by coercing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by coercing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action taken to compel someone to do something against their will or through pressure. Example: "The agreement was reached by coercing the parties involved into compliance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Or by coercing refugees to live in rural areas?

The Guardian - Opinion

And we don't believe that China should be allowed to resolve disputes in contested waters by coercing smaller nations.

The New York Times

The Islamic Republic desires the bomb not so much to revive nationalist élan but to sustain its power by coercing concessions from the international community.

The New York Times

By coercing the religious charities, it is teaching the faithful to distrust government, to segregate themselves from bureaucratic overreach, to pull inward.

The New York Times

The lawsuit alleges that Port Authority investigators abused their authority by coercing the officers under investigation to turn over their personal cellphones so that they could be searched.

The Guardian

She attacked Dolan's central accusation that Browne Sanders tampered with the Garden's investigation into her harassment claims by coercing her employees to help build her case.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Respect for animals cannot be coerced by threats.

The New York Times

PG: But tell me what you mean by coerced.

The New York Times

"These young men, who were serving their country, were railroaded by coerced confessions," said George H. Kendall, a lawyer with Holland & Knight, which worked for the last five years with Hogan & Hartson and Skadden Arps to clear the men.

The New York Times

There may even be hope for greater decentralization of the Internet, so that our information isn't in the hands of a few huge megacorporate Stacks who can easily by coerced by governments.

TechCrunch

If some of us insist that the products we buy not be produced by coerced or maltreated laborers, and the result of the insistence is that some laborers suffer less coercion and maltreatment, whether consumers generally follow our example may not diminish or offset the effects of what some do.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by coercing", ensure that the context clearly indicates the methods and the extent of pressure applied. Be specific about who is being coerced and the desired outcome to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "by coercing" when the influence is mild or simply persuasive. Reserve this phrase for situations where significant pressure or force is involved, to accurately convey the severity of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by coercing" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates the method used to achieve a particular outcome, specifically through the use of force or pressure. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

27%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by coercing" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that describes achieving an outcome through force or pressure. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in contexts such as news and media, science, and wiki sources. While the phrase itself has a neutral tone, the act of coercion carries a negative connotation. When using "by coercing", it's important to accurately reflect the degree of pressure involved. Alternatives include phrases like "by forcing" or "by pressuring", depending on the desired nuance. Remember that overstating the level of coercion can weaken your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through coercion

Emphasizes the method of coercion rather than the active process.

by compelling

Highlights the act of forcing someone to do something.

by pressuring

Suggests applying pressure to influence someone's decision.

by forcing

Focuses on the direct application of force to achieve a result.

by intimidating

Highlights the use of fear to influence behavior.

through duress

Emphasizes the stress and pressure experienced by the coerced party.

by manipulating

Suggests using devious means to influence someone.

by strong-arming

Implies using aggressive tactics to achieve compliance.

under compulsion

Focuses on the state of being forced to do something.

through blackmail

Highlights the use of threats to gain compliance.

FAQs

What does "by coercing" mean?

The phrase "by coercing" means to achieve something by forcing or pressuring someone to do something against their will. It implies a lack of voluntary agreement and the use of some form of compulsion.

How can I use "by coercing" in a sentence?

You can use "by coercing" to describe actions where someone is forced to comply. For example: "The company increased its market share "by coercing" smaller competitors into mergers".

What are some alternatives to "by coercing"?

Alternatives include phrases like "by forcing", "by pressuring", or "through intimidation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a negative connotation with "by coercing"?

Yes, "by coercing" typically carries a negative connotation because it implies the use of unfair or unethical methods to achieve a goal. It suggests that the person being coerced is unwilling and is being compelled against their will.