coercing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "coercing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that means to persuade someone to do something they are unwilling to do by using threats or force. For example: “The kidnapper tried to coerce his victim into giving him the money.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is coercing his stroke and its after-effects to his career while at the same time forcing himself, he says, to slow down.

The Guardian

The lawsuit alleges that Port Authority investigators abused their authority by coercing the officers under investigation to turn over their personal cellphones so that they could be searched.

The Guardian

Coercing donations to the state, or pressuring businesses to sell up directly to the government's friends, were one way of extending the UNM's power.

The Economist

In part to avoid detection by the authorities, traffickers grant victims limited freedom while simultaneously coercing them to return home to recruit other women to replace them.The report also casts a light on the increasingly important role that technology is playing in the trade, both in combating it and its perpetration.

The Economist

But I fail to see any value in the religious habit of coercing other people to observe your irrational taboos, and still less in having the government make exceptions to help religious people do so.

The Economist

Conservatives in Japan have fought to reverse an admission by a previous government of military involvement in coercing Asian women into sexual slavery during the second world war.

The Economist

Is that something that you accept Mr Abe: During my first government the official Japanese government stance had been stated clearly, which was made into a cabinet-based decision that there was no evidence proving that there was an outfit abducting women or coercing the women in that way.

The Economist

This month they have staged a systematic recruitment drive, persuading and coercing thousands of schoolchildren into their army, in order to swell numbers in the camps.

The Economist

The NCAA, a private organization, had no further means of coercing them.Just when the NCAA's enforcement officers were reaching the point of despair, they received a lifeline from an unexpected source: Mr Shapiro's lawyer, Maria Elena Perez.

The Economist

It is a strategy by which organs of the state have tried coercing leading foreign firms, by various means, to part with world-class technologies so that local firms can copy, adopt or steal them.

The Economist

In the approach to Tabasco's state election in October, Mr Madrazo put his phrase into sharp practice, illegally spending state funds and coercing voters to make sure that a PRI man whom he had picked won the governorship.So, at least, thought the Federal Electoral Tribunal, which on December 29th annulled the Tabasco result after opposition complaints.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "coercing", ensure that the context clearly indicates the presence of pressure or force, either physical or psychological, that compels someone to act against their will.

Common error

Avoid using "coercing" when the influence is merely persuasive or advisory. "Coercing" implies a significant degree of pressure, bordering on force or threat, not just simple persuasion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "coercing" is as a verb, specifically the present participle or gerund form of the verb "coerce". It describes the action of forcing or pressuring someone to do something against their will. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as the present participle of coerce.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "coercing" is the present participle of the verb "coerce", used to describe the act of forcing or pressuring someone into doing something against their will. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, it indicates an action of compulsion often associated with negative connotations. To avoid misuse, it is crucial to differentiate between persuasion and coercion, ensuring the context accurately reflects the presence of force or threat. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively and appropriately employ "coercing" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressuring someone

Focuses on applying continuous influence to make someone do something.

forcing compliance

Emphasizes the act of making someone adhere to rules or demands.

intimidating someone

Highlights the use of fear to make someone act in a certain way.

bullying someone

Implies aggressive and unwanted behavior to dominate someone.

strong-arming

Indicates using forceful tactics to achieve a desired outcome.

compelling action

Suggests driving or urging someone towards a specific action.

manipulating someone

Focuses on skillfully influencing someone, often deceptively.

exerting influence

Highlights the use of one's position or power to affect someone's decisions.

dictating terms

Emphasizes imposing specific conditions or rules on someone.

arm-twisting

Suggests applying pressure to gain someone's agreement or compliance.

FAQs

How to use "coercing" in a sentence?

Use "coercing" to describe situations where someone is forced or pressured into doing something against their will. For instance, "The suspect was accused of "coercing" the witness to change her statement."

What can I say instead of "coercing"?

You can use alternatives like "pressuring someone", "forcing compliance", or "intimidating someone" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "coercing" and "persuading"?

"Coercing" involves using force or threats, while "persuading" relies on reasoned arguments or appeals. "Coercing" implies a lack of free will, whereas persuasion respects the individual's autonomy.

Is "coercing" always negative?

Yes, "coercing" generally carries a negative connotation because it implies the violation of someone's free will or autonomy. It suggests that someone is being forced to act against their own desires or judgment.