced to" functions as a passive construction indicating compulsion or obligation. Ludwig's examples show it's used when an external force dictates an action, removing agency from the subject. The Ludwig AI validates that is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are forced to" is a versatile construction used to express obligation, compulsion, or lack of choice. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the examples provided showcase its wide usage across diverse fields such as news, science, and business. While it maintains a neutral tone, remember to use it when external pressures genuinely drive an action to avoid misrepresenting the subject's agency. Consider alternatives like "are compelled to" or "have to" to fine-tune the intended meaning. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively utilize "are forced to" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are compelled to

Emphasizes a strong, often irresistible, pressure or obligation.

are obliged to

Highlights a moral or legal duty to do something.

have to

A more common and informal way of expressing necessity or obligation.

are required to

Indicates a formal requirement or regulation necessitates the action.

are made to

Suggests an external agent is causing the action.

are under an obligation to

Stresses the binding nature of the requirement.

are duty-bound to

Emphasizes a sense of responsibility or commitment.

are constrained to

Highlights the limitations or restrictions leading to the action.

must

Expresses a strong necessity or requirement, often implying authority.

cannot avoid

Focuses on the inescapability of the action.

FAQs

How to use "are forced to" in a sentence?

Use "are forced to" to indicate that someone or something is compelled to do something against their will or due to circumstances, as in, "They "are forced to comply" with the new regulations".

What can I say instead of "are forced to"?

You can use alternatives like "are compelled to", "are obliged to", or "have to" depending on the context.

Is "are forced to" formal or informal?

"Are forced to" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "are required to" may be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "are forced to" and "choose to"?

"Are forced to" implies a lack of choice or external pressure, whereas "choose to" indicates a voluntary decision. The key difference lies in the agency and willingness of the subject.