by external forces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by external forces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe influences or impacts that come from outside a particular system or entity. Example: "The changes in the market were driven by external forces that we could not control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I think anyone whose childhood was swamped by external forces have a common spine about them.

The Guardian - Film

His leadership will be shaped by his colleagues and framed by external forces.

The Guardian

In other words, Durkheim believed that individual human behaviour is shaped by external forces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While there may be characteristics inherent to the position, the wide receiver has also been shaped by external forces.

The New York Times - Sports

Seethaler blends tragedy and whimsy to create a bittersweet picture of youthful ideals getting clobbered by external forces.

The Guardian - Books

But when he observed that education was increasingly being shaped by external forces, Nietzsche was on to something important.

The Guardian - Books

I was wondering how the body would be changed if it were buffeted by external forces, by winds and gales.

The New York Times - Arts

I know one thing: he's not usually motivated by external forces, but I've never seen someone basically call him out".

The New York Times - Sports

In AC/DC, Williams uses the way in which schizophrenics often feel controlled by external forces as a metaphor for the way the media conditions people's minds.

The Guardian

This represents the destruction of the child's innocence by external forces, and is important as it underlines that the blame lies outside of the child.

The Guardian

"The situation is so complicated that it would be not only naive but dangerous to rely on its settlement by external forces, even if these are United Nations forces," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by external forces", ensure the context clearly identifies what those forces are. Vague references can weaken the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences with "by external forces" in a way that completely negates internal agency or responsibility. Acknowledge both internal and external factors for a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by external forces" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the cause or means by which an action occurs or a state is achieved. Ludwig examples showcase this across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by external forces" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe situations where external factors exert influence or control. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears across a broad spectrum of contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, clarity is paramount; ensure the "external forces" are clearly defined to enhance the impact of your message. Remember to consider potential internal agency to present a balanced and nuanced perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

driven by outside factors

Highlights the impetus from external sources.

impacted by outside influences

Focuses on the effect of the external source.

due to outside influences

Focuses on the origin of the influence being external.

shaped by external influences

Stresses the formative effect of outside elements.

resulting from exogenous factors

Emphasizes the causal relationship with factors that originate externally.

affected by exterior pressures

Emphasizes the pressure exerted from external sources.

subject to external constraints

Highlights the limitations imposed externally.

determined by external circumstances

Highlights that conditions outside are decisive.

governed by environmental factors

Highlights the rule of outside environmental components.

influenced by the environment

Generalizes the range of external influences to the overall surroundings.

FAQs

How can I use "by external forces" in a sentence?

You can use "by external forces" to describe how something is influenced or changed by factors originating outside of it. For instance, "The company's profits were affected by external forces such as increased competition and changes in consumer demand."

What are some alternatives to using "by external forces"?

Alternatives include "due to outside influences", "resulting from exogenous factors", or "driven by outside factors". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "by external forces" and "by internal forces"?

"By external forces" refers to influences originating from outside a system or entity, while "by internal forces" refers to influences originating from within. They represent opposing sources of influence.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "by external forces"?

Use "by external forces" when you want to emphasize that the primary cause or influence comes from outside a particular system, entity, or individual. This is particularly relevant when discussing factors beyond direct control.