exercise force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercise force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing the application of power, authority, or physical strength in various situations, such as law enforcement or military actions. Example: "The police were authorized to exercise force if necessary to maintain order during the protest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Individuals vary greatly in their ability to exercise force with various body parts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Detention centre staff who exercise force on asylum seekers must rely on common law defences to use reasonable force.

The Guardian

Indeed as Russian moves in Georgia have proved, the United States is not the only power who can exercise force in the international arena.

The Guardian - Opinion

The explanatory memorandum of the bill indicated officers who are authorised to exercise force may be required to possess only a certificate level II in security operations, which is a base level security training requirement.

The Guardian

Sovereignty, which is an anchor of statehood, might not have been overstepped, but what became rational for a small state like the Philippines was not so much to exercise force to defend its sovereign integrity, but to learn how to hedge in an international system where great powers dominate.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

That's why certain sectors must exercise force and violence on occasion in order to express themselves.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"There is no evidence that forced physical exercise, forced labor and forced military drills have any therapeutic benefit whatsoever".

The New York Times

Moreover, the exercise forced the hodgepodge of regulatory authorities, including the Fed, Treasury Department and others to work together and share data.

The New York Times

Andrew Bott CFO, BBC Worldwide Owen Gibson complains that the BBC is letting go of various sporting events in the cost-cutting exercise forced upon it by government cuts (Sportblog, 18 November).

The Guardian

The rights issue was part of a capital-raising exercise forced on Bank of Ireland following stress tests in March which demanded €24bn in extra capital being put into Irish banks to cushion against further potential losses.

The Guardian - Business

This wee exercise "forces your focus onto what went right today, versus the inevitable things that went wrong.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or ethical contexts, consider the specific type of force being exercised (e.g. physical, legal, political) to enhance clarity and precision.

Common error

While grammatically correct, the phrase "exercise force" is more suitable for formal or technical writing. In casual conversation, using more common synonyms like "use strength" or "apply pressure" can be more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise force" functions as a verb phrase where "exercise" acts as a verb indicating the application or utilization of "force", which is the noun and object. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase describes the application of power in contexts ranging from law enforcement to international relations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exercise force" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes the application of power, authority, or physical strength. While Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides various examples, it's more commonly found in neutral to formal contexts such as news reporting, encyclopedias, and scientific writing, rather than casual conversation. Synonyms like "apply force", "exert force", or "utilize force" can offer similar meanings depending on the specific nuance required. When writing, consider the specific type of force and the audience to ensure the phrase is both accurate and appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apply force

Focuses more on the direct action of applying power or strength in a given situation.

exert force

Highlights the effort and energy involved in applying power or strength.

utilize force

Emphasizes the practical use of power or strength as a means to achieve an end.

wield power

Implies having and using authority or control over something or someone.

exert influence

Focuses on affecting something or someone indirectly through persuasion or authority.

apply pressure

Implies using persistent actions or arguments to achieve a desired outcome.

bring to bear

Highlights focusing resources or abilities to achieve a specific goal.

bring pressure to bear

More specific on the sense of actively and decisively focusing force on something.

bring influence to bear

Implies strategically using influence or authority to achieve a certain result.

use authority

More directly relates to the right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

FAQs

What does "exercise force" mean?

To "exercise force" means to apply or exert power, authority, or physical strength, often in a controlled or deliberate manner. It can relate to physical actions, legal authority, or influence.

How can I use "exercise force" in a sentence?

You can use "exercise force" in a sentence like this: "The police were authorized to "apply force" if necessary to maintain order."

What are some alternatives to "exercise force"?

Alternatives to "exercise force" include "apply force", "exert force", or "utilize force", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "exercise force" or "use force"?

"Exercise force" is generally more formal and implies a regulated or authorized application of power. "Use force" is more general and can refer to any application of strength or power, making it a more common term in everyday language.