compulsion to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compulsion to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a strong, often irresistible urge or drive to do something. Example: "She felt a compulsion to check her phone every few minutes, even during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

The New York Times

The Guardian

The New Yorker

Huffington Post

Vice

TechCrunch

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What is this compulsion to share?

The New York Times

I don't think it's compulsion to multitask as much as it is a compulsion to belong".

The New York Times

I feel little compulsion to do this.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"They feel no compulsion to sell anything".

The New York Times

The man's compulsion to create is staggering.

The Guardian - Arts

Why, then, this compulsion to rehabilitate?

The New York Times - Books

There's no compulsion to have a passport.

The Guardian - Opinion

The compulsion to get across that road is unyielding.

The New York Times

What's the compulsion to make a film about murder?

Independent

The compulsion to brine is a modern malaise.

The New York Times - Food

The compulsion to get across that road is _________.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully. While "compulsion to" can be used in formal writing, alternatives like "urge to" or "need to" might be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "compulsion to" for simple preferences or desires. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or exaggerated. Reserve it for genuinely strong and difficult-to-resist urges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compulsion to" functions as a noun followed by an infinitive, indicating a strong, often irresistible urge or drive. It describes the motivation or force behind an action, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "compulsion to" effectively conveys a strong, often irresistible urge, and is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for describing actions driven by intense internal pressures. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of formality and avoid overuse in situations where milder terms like "urge to" or "desire to" might be more appropriate. By understanding its function and register, writers can effectively harness the power of "compulsion to" to add depth and precision to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urge to

Focuses more on an internal feeling of wanting to do something, less about external pressure.

drive to

Highlights internal motivation and ambition, suggesting a strong inherent force.

need to

Implies a requirement or necessity, often more practical than emotional.

obligation to

Emphasizes a sense of duty or moral imperative.

inclination to

Suggests a natural tendency or preference, less forceful than compulsion.

impulse to

Conveys a sudden and spontaneous urge.

tendency to

Indicates a habitual pattern or likelihood, without the urgency of compulsion.

desire to

Expresses a wish or longing, which may or may not be acted upon.

pressure to

Highlights external influences pushing one towards an action.

itch to

Informal way of expressing a restless desire or urge.

FAQs

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

Use "compulsion to" to describe a strong, often irresistible urge or drive to do something. For example, "He felt a "compulsion to" check his phone every few minutes."

What are some alternatives to "compulsion to"?

You can use alternatives like "urge to", "drive to", or "need to", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "compulsion to" formal or informal?

The phrase "compulsion to" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While acceptable in various contexts, consider the specific tone and audience of your writing. In more informal settings, "itch to" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "compulsion to" and "obligation to"?

"Compulsion to" suggests an internal, often irresistible urge, whereas "obligation to" implies a sense of duty or external requirement. The former is driven by inner forces, while the latter is dictated by external expectations or rules.