by human force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by human force" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that was done through physical effort or strength, such as "The prisoners escaped by human force."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A good chef's knife is an extension of the human hand, propelled by human force.

The New York Times - Magazine

Because the can crusher is operated by human force, it's a good idea to eliminate any edges that can cause scratches or splinters.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The rehabilitation robot designed for this type executes a task by amplifying human force or supplying the human operator with an assisting force [13],[13].

Robotics and Biomimetics

Many of the smaller rock sites that have been found, such as shelters and cooking areas, have been moved over time by natural and human forces.

BBC

The speed of an unmanned craft is limited by its structure rather than by human G-force limitations.

The Guardian

Studies of contemporary land-cover change require an integrated approach because changes in cover and environmental conditions are primarily caused by land uses, which, in turn are governed by human driving forces in a specific socio-economic and cultural context.

Landscape and Urban Planning

Her work creates a somber vision of Island nature beset by both natural and human forces.

The New York Times

This concept describes a form that is "too heavily determined by non-human forces" (Nio 2004, p. 43) to allow for human recognition (something that is, by contrast, possible for identity).

City, Territory and Architecture

Indeed, in emergency situations, whether caused by human or natural forces, education serves many purposes as a tool for protection and prevention of harm and abuse (Sinclair 2001).

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

In particular, the case related to the kidnap and murder of Marita Veron, who, evidence suggests, was kidnapped by human traffickers and forced into prostitution.

Vice

If all goes according to plan, every day for two years the instrument will take half a million measurements of carbon dioxide -- the most significant greenhouse gas produced by human and natural forces -- over land and sea around the globe.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions relying on physical prowess, consider using "by human force" to emphasize the direct application of strength, particularly when contrasting it with mechanical or automated processes.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "by human force" can sound somewhat archaic or overly emphatic in certain contexts. Consider using simpler alternatives like "manually" or "by hand" for clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by human force" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify the means by which an action is carried out. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by human force" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase that specifies an action powered directly by people. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in writing. While its frequency is rare, it serves to emphasize physical effort, especially in contrast to automated processes. While the phrase is valid across many contexts (News & Media, Science and Wiki), writers should be mindful of the possibility of sounding slightly emphatic and prefer simpler options such as "manually" in informal settings. Alternative phrases that closely resemble its meaning include "through human effort", "with human strength", and "by manual power".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through human effort

Replaces "force" with "effort", focusing on the exertion of energy.

with human strength

Substitutes "force" with "strength", highlighting physical power.

by manual power

Uses "manual power" to specify the type of force involved.

through physical means

Emphasizes the physicality of the action.

using human muscle

Focuses on the muscles used to generate the force.

by hand

Highlights the direct involvement of hands in applying the force.

via human exertion

Replaces force with the process of active use of strength.

through manpower

Emphasizes a concerted strength use by a group of people.

with physical labor

Underlines the physical nature of the work.

by organic means

Organic means as opposed to mechanical.

FAQs

How can I use "by human force" in a sentence?

You can use "by human force" to describe an action that is powered by people instead of machines. For example: "The gate was opened "by human force" after the power outage".

What's a synonym for "by human force"?

Alternatives to "by human force" include "through human effort", "with human strength", or "by manual power".

Is "by human force" formal or informal?

"By human force" is relatively neutral in tone but can sometimes sound slightly formal or emphatic. Simpler alternatives may be preferable in informal contexts.

When should I use "by human force" instead of "manually"?

Use "by human force" when you want to emphasize the physical exertion and direct involvement of people, whereas "manually" simply indicates that something was done by hand rather than automatically.