compelled him to

USAGE SUMMARY

"compelled him to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to force or drive someone to do something. Example: The threat of losing his job compelled him to work harder and meet his deadlines.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Poor health compelled him to give up cigarettes.

The New York Times - Books

It's as if fate has compelled him to look cool.

The New York Times - Magazine

Whatever compelled him to do such a thing?

The Guardian - Books

Constant injuries compelled him to turn his energies elsewhere.

The New York Times

The answer is a long way from the impulse that first compelled him to paint.

The New Yorker

Ill health compelled him to leave for home before the end of the summer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nevertheless, he remained on deck until his captains compelled him to return to Jamaica.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He said it was his anger over that order that compelled him to retire.

The New York Times

Dorothy wondered what compelled him to save things - she couldn't figure out the reason.

The New Yorker

He achieved several reforms on that island before his health compelled him to resign in 1900.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The failure compelled him to forbid his youngest daughter from going to graduate school.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compelled him to" when you want to emphasize that someone was driven to do something, often against their initial inclination, due to external factors or internal pressures. This phrase adds a layer of depth and nuance to the reason behind the action.

Common error

Avoid using "compelled him to" when a simpler phrase like "forced him" or "made him" would suffice. "Compelled him to" implies a deeper, often reluctant, motivation, so ensure that the context justifies its use. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly dramatic or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compelled him to" functions as a causative verb phrase. It indicates that an external force, situation, or internal feeling caused or obliged the subject ("him") to perform a specific action. Ludwig provides examples of how various circumstances can compel someone to act.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "compelled him to" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to illustrate that an individual was driven to perform a particular action, often due to external or internal pressures. Its prevalence across reputable sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica underscores its reliability and versatility. While the phrase can be employed in various contexts, awareness of its subtle nuances is crucial to ensure accurate and impactful communication. The alternative suggestions offer writers the possibility of conveying the same concept using diverse vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forced him to

Indicates a direct imposition of will or power, creating a sense of lack of choice.

obliged him to

Suggests a moral or legal duty that necessitated the action.

required him to

Implies a necessity based on rules, regulations, or established procedures.

necessitated him to

Highlights the unavoidable nature of the action due to prevailing circumstances.

drove him to

Emphasizes the strong internal motivation or external pressure that led to the action.

motivated him to

Focuses on the reason or incentive behind the action.

impelled him to

Conveys a sense of urgency or inner drive pushing him toward the action.

prompted him to

Indicates a suggestion or encouragement that led to the action.

induced him to

Suggests persuasion or enticement, often implying a less direct form of influence.

made him

Simplifies the sentence construction, omitting the 'compelled...to' and reducing the meaning to more direct action.

FAQs

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

Use "compelled him to" when you want to emphasize that a person was driven or forced to take a specific action, often due to strong external or internal pressures. For example, "The evidence compelled him to admit the truth."

What's a more formal alternative to "compelled him to"?

A more formal alternative could be "obliged him to" or "necessitated him to". These options convey a similar meaning of being forced or required to do something, but with a more elevated tone.

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

"Compelled him to" implies a sense of force or necessity, while "persuaded him to" suggests convincing someone through reasoning or argument. Compulsion removes choice, while persuasion influences it.

Is it always appropriate to use "compelled him to"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Use "compelled him to" when the action was driven by a significant force or pressure. If the action was voluntary or simply a preference, a different phrase would be more suitable.