coercive measure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'coercive measure' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an action taken to influence or control someone's behaviour, particularly when the action is against their will. For example: "The government introduced a coercive measure to discourage companies from polluting the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

The policy was to use the "least coercive measure" to achieve the goal.

The New York Times

"It busts their theory that high taxes equal submission to their coercive measure," Ms. Silk said.

The New York Times

Linking benefits to treatment sounds suspiciously like a coercive measure to "incentivise" people who would not otherwise have had treatment to accept it.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has become "a more severe, more terrible, coercive measure than normal criminal detention," Teng Biao, a lawyer who left China after his own secret detentions, writes in the book's foreword.

The New York Times

Though the government has held votes four of the last five years, it has always avoided a final showdown by denying the bill the legislative calendar time it needs to become law and by resisting resort to the Parliament Act, a coercive measure by which it can overrule the Lords.

The New York Times

At this time, too, the East German press was printing a great many letters from individual citizens and resolutions from groups demanding the immediate closing of the border; this was a telltale sign, for a similar spate of "spontaneous" communications had preceded every coercive measure undertaken in East Germany.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Guided discussions served to ascertain from patients' perspective, the linkage of objectively measurable coercive measures and subjectively perceived coercion.

BMC Psychiatry

And they use coercive measures that generate resistance.

The Guardian - Business

"Coercive measures are a monopoly of the state.

The Economist

"Canada and the U.S. abused their extradition treaty in arbitrarily taking coercive measures against Ms. Meng.

The Washington Post

When to employ coercive measures should be determined on a case-by-case basis, she says.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sensitive actions by authorities or organizations, use "coercive measure" to accurately convey the imposition of control while maintaining a neutral tone.

Common error

Avoid using "coercive measure" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase's formality can sound out of place and overly dramatic in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coercive measure" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "coercive" modifies the noun "measure". It typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition, describing a specific action taken to enforce compliance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "coercive measure" is a grammatically sound and usable term in written English, as affirmed by Ludwig. It refers to an action taken to enforce compliance, often against someone's will. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for formal or neutral contexts where you need to accurately and professionally describe actions that impose control. Be aware of alternative phrases like "forced action" or "compulsory step" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forced action

Emphasizes the act of compelling someone to do something against their will, focusing on the action itself.

compulsory step

Highlights the required nature of the action, suggesting it's mandated by a rule or law.

mandatory procedure

Similar to compulsory step, but refers to formal processes that must be followed.

regulatory enforcement

Focuses on the implementation of regulations, implying authority and possible penalties for non-compliance.

pressure tactic

Highlights the use of influence to achieve a specific outcome, often implying resistance from the other party.

enforced compliance

Stresses the result of forcing someone to obey rules or commands.

dictatorial policy

Suggests an authoritarian approach where decisions are imposed without consultation.

authoritarian approach

Implies a top-down management style characterized by strict control and obedience.

heavy-handed tactic

Conveys a sense of excessive force or control being used in a situation.

imposition of control

Focuses on the act of establishing control, often in a restrictive or unwelcome manner.

FAQs

How can I use "coercive measure" in a sentence?

You can use "coercive measure" to describe actions taken to force compliance. For example: "The government implemented a "coercive measure" to reduce pollution levels."

What are some alternatives to "coercive measure"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "forced action", "compulsory step", or "mandatory procedure".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "coercive measure"?

It is appropriate when describing a specific action designed to enforce compliance, often against the will of those affected. The term is often used in legal, political, or medical contexts.

What's the difference between "coercive measure" and "persuasive technique"?

"Coercive measure" implies force or compulsion, while "persuasive technique" relies on convincing or influencing someone through reasoning or appeal.