Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
compelled by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"compelled by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something is motivated by an outside source of pressure. For example, "He felt compelled by the threat of punishment to lie to the police."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
58 human-written examples
She is compelled by her own logic.
News & Media
"I'm completely compelled by it," he said.
News & Media
"We're compelled by complexity," Mr Kyffin says.
News & Media
"I was just compelled by these images".
News & Media
Sometimes they are extremely compelled by what they are experiencing".
News & Media
He's not compelled by any laws to rent out units".
News & Media
So Jed is compelled by the destinations of his friends.
News & Media
"I'm only compelled by characters who are flawed".
News & Media
"I was so compelled by her story," Ms. Rivera said.
News & Media
Why should Americans be so compelled by one from Japan?
News & Media
And voters appear to be compelled by Mrs. Edwards's battle.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "compelled by" to clearly indicate that an action or decision is influenced by external factors, such as laws, emotions, or circumstances.
Common error
Avoid using "compelled by" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "motivated by" or "driven by" would be more appropriate.
Source & Trust
94%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "compelled by" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the cause or reason for an action or state. Ludwig provides many examples where someone's behavior, feelings, or decisions are influenced by external factors, internal drives or specific events.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Encyclopedias
20%
Science
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Academia
3%
Reference
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "compelled by" is a prepositional phrase used to express that someone or something is driven or forced to act due to an external influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various domains, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. While it's a versatile phrase, it's best suited for formal contexts where precision is important. Consider alternatives like "motivated by" or "driven by" in more casual settings. Remember to use "compelled by" to clearly indicate the external factors influencing a decision or action.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
impelled by
A more formal synonym, indicating a driving force behind an action, very close in meaning to "compelled by".
forced by
Highlights the lack of volition, similar to "compelled by" but with a stronger connotation of coercion.
obliged by
Indicates a sense of legal or moral requirement, differing from "compelled by" which suggests a broader range of motivations.
required by
Emphasizes a formal requirement, whereas "compelled by" can include less formal motivations.
constrained by
Suggests limitation or restriction, aligning with the sense of being influenced against one's will.
necessitated by
Highlights the element of necessity, which is a core component of "compelled by".
driven by
Emphasizes internal motivation, whereas "compelled by" suggests external forces are at play.
urged by
Suggests a strong encouragement or persuasion, differing from the more forceful implication of "compelled by".
motivated by
Focuses on the incentive behind an action, while "compelled by" can imply a lack of choice.
influenced by
Implies a more subtle effect than the more forceful nature of "compelled by".
FAQs
How can I use "compelled by" in a sentence?
You can use "compelled by" to show that someone is forced or strongly influenced to do something. For example, "He was "compelled by" the evidence to change his mind."
What's a simpler way to say "compelled by"?
Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "motivated by", "driven by", or "forced by" as alternatives to "compelled by".
Is "compelled by" formal or informal?
"Compelled by" is generally considered a more formal expression, suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic writing.
How does "compelled by" differ from "influenced by"?
"Compelled by" suggests a stronger, more forceful influence, implying a lack of choice. "Influenced by", on the other hand, indicates a more subtle effect without necessarily implying a lack of autonomy.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
94%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested