by outside forces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by outside forces" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to any sort of influence or interference imposed on something by an agency other than the one directly involved. For example: "The company's decision was swayed by outside forces, ultimately leading to an unexpected outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She's not crushed by outside forces.

The New York Times - Arts

"Jordanians still see Iraq as being manipulated by outside forces.

The New York Times

I'm not going to be moved by outside forces".

The Guardian

Yet their efforts are also informed by outside forces — in particular, by American missionaries.

The New Yorker

Only some of them have been instigated against us by outside forces.

The New York Times

Does the narrator resist names because he sees them as arbitrary signifiers, imposed by outside forces?

The New Yorker

And we will not permit interference in our affairs by outside forces".

The New York Times

Still others attributed lack of progress to improper intervention by outside forces.

The New York Times

Had A.T. & T. been compelled by outside forces to address the issue?

The New Yorker

These elections may divide the country between east and west (abetted perhaps by outside forces).

The New York Times

But even the best-laid plans have a way of being upset by outside forces.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by outside forces" to clearly indicate that an entity or situation is being influenced or acted upon by factors originating from outside its immediate control. This helps convey a sense of external agency and can be particularly useful in analyses of political, economic, or social dynamics.

Common error

Avoid using "by outside forces" as a catch-all explanation for complex phenomena. While it can be accurate, it's often more effective to specify the precise nature and origin of these forces to provide a more nuanced and informative analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by outside forces" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the agent or cause of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase denotes external influences acting upon a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by outside forces" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate external influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and wide applicability. It appears frequently in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it's specific enough to provide meaningful context and avoid overuse as a simplistic explanation. Alternatives like "by external factors" or "by outside influences" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember, while widely used, clarity and specificity are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by external forces

Uses 'external' as a synonym for 'outside', maintaining the same core meaning.

by other forces

Replaces 'outside' with 'other', slightly broadening the scope of the external influence.

by outside influences

Focuses on the act of influencing, rather than the entities themselves.

by outside sources

Substitutes 'forces' with 'sources', focusing on the origin of the influence rather than the exertion itself.

by outside groups

Replaces 'forces' with 'groups', suggesting a more organized or deliberate external influence.

by overseas forces

Specifies that the forces are located in another country.

by outside factors

Broadens the scope to include any external elements that could have an impact.

by foreign forces

Similar to 'overseas forces', but can also imply a sense of opposition or conflict.

by independent forces

Suggests that the forces acting externally are not connected or coordinated.

under external pressure

Emphasizes the experience of being pressured rather than identifying the specific origin of the pressure.

FAQs

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

You can use "by outside forces" to indicate that something is being influenced or controlled by external factors. For example, "The company's failure was attributed to interference "by outside forces"".

What are some alternatives to "by outside forces"?

Alternatives include "by "external factors"", "by "outside influences"", or "by "external pressures"", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "by outside forces" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider whether a more specific term might be more informative in formal writing. Specifying the actual forces at play (e.g., "by market competition", "by government regulation") often strengthens your analysis.

What's the difference between "by outside forces" and "due to internal issues"?

"By outside forces" indicates external causation, while "due to "internal issues"" points to problems originating within the system or entity itself. They represent opposing sources of influence.