external forces

USAGE SUMMARY

"external forces" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to influences that come from outside of a particular situation, person, or thing. For example, "The company's success was due to its own internal efforts as well as external forces such as a booming economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

No external forces.

The Guardian - Books

"They expect to attract external forces".

The New York Times

External forces are often uncontrollable.

The Guardian - Sport

External forces cannot, however, resolve Haiti's problems.

The New York Times

We have been invaded by all sorts of external forces.

The Guardian - Film

I blame external forces that seem to dictate the terms.

The Guardian

Groundwater can be exquisitely sensitive to external forces, including tides.

The New Yorker

He won by blaming external forces, trade and immigration.

The Guardian - Opinion

The notice included a warning about unnamed "external forces".

The New Yorker

"These charges are being framed upon pressure from external forces".

The New York Times

The distraction would come from external forces, not internal ones.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, ensure you differentiate between the "external forces" and internal factors affecting the system being studied.

Common error

Avoid vague references to "external forces" without specifying what those forces are. Provide enough detail so that your audience understands the precise influences at play. For example, instead of saying "The company struggled due to external forces", specify "The company struggled due to increased competition from overseas markets and changing consumer preferences".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "external forces" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it acts as a key element influencing an outcome or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "external forces" is a grammatically sound and widely used noun phrase that refers to influences originating from outside a specific entity or system. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use across a multitude of contexts. This phrase is most frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business environments. To enhance clarity, be specific about what these "external forces" are. Avoid overgeneralization to ensure your audience understands the precise influences at play. When a more nuanced description is needed, you may choose alternatives like "outside influences" or "environmental factors". In essence, understanding and articulating the role of "external forces" is crucial for informed discussions in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outside influences

Emphasizes the source of the forces being from beyond a defined boundary.

external pressures

Highlights the demanding or coercive nature of these outside influences.

environmental factors

Focuses on the surrounding conditions that affect something, often used in scientific contexts.

market drivers

Specifically refers to forces that propel or direct market trends.

extraneous variables

Used in research and statistics to describe factors that can affect the outcome of an experiment but are not the primary focus.

third-party impacts

Highlights the consequences of actions or decisions made by entities not directly involved.

exogenous factors

A more technical term denoting causes originating externally.

external determinants

Stresses the role of these forces in shaping or deciding outcomes.

outside intervention

Implies a deliberate act of interference or involvement from an external source.

systemic influences

Suggests that the forces are part of a broader, interconnected system.

FAQs

How can I use "external forces" in a sentence?

You can use "external forces" to describe factors influencing a situation from the outside. For instance, "The company's profits were affected by "external forces" such as rising inflation and supply chain disruptions".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "external forces"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "outside influences", "environmental factors", or "market drivers".

What's the difference between "external forces" and "internal forces"?

"External forces" refer to influences originating from outside an entity, while "internal forces" arise from within. For example, in a company, "external forces" might include competition, while internal forces could be company culture or management decisions.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "external forces"?

"External forces" is suitable in a variety of contexts, including business analysis, scientific studies, and political discussions, where identifying outside influences is important. For example, you might discuss the "external forces" affecting a country's economy or the evolution of a species.