compelled to obey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compelled to obey" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where someone feels forced or obligated to follow rules, commands, or laws. Example: "The soldiers were compelled to obey the orders given by their superiors, regardless of their personal beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Their members are isolated from alternative views, compelled to obey the leader and frightened of outsiders.

The Washington Post

In addition, the synagogue is a voluntary association; no one is compelled to obey Jewish law.

The New York Times - Magazine

In addition, no country can be compelled to obey a WTO rule that it opposed in the first place.

The Guardian

According to Patty, the lesson that Joey had learned from his incessant arguments with Walter was that children were compelled to obey parents because parents had the money.

The New Yorker

"Surely, there is no greater monopoly than that of all men in denying to all women a voice in the laws they are compelled to obey," Stanton wrote.

The New York Times

Despite concerns about growing corporate power in the world, states still enact laws which companies and citizens are compelled to obey.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The C-suite must compel employees to obey.

Harvard Business Review

The point is that when it asks you to dance, it absolutely compels you to obey.

Independent

To compel drivers to obey posted speed limits, traffic authorities generally wield but one stick: the law book.

The New York Times

Further, the Act to Regulate Commerce, as originally passed, in § 16, 2 required the district attorneys of the United States, under the direction of the Attorney General, to prosecute suits to compel carriers to obey the orders of the Commission.

Cornell University

Last week, Mr. Schauble suggested that the party might try to use legal means to compel Mr. Kohl to obey the law that requires the source of any contribution of more than $10,500 to be declared.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compelled to obey" when you want to emphasize a lack of choice or external pressure forcing compliance. Be mindful of the tone, as it often implies a power dynamic or resistance.

Common error

Avoid using "compelled to obey" when simply describing willing compliance or agreement. The phrase suggests a degree of coercion or lack of agency that may be inappropriate if the obedience is voluntary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compelled to obey" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of being forced or obligated to follow commands, rules, or laws. Ludwig examples show its usage across diverse contexts, highlighting scenarios where individuals or entities lack autonomy in their actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

13%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compelled to obey" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes situations where individuals or entities are forced to comply with rules or commands. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news articles, encyclopedias, and academic texts. While the phrase itself is generally neutral, it often implies a power dynamic and a lack of free will. Alternatives such as "forced to comply" or "obligated to follow" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forced to comply

Highlights the element of external force or coercion leading to obedience.

have no choice but to obey

Expresses a situation where obedience is the only viable option.

constrained to follow

Indicates limitations or restrictions that necessitate adherence to instructions.

obligated to comply

Focuses on the sense of duty or requirement to follow instructions or rules.

under obligation to follow

Expresses a formal or moral imperative to adhere to commands or guidelines.

bound to abide by

Suggests a contractual or legal commitment to follow regulations.

required to submit

Emphasizes the formal or legal requirement to yield to authority.

duty-bound to adhere

Implies a strong moral or ethical responsibility to stick to rules or directives.

coerced into compliance

Underscores the use of pressure or intimidation to achieve obedience.

made to submit

Highlights the action of someone or something forcing compliance.

FAQs

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

Use "compelled to obey" when describing situations where someone is forced or feels obligated to follow rules, commands, or laws. For example: "The soldiers were "forced to comply" with orders."

What's the difference between "compelled to obey" and "obliged to follow"?

"Compelled to obey" implies a stronger sense of force or lack of choice, while "obliged to follow" suggests a moral or legal duty, even without direct coercion.

What are some alternatives to "compelled to obey"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""forced to comply"", "required to submit", or "duty-bound to adhere".

Is it always negative to be "compelled to obey"?

Not necessarily. While it often implies a lack of freedom, in some contexts, being "compelled to obey" might be seen as necessary for maintaining order, safety, or upholding the law. For example, citizens are "compelled to obey" traffic laws for public safety.