compel him to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compel him to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone is being forced or strongly urged to do something. Example: "The circumstances may compel him to reconsider his decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Have we not power to compel him to come before us?

Cornell University

Another option was to grant him immunity from prosecution and compel him to testify.

The Economist

The diplomatic and military demands of war compel him to set aside the past.

The Guardian

The committee eventually subpoenaed Mr. Bannon to compel him to provide answers.

The New York Times

The deal does not compel him to buy any stock, he said in an interview.

The New York Times

Now he will have to be served with the subpoena to compel him to appear.

The New York Times - Sports

Cleve finally gets his one kill, but circumstances, and honor, compel him to disown it.

The New Yorker

He said that the basics of baseball should compel him to be more aggressive.

The New York Times - Sports

Plaintiff also complained that the effect was to compel him to raise the dikes around his lands.

Cornell University

He remains on the lookout for things that stimulate — or irritate — him enough to compel him to write for himself.

The New York Times - Books

I think the iPad will compel him to change his mind and to offer a Kindle that provides multimedia functionality.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compel him to" when you want to convey a sense of strong urging or obligation, often due to circumstances or authority.

Common error

Avoid using "compel him to" in casual conversation; opt for softer alternatives like "ask him to" or "encourage him to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compel him to" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates that someone is being forced or strongly urged to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

20%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "compel him to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies strong urging or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it conveys a sense of force or necessity that drives someone to act. While "compel him to" is generally appropriate for neutral to formal settings, alternative phrases like "force him to" or "urge him to" may be more suitable for specific nuances or informal situations. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the implication of strong influence or obligation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

force him to

Implies a more direct and forceful action, removing agency from the individual.

oblige him to

Suggests a sense of duty or legal requirement driving the action.

require him to

Indicates a formal rule or necessity making the action mandatory.

coerce him to

Emphasizes the use of pressure or threats to achieve compliance.

pressure him to

Highlights the application of influence without necessarily implying force.

urge him to

Suggests a strong recommendation or encouragement.

persuade him to

Focuses on convincing someone through reasoning or argument.

motivate him to

Implies inspiring someone to take action through incentives or goals.

encourage him to

Offers support and positive reinforcement to prompt action.

influence him to

Indicates a subtle effect on someone's choices or behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "compel him to" in a sentence?

Use "compel him to" when you want to express that someone is being forced or strongly urged to do something, often against their will or initial inclination. For example, "The evidence may "compel him to" reconsider his position".

What are some alternatives to "compel him to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "force him to", "oblige him to", "require him to", or "urge him to" as alternatives to "compel him to".

When is it appropriate to use "compel him to"?

"Compel him to" is appropriate when describing a situation where someone is under significant pressure or obligation to take a specific action. It often implies a degree of resistance or unwillingness on their part.

What is the difference between "compel him to" and "ask him to"?

"Compel him to" suggests a stronger degree of necessity or force than "ask him to". Asking implies a request that can be refused, while compelling suggests that the action is unavoidable or strongly urged.