become compelled to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become compelled to" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to feel obligated or forced to do something. Example: After witnessing the devastating effects of pollution on the environment, she became compelled to join a conservation group and help spread awareness about protecting nature.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the comparatively decentralized space, we have become compelled to take everyone's grievances seriously, even when those claims for civility and courteous debate have been made in bad faith.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Consequently, it becomes compelled to design new space missions considering End-of-Life requirements in order to ensure the sustainable use of space orbits.

Science of The Total Environment

When I discovered the true story of Hadrian and Antinous I was at first fascinated by it, then quickly disappointed by the fact that I hadn't heard of it and finally, most importantly, I became compelled to share it.

Columbia University

To a large degree my experiences in the second world war have informed my political opinions, and having seen at first-hand the devastation that war causes, I became compelled to protest my opposition to military conflict around the world and also my support for racial equality.

The Guardian - Opinion

I simply felt I had information the average small businessperson could use and became compelled to share it.

Forbes

By "bundling" online subscriptions to entire catalogues of academic journals at prices significantly lower than the institutional subscription for each journal, academic libraries became compelled to enter contracts with large commercial publishing companies to provide faculty and students with access to content needed to support their research (Johnson 2005).

Asia-Pacific Science Education

Girl Rising touched my activist spirit and rebellious soul because I became compelled to do more than stand as a silent observer while injustice prevails.

Huffington Post

I became compelled to converse with Rie about the mission of her company, her modern view on our perception of aging, as well as, her approach to designing canes.

HuffPost

But the case for trying to measure the happiness of a society, rather than its growth and productivity alone, has become compelling.

The New York Times

That said, by the end, it has become compelling.

The New York Times - Books

During the past century, the evidence for the risks imposed on human health by excess salt consumption has become compelling.

British Medical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become compelled to", ensure the context clearly explains the reason or source of the compulsion. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "become compelled to" when a simpler expression of willingness or inclination would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound overly dramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become compelled to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of being influenced or driven towards a specific action. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase conveys a sense of obligation or necessity arising from an external or internal influence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become compelled to" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express a feeling of obligation or necessity. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing, though it is considered relatively rare in overall usage. The phrase indicates a process of internalizing a sense of duty, driven by external or internal factors. While versatile, writers should ensure that the compulsion is clearly justified and avoid overusing the phrase to maintain a natural and sincere tone. The contexts where the phrase can be used may vary based on formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel obligated to

Replaces "become compelled to" with a more direct expression of feeling bound to act.

be duty-bound to

Suggests a stronger sense of moral or professional obligation.

find oneself obliged to

Emphasizes the process of realizing one's obligation.

be driven to

Highlights the internal motivation or pressure leading to an action.

be forced to

Indicates external pressure or coercion.

be left with no option but to

Emphasizes the lack of alternatives.

be under an obligation to

Highlights the existence of a formal or informal agreement.

be inclined to

Suggests a predisposition or leaning towards an action.

be predisposed to

Indicates a natural tendency or inclination.

find it necessary to

Highlights the perceived need to take a certain action.

FAQs

How can I use "become compelled to" in a sentence?

You can use "become compelled to" to express a sense of obligation arising from a specific situation. For instance, "After witnessing the injustice, she "became compelled to" speak out."

What's the difference between "become compelled to" and "feel compelled to"?

"Become compelled to" suggests a gradual process leading to a feeling of obligation, while "feel compelled to" indicates a more immediate sense of duty or necessity.

What can I say instead of "become compelled to"?

You can use alternatives like "feel obligated to", "be duty-bound to", or "be driven to" depending on the context.

Is "become compelled to" formal or informal?

"Become compelled to" leans towards a more formal register, suitable for academic, professional, or news contexts, but it can be used in neutral settings as well.