by force of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by force of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the influence of something that is powerful enough to bring about a certain result. For example: "By force of his impressive resume, he was able to secure a job at the top company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What America cannot impose by force of arms we seem to be able to impose by force of Hot Wings.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It's something you achieve by force of law".

The New Yorker

Others stay, but only by force of sheer, grinding will.

The New Yorker

In others, it will be by force of reason.

The Guardian

Now she wrestles it by force of will.

The Guardian - Music

And by force of referendum, that is the law".

The New York Times

Many of those movements became revolutionary not only by force of logic but also by force of social and political pressure (see eschatology).

Britannica

By force of habit: a consumption-based explanation of aggregate stock market behavior.

Harvard University

Yet we can't simply end it by force of will and commandments from Washing-ton.

Princeton University

When nations seek to resolve their differences by force of arms, a million tragedies ensue.

The New York Times

-- "Samson and Delilah" He was not captured by force of arms, but by their softness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with abstract nouns for more sophisticated writing, such as "by force of argument" or "by force of will".

Common error

Avoid using "by force of" when you simply mean a physical push or impact unless you are using specific technical terms like "by force of impact". In many physical contexts, using "with force" is more natural. For example, 'he hit the door with force' is generally preferred over 'he hit the door by force of his arms'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by force of" functions as a complex prepositional phrase that introduces the cause or means by which an action is completed. According to Ludwig AI, it is consistently used to bridge an action with the underlying power (be it physical, psychological, or legal) that drives it. It serves as an adverbial modifier, providing depth to how a verb's action is manifested through a particular quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by force of" is a highly effective and grammatically correct phrase for describing outcomes driven by a powerful influence. As shown by Ludwig AI, it is most commonly paired with abstract concepts such as "will", "personality", "law", and "habit". Its presence in world-class publications like The New York Times and The Guardian confirms its reliability for formal writing. Whether you are describing a leader's charisma or the undeniable logic of an argument, this phrase adds a layer of intensity and authority to your prose. While similar to "by dint of", it remains unique in its ability to signify an overwhelming, compelling power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by dint of

often used to emphasize great effort or persistence rather than just influence

by virtue of

implies a right or a quality that inherently produces the result

through the power of

more literal and direct, focusing on the strength behind the action

on the strength of

suggests that a particular quality is the reason for success or a decision

by means of

a more neutral way to describe the tool or method used to achieve something

through the agency of

more formal and often used to describe an external force or intermediary

via the weight of

metaphorically highlights the burden or significance of a factor

under the pressure of

emphasizes the compelling or stressful nature of the influence

due to the intensity of

shifts focus specifically to the extreme degree of the cause

by coercion of

specifically denotes negative or forced influence through threats or power

FAQs

How to use "by force of" in a sentence?

You can use it to explain how someone achieved something through a particular strength. For example: "She won the debate "by force of" logic."

What is the difference between "by force of" and "by dint of"?

While similar, "by dint of" often emphasizes the persistence or the hard work involved, whereas "by force of" focuses on the compelling nature or power of the attribute mentioned.

Can I say "by virtue of" instead of "by force of"?

Yes, but "by virtue of" usually implies that someone has a right or a specific status, while "by force of" implies a more active, compelling influence.

What's the difference between "by force of habit" and "out of habit"?

Both are common, but "by force of habit" sounds more literary and suggests the habit is so strong it is almost impossible to break, whereas "out of habit" is a more casual, everyday way to describe a repeated action.