compelled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compelled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a strong feeling of being forced or obligated to do something. Example: "She felt compelled to speak out against the injustice she witnessed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

From endless parties and family gatherings you feel obligated to attend, to the rich foods you regrettably indulge in, and the expensive presents you feel compelled to purchase but can't afford, it's a time of year engineered for consumption.

The Guardian - Opinion

The third, and by far the most sensational, gesture compelled Heath to sack him from the shadow cabinet in April 1968, because of the 'rivers of blood' speech he made in Birmingham about immigration.

The Guardian

In 1920 it was key in the introduction of the bastardy bill, which compelled fathers of illegitimate children to provide them with financial support.

The Guardian

Intermittently I was compelled to peel the gloves off and head for the bathroom to wash my hands.

The Guardian

Instinct, deepened over centuries, compelled him to check boundaries; drew him to the edges of knowledge.

The Guardian - Books

The letter reads: We are compelled to write this letter because we believe that the coal lobby, led by Peabody Energy (the largest coal company in the world), is trying to unduly influence the outcome of the G20 Summit.

The Guardian

The dissatisfaction has been so widespread that the Kenyan prime minister, Raila Odinga, felt compelled to urge Kenyans to keep supporting the team on Thursday.

The Guardian - Sport

Look! …" Suddenly she pointed to an American girl going into the water: "That young lady may be a stenographer and yet be compelled to warp herself, dressing and acting as if she had all the money in the world".

The Guardian - Books

In south Asia, for example, most of those in slavery are Dalits (untouchables), who are predominantly trapped in debt bondage – that is, when someone is compelled to work to pay off a debt in conditions beyond their control.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is the first tangible sign that Cameron will face an internal battle if he feels compelled to ask Fox to resign because of his links with Adam Werritty, his close friend and fixer.

The Guardian

He loses his best mate, wife and baby son to a band of psychotic bikers and is compelled to take revenge.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compelled", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the compulsion, whether internal (feeling compelled) or external (being compelled by law).

Common error

Avoid using "compelled" when a simple choice or preference is involved. "Compelled" implies a lack of genuine agency, not merely a strong inclination.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "compelled" is as the past participle or past tense of the verb "compel". It describes a state of being forced or obligated to do something, often due to external pressures or internal convictions, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compelled" is a commonly used verb form indicating a state of being forced or obligated. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically correct and appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science contexts. When using "compelled", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the compulsion and remember that it implies a lack of genuine agency. Alternatives include "forced", "obligated", and "required", each carrying slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forced

Suggests a direct and often unwelcome imposition of action.

obligated

Implies a sense of duty or legal requirement.

required

Highlights a necessity dictated by rules or circumstances.

driven

Focuses on an internal or external force motivating action.

constrained

Emphasizes limitations or restrictions leading to a particular action.

necessitated

Indicates that a situation made an action unavoidable.

induced

Suggests persuasion or influence leading to an action.

impelled

Similar to driven, but often implies a more sudden or intense urge.

coerced

Highlights the use of pressure or intimidation to force action.

pressured

Indicates a strong influence or demand leading to an action.

FAQs

How can I use "compelled" in a sentence?

You can use "compelled" to indicate a sense of being forced or obligated to do something. For example: "She felt "compelled" to speak out against the injustice."

What can I say instead of "compelled"?

You can use alternatives like "forced", "obligated", or "required" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "compelled to" or "compelled for"?

"Compelled to" is the correct usage when indicating the action one is forced to take. "Compelled for" is not a standard or grammatically correct construction.

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

"Compelled" implies a lack of choice due to an external force or strong internal feeling, while "persuaded" indicates being convinced through reasoning or influence.