he is compelled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is compelled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is forced or driven to do something, often against their will. Example: "Despite his reservations, he is compelled to attend the meeting due to his responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Yet, he is compelled to keep building.

The New York Times

He is compelled to make meaning from whatever is there.

The New Yorker

Al-Habsi dived, as he is compelled to do, but did not stand a chance.

Independent

Yet still he runs for re-election, still he is compelled by the calling of Galatasaray.

The New York Times - Sports

Even as he admires the generosity of Adelaide's embrace, he is compelled to spoil it.

The New Yorker

He kills and then eats people because that's what he is compelled to do.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

In January 1747 he was compelled to resign.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was compelled to let that film open.

The New Yorker

He was compelled to show them, with nothing held back.

The Guardian - Arts

He was compelled to take such a decision".

The Guardian

When he was in America, he was compelled to procure his own food.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is compelled" to convey a sense of strong internal or external pressure that drives someone to act, whether from duty, obligation, or uncontrollable urge. It adds a layer of depth compared to simpler alternatives like "he has to".

Common error

While grammatically sound, "he is compelled" can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday conversation. Opt for alternatives like "he needs to" or "he has to" in less formal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is compelled" functions as a verbal phrase indicating obligation or necessity. As Ludwig AI suggests, it depicts a situation where an individual is under strong pressure to act in a certain way, whether internally or externally driven. This contrasts with simply wanting to do something; there's an element of involuntariness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is compelled" is grammatically correct and frequently used to describe a situation where someone is under strong pressure to act, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a verbal phrase that conveys obligation or necessity, often implying a lack of complete volition. Predominantly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and science, its register is generally neutral but leans towards the formal. While alternatives like "he is obligated" or "he is forced" exist, it's best to avoid overusing "he is compelled" in informal settings. As Ludwig examples show, it's a powerful phrase for articulating actions driven by circumstance, duty, or inescapable inner drives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is obligated

Replaces "compelled" with "obligated", implying a sense of duty or requirement.

he is required

Substitutes "compelled" with "required", suggesting a necessity imposed by a rule or authority.

he is bound

Uses "bound" instead of "compelled", indicating a sense of being tied or committed to something.

he is forced

Replaces "compelled" with "forced", highlighting a lack of choice or coercion.

he has to

A more informal way of saying "he is compelled", indicating necessity.

he must

A stronger, more direct way of saying "he is compelled", emphasizing obligation.

he is under an obligation

Expands on the idea of being "compelled" by explicitly stating an obligation.

he is duty-bound

Indicates a compulsion arising from a sense of duty.

circumstances dictate that he

Impersonal construction explaining necessity based on surrounding situation.

necessity dictates that he

Explains that the character is forced by necessity.

FAQs

How can I use "he is compelled" in a sentence?

Use "he is compelled" to describe a situation where someone feels forced or strongly driven to do something, often against their initial desires. For example, "He didn't want to lie, but he was compelled by the circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "he is compelled"?

You can use alternatives like "he is obligated", "he is required", or "he is forced" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "he is compelled" and "he wants to"?

"He is compelled" suggests an external or internal pressure driving the action, whereas "he wants to" indicates a voluntary desire. The former implies less agency than the latter.

Is "he is compelled" formal or informal?

"He is compelled" leans towards formal. More informal alternatives include "he has to" or "he needs to".