compulsory

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "compulsory" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective meaning "required or mandatory by law or by a rule or regulation". For example, "Attendance at weekly meetings is compulsory for all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Making helmets compulsory eliminated the dilemma: the players could protect their heads without suffering a competitive disadvantage.

The Economist

Against this, the three options set out for debate would leave an individual paying an average £20,000-£22,500 under a basic partnership scheme, though some would pay far more; £20,000-£25,000 under a voluntary insurance scheme, though the uninsured might pay much more; and £17,000-£20,000 under a compulsory comprehensive scheme.

The Guardian

She has the chance to not only legalise gay marriage, but make it compulsory.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there was a problem: the compulsory oral exam, worth 20% of his overall marks.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Asked whether Ukip would back compulsory sex education lessons and learning about gay relationships, Farage said "yes" as part of a proper "rounded" curriculum.

The Guardian

Bectu deputy general secretary Luke Crawley said: "The fact that the BBC has agreed a moratorium on compulsory redundancies in unprecedented.

The Guardian

However, David Cameron's official spokesman appeared to contradict the idea that screening was not compulsory when pressed on whether the system was doing enough to catch passengers who are potentially at risk of the virus.

The Guardian

Convictions under the laws, section 60 of the criminal code, dictate compulsory jail time for bikies not only gathering in public but also attending clubhouses or recruiting.

The Guardian

Perhaps it is Oaten's new popularity that has driven Hughes to promise he will go to jail rather than carry a compulsory identity card.

The Guardian

That leaves some tinkering, like the odd idea about children repeating year 6 in year 7, making the EBacc subjects compulsory, and the incremental expansion of academies and free schools.

The Guardian

Far from being a "dead language", Welsh fluency is increasing very quickly in Newport and beyond, thanks to the Welsh assembly (or Senedd, if we're going to eschew English) making Welsh compulsory up to GCSE level.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compulsory", ensure the context clearly indicates what authority or regulation makes the action or item required. For example, specify if it's "compulsory by law" or "compulsory according to company policy".

Common error

Avoid using "compulsory" when "required" is more appropriate for less formal situations. "Compulsory" implies a stronger, often legally binding, obligation.

Linguistic Context

The word "compulsory" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something is required or mandatory. Ludwig shows numerous examples of this usage, as it describes actions, items, or participation that are not optional.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compulsory" is an adjective indicating that something is required or mandatory, often due to a rule or law. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media. When using "compulsory", ensure the context clearly indicates what authority makes the action or item required. Alternatives like "mandatory", "obligatory", and "required" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember that "compulsory" implies a stronger, often legally binding, obligation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mandatory

This alternative is a direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "compulsory" but can sometimes carry a slightly stronger legal or official tone.

obligatory

Similar to "mandatory", this term implies a duty or legal requirement, making it a close synonym with a formal connotation.

required

A more general term, indicating something needed or demanded, less forceful than "compulsory" or "mandatory".

mandatory requirement

This is a more emphatic way of saying "compulsory", highlighting the absolute necessity of something.

legally required

This phrase specifically indicates that something is necessary due to a law or legal framework.

enforced

Focuses on the action of compelling compliance rather than the state of being required. It shows how a rule is made "compulsory".

by law

This alternative clarifies that "compulsory" nature comes from a legal statue. It can be used to emphasize the origin of the obligation.

stipulated

This term suggests that something is specifically laid down or demanded in an agreement or contract.

inescapable

Implies that something is not only required but also impossible to avoid, adding a sense of inevitability.

non-optional

A more straightforward alternative, simply stating that something is not a choice but a necessity.

FAQs

How to use "compulsory" in a sentence?

The word "compulsory" is used to describe something that is required or mandatory. For example, "Attendance is compulsory for all students" or "The company implemented compulsory overtime during peak season".

What can I say instead of "compulsory"?

You can use alternatives like "mandatory", "obligatory", or "required" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "compulsory" or "mandatory"?

Both "compulsory" and "mandatory" are largely interchangeable, but "compulsory" often implies a requirement enforced by a rule or law, while "mandatory" may emphasize a legal or official directive. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "compulsory" and "optional"?

"Compulsory" means required or mandatory, while "optional" means voluntary or not required. Therefore, they are antonyms. If something is "compulsory", it must be done; if it is "optional", it can be chosen.