compels me to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compels me to" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that forces or obligates the speaker to take a certain action or have a certain feeling. Example: The beauty of nature always compels me to stop and appreciate its magnificence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What compels me to be a journalist?

The New Yorker

There are — and honesty compels me to admit it faults.

The New York Times

Someone replies, "Compulsory politeness compels me to ask why".

The New York Times - Books

It compels me to speak as though I were two.

The Guardian - Opinion

Honesty compels me to finish with a quasi-Forsterian anecdote.

The Guardian - Opinion

Finally, he comes around to his demand, or rather, he compels me to make it explicit.

The New Yorker

"I believe justice compels me to deviate from the guidelines," he said.

The New York Times

IT must be my inner masochist that compels me to order Caesar salads over and over.

The New York Times - Food

Last week's election in Kenya compels me to point out something little noticed in the West.

The New York Times

And that is why my conscience compels me to strike tomorrow morning.

Independent

The newspaper campaign in this connection compels me to undertake this letter to you.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compels me to", ensure that the reason for the compulsion is clear and logically connected to the action being described.

Common error

Avoid using "compels me to" when a simpler expression of intent or desire would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound melodramatic or insincere. Consider if a phrase like "I feel I should" or "I want to" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compels me to" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong sense of obligation or necessity. It indicates that an external force or internal conviction is driving the speaker to take a specific action. Ludwig examples show the phrase often used to justify or explain a course of action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "compels me to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a strong feeling of obligation or necessity. As Ludwig AI verifies, it fits seamlessly in varied contexts, primarily News & Media, Academia and Formal & Business settings. While versatile, mindful usage is key to prevent overstating the compulsion. Alternatives like "obliges me to" or "forces me to" can add subtle shifts in meaning. By following best practices, you can effectively use "compels me to" to add depth and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impels me to

Indicates a strong internal drive or motivation, similar to "compels me to" but with more emphasis on inner impulse.

obliges me to

Conveys a sense of duty or legal requirement, similar to "compels me to" but often with a stronger emphasis on external obligation.

prompts me to

Suggests something encourages or motivates the action but perhaps not as strongly as the original phrase.

my conscience urges me to

Emphasizes a moral or ethical imperative, suggesting the action is guided by one's inner sense of right and wrong.

forces me to

Indicates a lack of choice, implying that an external force is causing the action; more forceful than "compels me to".

drives me to

Suggests a strong internal force leading to the action, often implying intensity or urgency.

necessitates that I

Highlights the unavoidable nature of the action, presenting it as a requirement rather than a choice; more formal.

requires me to

Suggests a rule, standard, or expectation is in place, creating the obligation.

motivates me to

Focuses on the reason or incentive behind the action, rather than a feeling of obligation.

induces me to

Implies persuasion or influence leading to the action, less direct than compulsion.

FAQs

How can I use "compels me to" in a sentence?

The phrase "compels me to" is used to express a strong feeling of obligation or necessity. For example, "The evidence compels me to conclude that he is innocent" or "My conscience compels me to help those in need".

What are some alternatives to "compels me to"?

You can use alternatives like "obliges me to", "forces me to", or "impels me to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "compels me to" formal or informal?

"Compels me to" is generally considered to be a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for use in news articles, academic writing, and professional communications. More informal alternatives exist for casual contexts.

What's the difference between "compels me to" and "motivates me to"?

"Compels me to" suggests a stronger sense of obligation or necessity, while "motivates me to" implies a reason or incentive. The former suggests a feeling that one must do something, whereas the latter suggests a reason why one wants to do something.