forced enlistment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forced enlistment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals are compelled to join the military or armed forces against their will. Example: "The government implemented a policy of forced enlistment during the war, leading to widespread protests among the population."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some intel estimates place the ISIS fighting force at between 17,000 to 25,000 jihadis, and growing daily, depending on forced enlistments, etc.

Huffington Post

You'd think that with the U.S. mainland actually attacked, armed forces enlistment offices would have to turn away American citizens by the droves.

The New York Times

Thousands of California soldiers forced to repay enlistment bonuses a decade after going to war.

Los Angeles Times

Despite the numbers cited by the government of those killed, captured or defected, Farc has been able to replace many of those losses, year after year, both through voluntary enlistments and through forced recruitment, particularly of child soldiers.

BBC

The Pentagon is trying to cope with the surge in suicides, but it is holding a bad hand: the desperate shortage of troops has forced military officials to lower the bar for enlistment, thus letting in people whose drug and alcohol abuse or other behavioral problems would previously have kept them out.

The New York Times

My platoon's infantrymen expected to be "stop-lossed" and some felt they might as well cash in on the re-enlistment bonuses if they were going to be forced to stay in the Army anyway.

The New York Times

These include the murder of his family (his sister is raped in their home before being shot) and his enlistment as a child soldier, from which point he is forced to make his own life-or-death decisions.

The Guardian

When an injury forced him to leave the Marine Corps in 2004, after about two years of enlistment, he went to the University of Indianapolis for a year, then applied and was accepted to the Juilliard School's drama division.

The New York Times

The hasty enlistment of the new team comes as Mr. Obama has been forced to answer personally for the technological hurdles and breakdowns facing untold numbers of Americans as they have sought to enroll in health insurance plans through the online insurance exchange since it opened on Oct. 1.

The New York Times

Punitive treatment of foreign slaves or of native fugitives from their obligations included forced labour, exile (in, for example, the oases of the western desert), or compulsory enlistment in dangerous mining expeditions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many ultra-Orthodox, also known as Haredim, view the enlistment drive as a divisive attack on their lifestyle and belief system, and vehemently oppose any forced draft.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical or political contexts, use "forced enlistment" to accurately convey the lack of consent and potential human rights implications.

Common error

Be specific about who is doing the forcing. Saying "forced enlistment" without context can leave the reader wondering who is responsible for compelling individuals to join the military.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forced enlistment" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence, describing a specific type of recruitment into military service. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

24%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "forced enlistment" describes the act of compelling individuals into military service against their will. Although Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct, its absence in exact matches highlights the potential for more precise alternatives depending on the specific context. Terms like "compulsory conscription" or "mandatory military service" may sometimes be more appropriate. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, Wiki articles, and formal business contexts, with the ethical and legal implications often being discussed. The importance of using specific language can prevent ambiguities when describing such a sensitive topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forced conscription

Adds emphasis on coercion, implying that the draft is not fair or voluntary.

compulsory conscription

Emphasizes the legal requirement to join the military.

mandatory military service

Highlights the obligatory nature of service.

involuntary induction

Focuses on the lack of consent in the recruitment process.

coerced recruitment

Emphasizes the use of pressure or threats to force enlistment.

press-ganging

Refers to historical practice of forcibly recruiting sailors.

draft

A system of mandatory military service based on selection.

conscription

General term for mandatory military enrollment.

obligatory service

Focuses on the duty to serve, regardless of willingness.

compelled service

Highlights the lack of choice in joining the military.

FAQs

What does "forced enlistment" mean?

"Forced enlistment" refers to the act of compelling individuals to join the military or armed forces against their will, often through coercion or legal mandate. It contrasts with "voluntary enlistment", where individuals choose to serve.

What are the ethical considerations of "forced enlistment"?

The ethics of "forced enlistment" are often debated, raising questions about individual liberty, human rights, and the state's power over its citizens. International laws and conventions often address the circumstances under which military service can be mandated.

What is the difference between "forced enlistment" and conscription?

While both terms involve mandatory military service, "forced enlistment" often implies a more direct or coercive method of recruitment compared to standard conscription practices. Conscription usually involves a legal framework and selection process, while "forced enlistment" may involve direct compulsion.

Are there legal restrictions on "forced enlistment"?

Yes, international humanitarian law prohibits the "forced recruitment of children" into armed forces. Many countries also have constitutional or legal provisions that limit the government's ability to compel adults into military service except under specific circumstances, such as during a declared war.