be compelled

USAGE SUMMARY

"be compelled" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is being forced or strongly urged to do something. Example: The new law compels all citizens to pay higher taxes. In this sentence, "be compelled" is used to show that the citizens are being forced to pay higher taxes due to the new law.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Corporations must similarly be compelled to ensure the well-being of India's future human capital by promoting child-friendly development.

BMC Public Health

They should be compelled to fix it.

The New York Times

Should workers be compelled to join unions or pay dues?

The New York Times

Instead, it will be compelled to seek alliances.

The Economist

Will boys continue to be compelled to ignore that hunger?

The New York Times

So you can't be compelled to admit women.

The New York Times

Private companies cannot be compelled in the same way.

The Guardian

If investors won't cooperate, they can be compelled.

The New York Times

Why should the global community be compelled to listen?

The Guardian

And voters appear to be compelled by Mrs. Edwards's battle.

The New York Times

We felt that we'd be compelled -- no, required!

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be compelled", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the compulsion, whether it's a law, moral obligation, or external force.

Common error

Avoid using "be compelled" when a weaker term like "encouraged" or "invited" is more appropriate. "Be compelled" suggests a significant degree of force or necessity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be compelled" functions as a passive construction of the verb 'compel'. It indicates that a subject is being forced or obligated to perform an action due to external pressures or requirements. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing numerous examples of its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be compelled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys a sense of obligation or force. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is acted upon. Its usage is common across News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, denoting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the source of compulsion is clear and that the context warrants the strong implication of force. Alternatives like "be forced" or "be obliged" can be considered depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be forced

Indicates a lack of choice due to external pressure.

be obliged

Suggests a moral or legal duty to act.

be required

Implies a rule or regulation necessitates the action.

be constrained

Highlights limitations or restrictions leading to a particular action.

be made to

Emphasizes the imposition of an action by someone else.

be necessitated

Focuses on the circumstances making an action unavoidable.

be driven

Highlights internal or external pressures motivating an action.

be induced

Suggests persuasion or encouragement leading to an action.

be influenced

Indicates a more subtle effect on decision-making, leading to an action.

feel obligated

Highlights the subjective feeling of needing to act.

FAQs

How to use "be compelled" in a sentence?

Use "be compelled" to indicate that someone is forced or strongly urged to do something. For example, "The law compels all citizens to pay taxes."

What can I say instead of "be compelled"?

You can use alternatives like "be forced", "be obliged", or "be required" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be compelled to" or "must"?

Both "be compelled to" and "must" can express obligation. However, "be compelled to" often implies an external force, while "must" can express internal or external obligation. For example: "I must finish this report" versus "I am compelled to finish this report by my manager".

What's the difference between "be compelled" and "be persuaded"?

"Be compelled" implies force or necessity, while "be persuaded" suggests influence or convincing. You are forced if you "be compelled", and you have been convinced if you "be persuaded".