forced to retract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forced to retract" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is compelled to withdraw or take back a statement, claim, or action, often due to pressure or consequences. Example: "After the backlash from the community, the politician was forced to retract his controversial statement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was eventually forced to retract the statement.

The New York Times

Hours later the talkshow host was forced to retract.

The Guardian

In 2012, a Korean plant chemist was caught cheating the peer review process and was forced to retract 28 articles.

The Guardian

As the FBI issued a denial, the Associated Press, Fox News and the Boston Globe were forced to retract reports a suspect was being held.

Independent

Gen. Peter Pace of the Marine Corps, while chairman of the Joint Chiefs in 2007, was forced to retract his comment that homosexual conduct was immoral.

The New York Times

The afterword to "Touching History" was written by General Arnold, despite his having been forced to retract his testimony to the 9/11 commission.

The New York Times

It was an accusation that both magazine and writer were forced to retract when it was pointed out that work had not yet started.

The Guardian - Arts

Any MP who claims this is not statutory regulation is a liar, and should be forced to retract and apologise, or face a million pound fine.

The Guardian - Opinion

The retractions and the scale of the mistake spurred comparisons with another embarrassing episode for CBS News — a report in 2004 about George W. Bush's National Guard record that CBS was also forced to retract.

The New York Times

But one local, fellow designer Thomas Heatherwick, branded it "empty, cynical and vacuous" – until he was forced to retract by the architecture establishment who, as Prince Charles can testify, are a very scary bunch.

Independent

But with just one off-message statement that he was quickly forced to retract, he became the prominent public face of the House Republicans who are refusing to re-open the United States government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "compelled to withdraw" or "obliged to recant" if you want to emphasize the obligation or formal nature of the retraction.

Common error

Avoid using "forced to retract" when someone simply chooses to withdraw a statement without external pressure. The phrase implies coercion or significant consequences, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forced to retract" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone or something was compelled to withdraw a statement or claim. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's considered correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "forced to retract" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of someone being compelled to withdraw a statement or claim. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, the phrase often carries connotations of pressure or unwilling compliance. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects the presence of external pressure or consequences. Alternative phrases such as "compelled to withdraw" or "obliged to recant" can provide more nuanced meanings depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compelled to withdraw

Focuses on the act of withdrawal being obligatory.

required to retract

Focuses on a formal requirement or obligation to retract.

obliged to recant

Highlights the formal nature of taking back a statement, often religious or ideological.

made to disavow

Emphasizes the act of denying or rejecting something previously supported.

pressured to concede

Suggests that the retraction is a form of yielding to pressure or admitting defeat.

coerced into withdrawing

Highlights the use of force or intimidation to achieve the retraction.

under duress to retract

Emphasizes that the retraction was made unwillingly due to threats or pressure.

strong-armed into withdrawing

Implies aggressive or forceful tactics were used to obtain the retraction.

induced to recant

Suggests persuasion or influence led to the recantation.

persuaded to withdraw

Highlights that the retraction was a result of convincing or coaxing.

FAQs

What does "forced to retract" mean?

The phrase "forced to retract" means someone was compelled, usually against their will, to withdraw a statement, claim, or action. This often implies pressure or negative consequences for not retracting.

What can I say instead of "forced to retract"?

You can use alternatives like "compelled to withdraw", "obliged to recant", or "made to disavow", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was forced to retract" or "is forced to retract"?

Both "was forced to retract" and "is forced to retract" are grammatically correct, but they indicate different time frames. "Was forced to retract" refers to a past event, while "is forced to retract" refers to a present or ongoing situation.

What is the difference between "retract" and "revoke"?

"Retract" typically refers to withdrawing a statement or claim, while "revoke" usually refers to officially canceling or invalidating a law, agreement, or privilege. For example, a journalist might be "forced to retract" a story, while a government might revoke a license.