compelling

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'compelling' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that is so interesting and/or convincing that it compels someone to act or think in a certain way. For example: The compelling argument put forth by the defense team swayed the jury's opinion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Above all it's wonderfully written and utterly compelling.

The Guardian

3. Omar v the drug hierarchy First the Barksdale empire, then Marlo, Prop Joe and the co-op – Omar's vendettas are always compelling.

The Guardian

Two US congressmen introduced a bill on Thursday compelling the Obama administration to declassify the secret legal justifications for the wide-ranging surveillance programs run by the National Security Agency.

The Guardian

At times like these, it ought to be compelling.

The Guardian

In August 2011, he posted a video online of enforcement officers and police compelling the installation of a prepay electricity meter at his residence.

The Guardian

Oliver James's phrase might not have been the most subtle, but the evidence he subsequently brought to bear was compelling.

The Guardian - Opinion

This seminar is a unique opportunity to learn how to turn your documentary idea into a compelling film that audiences will love.

The Guardian

Not that there's any crowding, and it's the deep sense of space and freedom here that is so compelling.

The Guardian - Travel

This is a strangely compelling argument for some: even though Bingu was clearly going off the rails towards the end of his life, the early years of his presidency had been marked by substantive economic development.

The Guardian

"Combining text with vivid imagery and high-quality video, they have woven their narrative into a compelling and immersive multimedia reconstruction," read the judgment.

The Guardian

We found this to be a very compelling story and that's it.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compelling" to describe arguments, narratives, or reasons that are exceptionally convincing and draw the audience in. For a stronger impact, ensure the context provides clear evidence or explanation for why the subject is compelling.

Common error

Avoid using "compelling" as a generic positive adjective. Always ensure that the subject genuinely possesses a trait that evokes attention or forces conviction. Simply stating something is "compelling" without providing supporting evidence weakens the statement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "compelling" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing them as capable of eliciting attention, interest, or conviction, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compelling" functions as an adjective used to describe something as persuasive, captivating, or demanding attention. As Ludwig highlights, it appears most frequently in news and formal business contexts. While grammatically correct and versatile, avoid overuse without justification. Related terms include "persuasive", "forceful", and "irresistible". Remember to ensure that what you're describing genuinely earns the adjective "compelling".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persuasive

Focuses on the ability to convince someone of something.

forceful

Highlights the strength and impact of something.

irresistible

Emphasizes the inability to resist or ignore something.

captivating

Stresses the ability to hold someone's attention.

engrossing

Implies that something is so interesting that it occupies someone's full attention.

intriguing

Suggests that something is interesting and mysterious.

riveting

Highlights the ability to hold someone's attention completely.

fascinating

Emphasizes the ability to arouse great interest or curiosity.

urgent

Highlights the immediate need or importance of something.

convincing

Stresses the ability to persuade someone that something is true or real.

FAQs

How can I use "compelling" in a sentence?

Use "compelling" to describe something that is persuasive, captivating, or forces attention. For example, "The lawyer presented a "compelling argument" that swayed the jury."

What are some alternatives to the word "compelling"?

Alternatives to "compelling" include "persuasive", "forceful", or "irresistible", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What makes an argument "compelling"?

A "compelling argument" is one that is well-reasoned, supported by strong evidence, and presented in a way that captures and holds the listener's or reader's attention.

Is it correct to say something is "very compelling"?

Yes, using "very" to modify "compelling" is grammatically correct. It emphasizes the degree to which something is persuasive or captivating. However, consider stronger synonyms if "very compelling" feels weak.