exert force on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exert force on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to physics, mechanics, or any situation where one object applies force to another. Example: "When two objects collide, each one will exert force on the other, resulting in a change in motion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

In fact, their complaint is that, on the contrary, no one was willing to exert force on their behalf.

The New York Times - Books

Wind load can exert force on the telescope.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It will exert force on the other countries, not least Slovakia and Finland, when Germany can move ahead without obstacles".

The New York Times

Russia's conduct is "not based on actual concern for Russian nationals or Russian speakers... but Russian seeking to exert force on a neighboring country," Obama said.

The Guardian

I can drive a nail with a hammer, but the shadow of a hammer cannot exert force on the shadow of a nail.

The New York Times - Books

Ms. Wermers's collages combine Constructivism's architectonics, Man Ray's photogram techniques and snippets of Photo Realism to suggest ways that forms from the past can exert force on the present and create the potential for something new.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Those properties include the masses of all known particles and how they interact, or exert forces on one another.

The New York Times

It also seems to explain three of the four known forces by which particles in the universe interact, or exert forces, on one another.

The New York Times

For example, the model accounts for the masses of all the known particles, from electrons to quarks, as well as the ways in which they interact, or exert forces on one another.

The New York Times - Science

Firstly, it posits that the social, economic and institutional setting will exert forces on ethnic entrepreneurs, suggesting that forces act in only one direction and that entrepreneurs are victims or pawns, with little individual or collective agency.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Due to their association into anti-parallel bundles, myosins can 'walk' along actin filaments in a polarized fashion and exert forces on the F-actin network by pulling on filaments with respect to one another (Vicente-Manzanares et al., 2009).

British Journal of Pharmacology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical phenomena, ensure you specify the type of force being exerted (e.g. gravitational, electromagnetic) for clarity. For example, "The wind can exert force on the telescope."

Common error

Avoid using "exert force on" when "exert influence on" is more appropriate. "Force" implies a direct application of energy, while "influence" suggests a more indirect effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert force on" functions as a verb phrase, where "exert" is the verb, "force" is the noun, and "on" is a preposition linking the action to an object. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase describes the application of pressure or energy to something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exert force on" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction used to describe the application of pressure or influence, both physically and metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While categorized as uncommon, it frequently appears in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, it's important to be precise about the type of force being exerted and to differentiate between force and influence. Remember to consider alternatives like "apply pressure to" or "have an impact on" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apply pressure to

Focuses more on the act of pressing physically or metaphorically.

apply influence to

Shifts the focus to having an effect on something or someone.

exercise influence over

Emphasizes the power or control exerted.

bring pressure to bear on

Suggests a concerted and often strategic application of influence.

put weight on

Implies adding literal or figurative burden or emphasis.

wield power over

Highlights the ability to control someone or something.

bring to bear

More concise way of saying to put into action or effect.

have an impact on

Focuses on the consequence of the action.

bring something to play

Implies putting a resource into action or use.

bring something into effect

More formal way of indicating something is made active.

FAQs

What does it mean to "exert force on" something?

To "exert force on" something means to apply a physical or metaphorical pressure or energy that can cause a change or effect.

How can I rephrase "exert force on" in a sentence?

You can rephrase "exert force on" using alternatives like "apply pressure to", "bring pressure to bear on", or "have an impact on", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "exert force on" or "apply force to"?

Both "exert force on" and "apply force to" are grammatically correct. "Exert" suggests a more sustained or deliberate action, while "apply" is more general.

What's the difference between "exert force on" and "exert influence on"?

"Exert force on" typically implies a physical or direct application of energy, while "exert influence on" suggests a more indirect or persuasive effect.