excessive force

USAGE SUMMARY

"excessive force" is correct and usable in written English.
This expression is often used to describe the use of excessive physical or psychological force in a situation. Here's an example: The police officer was reprimanded for using excessive force when responding to the incident.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Seattle, police were found to have used excessive force, well, excessively.

Vice

Those using excessive force.

Independent

Rectal exams were conducted with "excessive force".

The Guardian

No excessive force shall be used.

Cornell University

Never put excessive force on a sharp.

Princeton University

Step 2: rapidly deploy excessive force.

The Guardian - Opinion

Police dispersed supporters with excessive force.

The Guardian

Some of them are excessive force.

The New Yorker

Most investigations include allegations of excessive force.

The Washington Post

"It sounds to me like excessive force was used.

The New York Times

He described it as an "angry moment of excessive force".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "excessive force" when describing situations where the force applied exceeds what is reasonable or necessary under the circumstances.

Common error

Don't simply state that "excessive force" was used; describe the specific actions that constitute the excessive nature of the force. Vague descriptions weaken the impact and credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessive force" functions as a noun phrase, where "excessive" modifies the noun "force". It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an action or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical structure and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

14%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "excessive force" is a commonly used term, particularly in legal and news contexts, to describe situations where the amount of force used is deemed unreasonable or unnecessary. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. With a very common frequency and primarily found in news and academic sources, understanding its nuances and appropriate usage is essential for clear and accurate communication. When writing about the topic, provide concrete details rather than vague generalizations to strengthen your statement's credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreasonable force

Emphasizes the lack of justification for the level of force used.

undue force

Highlights that the force applied was more than necessary.

unnecessary force

Focuses on the lack of need for any force in the situation.

disproportionate force

Directly indicates that the level of force was not in proportion to the situation.

gratuitous violence

Suggests the violence was uncalled for and excessive.

brutal force

Highlights the harsh and inhumane nature of the force used.

over the top aggression

Implies that the level of aggression went beyond what was reasonable or expected.

unjustified violence

Indicates that the violence was not warranted or legitimate.

extreme coercion

Focuses on the intense level of pressure or intimidation applied.

superfluous force

Indicates that the force used was beyond what was required or needed.

FAQs

How is "excessive force" defined in legal terms?

"Excessive force" typically refers to the use of force by law enforcement officers that exceeds the force reasonably necessary to accomplish a lawful purpose, such as making an arrest or controlling a situation.

What are some synonyms for "excessive force"?

Alternatives to "excessive force" include "unreasonable force", "undue force", or "disproportionate force". The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what contexts is the term "excessive force" commonly used?

The term "excessive force" is often used in legal, journalistic, and human rights contexts to describe situations where law enforcement or other authorities use more force than is necessary or justified.

What factors are considered when determining whether "excessive force" was used?

Factors considered include the severity of the crime, the threat posed by the individual, whether the individual was resisting arrest, and whether the force used was objectively reasonable under the circumstances.