can be coerced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be coerced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is forced or pressured into doing something against their will. Example: "In certain situations, individuals can be coerced into making decisions they would not normally make."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

No human being, for instance, can be coerced into donating an organ -- even if the individual donating the organ is unlikely to be harmed and the individual receiving the organ could be saved.

The New York Times

It's hosted by a mentalist and illusionist, Derren Brown (of Derren Brown: Mind Control), who presents a scheme to find out if people can be coerced into killing another human being.

Vice

No one can be coerced into membership nor can one become a member automatically, as it were, through a sacramental act.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Too many depend upon centralised services for social networking and publication; those services are operated by businesses that can be coerced, bought or bribed.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is something we heard in open ­evidence". Immigration minister Phil Woolas said child trafficking was "a very difficult issue, as children can be coerced or misled".

The Guardian

In dealing with the Palestinians and the Lebanese, the Israelis will have to revise their doctrine that their adversaries can be coerced solely by military force.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

If you say yes, then you think that people can never be coerced into action by circumstances that do not involve the direct physical compulsion of another person.

The New York Times

I criticised the lack of this information (which does exist, and can usually be coerced into appearing by prodding the top of the screen) with WP7.

The Guardian - Tech

Whereas ethics analyzes the concept of what is demanded of a freely willing subject, the theory of right describes what such a subject is permitted to do (as well as what he can rightfully be coerced to do).

SEP

The ACLU worries that the minority party can still be coerced into agreeing to a map that egregiously benefits the party in power, despite this complex process.

HuffPost

The true interests of the individual are to be identified with the interests of this whole, and individuals can and should be coerced into fulfilling these interests, for they would not resist coercion if they were as rational and wise as their coercers.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be coerced", consider the specific type of pressure or force being applied and whether a more precise term would be more accurate. For example, use "intimidated" if fear is involved, or "manipulated" if deception is present.

Common error

Avoid using "can be coerced" excessively in the passive voice, as it can weaken your writing. Sometimes it's better to specify who is doing the coercing to make the sentence more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be coerced" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the possibility or potential for someone or something to be subjected to coercion. As shown in Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be coerced" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the potential for someone or something to be forced into a certain action, as validated by Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with notable use in science and encyclopedic sources. When writing, it's important to consider the specific type of pressure involved and whether a more precise term would be suitable. Be mindful of overusing the passive voice when employing this phrase. By using alternative phrases and avoiding common errors, you can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be compelled

Emphasizes the element of obligation or necessity being imposed.

might be forced

Highlights the possibility of force being used to make someone act.

could be pressured

Focuses on the psychological influence exerted on an individual.

are susceptible to coercion

Indicates a vulnerability to being influenced against one's will.

can be influenced unduly

Highlights that the influence goes beyond acceptable limits.

may be manipulated

Suggests a cunning or deceptive influence is at play.

can be strong-armed

Implies the use of aggressive tactics to force compliance.

might be intimidated

Emphasizes the use of fear to control someone's actions.

are liable to be swayed

Focuses on the ease with which someone's opinion or decision can be changed.

can be steamrolled

Conveys a sense of being overwhelmed and forced into submission.

FAQs

How can I use "can be coerced" in a sentence?

You can use "can be coerced" to describe situations where someone is forced or pressured into doing something against their will. For example: "Witnesses "can be coerced" into providing false testimonies."

What are some alternatives to "can be coerced"?

Some alternatives include "may be compelled", "might be forced", or "could be pressured", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "can be coerced" or "are coerced"?

The choice depends on the context. "Can be coerced" suggests a potential or possibility, while "are coerced" indicates that the action is actually happening. For example, "They "can be coerced"" versus "They "are coerced" by the mafia."

What's the difference between "coerced" and "persuaded"?

"Coerced" implies the use of force, threats, or other forms of pressure to make someone do something against their will. "Persuaded", on the other hand, involves convincing someone through reasoning or argument, without the use of force.