be forced to stop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be forced to stop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone or something is compelled to cease an action or process, often due to external circumstances. Example: "Due to the severe weather conditions, we may be forced to stop the event early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Others may be forced to stop the transfer of data to the US until they have.

The Guardian - Tech

Will you be forced to stop at an outlet mall to pick up decorations and lights?

The New York Times - Travel

They could be forced to stop offering health insurance and be saddled with fines, which are immense competitive disadvantages.

The New York Times

After a 45-day comment period, the city will be forced to stop this stigmatizing process that deters struggling families from getting the help they need.

The New York Times

PENALTIES The proposed regulations lack clear, stiff penalties, beyond threats that banks found to be engaged in proprietary trading will be forced to stop.

The New York Times

And even the most famous of them all, Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, has only about five more years before it will be forced to stop selling plots.

The New York Times

"I would rather die than be forced to stop what I believe in," declares Mountaga Tall, the supreme spiritual leader of northern Senegal's Toucouleur people.

The Economist

Russia's largest oil producer warned on Wednesday that it might be forced to stop exporting, as the brinkmanship between the company, Yukos, and the Kremlin intensified.

The New York Times

F4 BUSINESS DAY C1-14 Yukos Upsets Oil MaRussiaRussia's biggest oil producer, Yukos, warned that it might be forced to stop exporting oil.

The New York Times

PAGE B1 Yukos Rattles Oil Markets Amid an intensifying tax dispute with the Kremlin, Yukos said that it might be forced to stop exporting oil.

The New York Times

The perpetual darkness and deep freeze of winter means clean up efforts would be forced to stop for large parts of the year.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be forced to stop", ensure the reason for being forced is clear to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "Due to budget cuts, the program will be forced to stop accepting new applicants."

Common error

Avoid using "be forced to stop" when active voice is more appropriate and direct. Instead of "The company will be forced to stop by the government", consider "The government will force the company to stop".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be forced to stop" functions as a passive modal verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is under duress and lacks agency in ceasing an activity. As Ludwig AI shows, this construction is prevalent in news reporting and formal communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be forced to stop" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a compelled cessation of activity. As verified by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating external pressures or requirements. While alternatives like "be compelled to stop" or "have to stop" exist, the specific choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure the reasons behind the compulsion are clear to maintain context. Furthermore, be mindful of instances where an active voice construction might be more direct and impactful. Understanding these nuances will ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be compelled to stop

Emphasizes obligation, often legal or moral, to cease.

be forced to discontinue

A more formal synonym of "be forced to stop".

be obliged to stop

Suggests a formal or legal requirement to stop.

have to stop

A more informal way of expressing necessity.

be required to stop

Highlights a rule or regulation necessitating the action.

be made to stop

Emphasizes external coercion in causing the cessation.

be under pressure to stop

Highlights the influence prompting the halt.

be left with no choice but to stop

Emphasizes the lack of alternatives, making stopping the only option.

be prevented from continuing

Focuses on the act of being blocked or hindered.

find oneself unable to continue

Highlights the subject's inability to proceed.

FAQs

How can I use "be forced to stop" in a sentence?

Use "be forced to stop" when an external force or circumstance compels someone or something to cease an action. For instance, "They will be forced to stop construction due to the permit expiring".

What are some alternatives to "be forced to stop"?

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

Is it better to use "be forced to stop" or "have to stop"?

"Be forced to stop" is more formal and emphasizes external pressure, while "have to stop" is more informal and general. Choose the phrase that best suits the tone and context of your writing. For example, "The athlete "had to stop" the race due to injury" versus "The project will be forced to stop due to lack of funding".

What's the difference between "be forced to stop" and "be required to stop"?

"Be forced to stop" implies a lack of choice due to external forces, while "be required to stop" suggests a rule or obligation is necessitating the action. The former is more about pressure, the latter about procedure.