feel compelled to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel compelled to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has a strong motivation to do something. For example: "I feel compelled to speak out against this injustice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I feel compelled to make a difference".

Independent

People feel compelled to consume.

The Washington Post

Sort of, I feel compelled to reply.

The New York Times

Did she feel compelled to write it?

The Guardian - Books

I feel compelled to add "and sensationalised".

The Guardian - Arts

"You feel compelled to use public transport".

The Guardian

I used to feel compelled to respond.

The Guardian

They feel compelled to do this.

The New York Times

They feel compelled to enter it.

The Guardian - Books

Does she feel compelled to stay busy?

The Guardian - Music

Survivors of it feel compelled to search out a savior.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "feel compelled to" with a clear explanation of why the feeling exists. This provides context and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "feel compelled to" in every sentence to show urgency. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel compelled to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a strong subjective sense of obligation, necessity, or irresistible urge to perform an action. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel compelled to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that expresses a strong sense of obligation or necessity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's versatile enough for various contexts, including news, business, and general communication. While highly effective, it should be used judiciously to avoid redundancy. Consider using synonyms such as "feel obligated to" or "feel driven to" to add variety to your writing. Ludwig's examples highlight its appropriateness in conveying reactions to events, justifying actions, and expressing strong intentions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel impelled to

Indicates a forceful and often irresistible feeling.

feel obligated to

Emphasizes a sense of duty or moral requirement.

feel obliged to

Similar to obligated, but may imply a social expectation.

feel duty-bound to

Highlights a strong sense of responsibility.

feel driven to

Suggests a strong internal force or motivation.

feel morally bound to

Similar to duty-bound, with a stronger ethical dimension.

feel the need to

Indicates a perceived requirement or necessity.

feel urged to

Implies external influence or prompting.

feel inclined to

Suggests a predisposition or tendency.

feel predisposed to

Similar to inclined, but implies a pre-existing tendency.

FAQs

How can I use "feel compelled to" in a sentence?

Use "feel compelled to" when expressing a strong sense of obligation or necessity. For example, "I "feel compelled to" speak out against injustice."

What are some alternatives to "feel compelled to"?

You can use alternatives such as "feel obligated to", "feel driven to", or "feel the need to" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "feel compelled to" and "feel obligated to"?

While similar, "feel obligated to" often implies a sense of duty or external requirement, whereas "feel compelled to" can encompass both internal and external pressures.

When is it appropriate to use "feel compelled to" in formal writing?

"Feel compelled to" is suitable for formal writing when you need to express a strong sense of duty, necessity, or ethical responsibility. Ensure the context warrants such a strong expression.