compelled to

USAGE SUMMARY

"compelled to" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone is feeling forced or obligated to do something. For example: "She was compelled to take a pay cut in order to get the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I was compelled to.

The New Yorker

I was compelled to wage combat.

The New York Times - Sports

They were compelled to participate in them.

The New Yorker

I was compelled to do it.

The New York Times

Now Obama is compelled to engage.

The New York Times

Our species is compelled to make art.

Independent

"I felt compelled to find out".

The New York Times

Writers are compelled to assault taboos.

The New Yorker

He felt compelled to let them know.

The New York Times - Books

I feel compelled to make a difference".

Independent

The government felt compelled to act.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compelled to" when you want to convey a sense of strong obligation, whether internal or external. It is suitable for formal writing and adds emphasis to the necessity of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "compelled to" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "had to" or "needed to" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your language sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compelled to" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating a state of being forced or feeling a strong obligation to perform a certain action. Ludwig examples illustrate this, showing individuals or entities being driven by internal or external pressures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compelled to" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong sense of obligation or necessity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While highly functional, it's important to consider the register and avoid overuse in informal settings. Alternatives like "obliged to" or "forced to" can provide nuanced variations depending on the context. Ultimately, mastering the appropriate use of "compelled to" enhances clarity and precision in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obliged to

Indicates a sense of duty or legal requirement, similar to compelled but sometimes implying a formal obligation.

forced to

Implies a lack of choice and external pressure, often stronger than "compelled to".

required to

Suggests a rule or law necessitates the action, a more formal tone than "compelled to".

driven to

Implies a strong internal motivation or external circumstance pushing someone to act, emphasizing the driving force.

necessitated to

Highlights the inevitability of the action due to circumstances, focusing on the necessity.

constrained to

Suggests limitations or restrictions that lead to a particular action, focusing on the limitations.

impelled to

Indicates a strong internal urge or drive, placing emphasis on the internal motivation.

had to

A more straightforward and common way to express necessity or obligation, lacking the formality of "compelled to".

under pressure to

Emphasizes the external influence causing the action, highlighting the pressure felt.

duty-bound to

Highlights a moral or ethical obligation, adding a sense of responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "compelled to" to indicate that someone is forced or obligated to do something. For example, "She felt "compelled to" accept the offer" suggests she felt a strong obligation to do so.

What are some alternatives to "compelled to"?

Alternatives include "obliged to", "forced to", or "required to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "compelled to" formal or informal?

"Compelled to" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal settings, phrases like "had to" or "needed to" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "compelled to" and "motivated to"?

"Compelled to" implies a sense of obligation or necessity, while "motivated to" suggests a desire or willingness to do something. "Compelled" often carries a stronger sense of external pressure or internal duty than "motivated".