he is compelled to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is compelled to" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when indicating that someone is forced or obligated to do something. Example: "He is compelled to attend the meeting due to his responsibilities." Alternative expressions include "he is obligated to" and "he is required to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 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

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

The New Yorker

For he is compelled to contradict himself as soon as he makes the attempt.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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 do so.

The Washington Post

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is compelled to" when you want to emphasize a strong sense of necessity or obligation, whether it arises from internal conviction, external pressure, or a formal requirement. Be mindful of the context to ensure the level of formality aligns with your intended audience.

Common error

Avoid using "he is compelled to" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "he has to" or "he needs to" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is compelled to" functions as a verbal phrase expressing obligation or necessity. It indicates that a person is driven or required to perform a certain action, whether by external forces or internal conviction. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is compelled to" is a versatile expression used to indicate that someone is under a strong obligation or necessity to perform a particular action. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is frequently found in news, media, and academic contexts, lending itself well to both neutral and somewhat formal registers. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's essential to consider the context and avoid overuse in informal settings, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. The semantic richness of the phrase is reflected in its many related alternatives, like "he is obligated to" and "he is required to", allowing for subtle shifts in meaning. Overall, "he is compelled to" remains a valuable tool in expressing a sense of obligation or necessity in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is obligated to

Emphasizes a formal or moral duty.

he is required to

Highlights a rule or law that necessitates the action.

he is bound to

Suggests a commitment or promise that enforces the action.

he is forced to

Implies an external pressure or coercion causing the action.

he is obliged to

Similar to obligated but can also imply gratitude.

he has to

A more informal way of expressing necessity or obligation.

he must

Indicates a strong sense of duty or requirement.

it is incumbent upon him to

A formal expression indicating a responsibility or duty.

he is under a duty to

Highlights the legal or moral obligation to perform an action.

he is duty-bound to

Emphasizes the sense of moral obligation.

FAQs

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

Use "he is compelled to" to show that someone is forced or obligated to do something. For example: "He is compelled to follow the company's regulations".

What are some alternatives to "he is compelled to"?

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

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

"He is compelled to" suggests an external or internal force driving the action, whereas "he wants to" indicates a personal desire or inclination. The first implies obligation, the second, volition.

Is "he is compelled to" formal or informal?

"He is compelled to" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "he has to" or "he needs to".