impel

USAGE SUMMARY

'impel' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an English verb which means to urge somebody to do something. Example sentence: Her words of encouragement impel me to work harder.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But their supporters may impel them in that direction because the assembly election, held as it is under proportional representation, means that co-operation can deliver extra seats.That might well be enough to banish the looming spectre of a McGuinness premiership.

The Economist

The single currency, the biggest leap yet towards integration, may impel further integration.

The Economist

According to Standard & Poor's, a rating agency, the value of global stockmarkets fell by $3 trillion during the month, thanks in particular to a 10% decline in emerging markets.Share prices are suffering because of the outlook for four forces that impel stockmarkets: economic growth, profits growth, interest rates and inflation (see article).

The Economist

But grim headlines from other parts of the world impel international fund managers to reduce their exposure to developing countries in general.

The Economist

Such conduct would normally impel them to investigate other businesses if they pursued the same predatory pricing and deceptive bait-and-switch marketing policies that Amazon does.Granville Williams Upton, West YorkshireSIR – The praise you heaped on Amazon for fostering the emergence of online customer reviews for everything from books to washing machines was unwarranted.

The Economist

As a whole, the industry could lose market share to non-accountants.The act, with its threat of litigation, should also impel accounting firms to audit more thoroughly.

The Economist

"The Chinese have a golden opportunity to negotiate while the Dalai Lama is alive...but it sometimes seems that the Chinese are trying to impel the Tibetans to take a course of violence," he said.

The Economist

All three have staked their careers on monumental domestic reforms that will impel them to keep their focus at home and conflict to a minimum.

The Economist

The British government's efforts to single out Massachusetts for punishment served only to unite the colonies and impel the drift toward war.

Encyclopedia Britannica

First, its main purpose, a practical one (which is furthered by recourse to the authority of Jesus), is to impel people to act in accordance with justice and charity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Broadly speaking, positive displacement pumps move relatively low volumes of fluid at high pressure, and kinetic pumps impel high volumes at low pressure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully; "impel" often implies a moral or ethical impetus.

Common error

While "impel" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in formal contexts where simpler verbs like "encourage" or "motivate" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The verb "impel" functions to describe the act of urging or driving someone or something into action, often through internal motivation. Ludwig confirms its usability, providing examples where "impel" is used to express the force that causes an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impel" is a versatile verb that signifies the act of urging or driving someone into action, often through internal motivation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Economist, and Encyclopedia Britannica. While grammatically sound and frequently used, it is important to consider the nuance of "impel" which implies internal motivation and to ensure it fits the specific context to avoid overuse in less formal situations. Alternatives like "urge" or "motivate" may sometimes be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urge

This alternative emphasizes the act of strongly advising or encouraging someone to do something.

drive

This alternative suggests a forceful influence that compels action.

motivate

This term focuses on providing someone with a reason or incentive to act.

propel

This alternative indicates a forward motion or advancement, often with force.

compel

This term stresses the use of authority or obligation to force action.

spur

This alternative implies a sudden burst of encouragement or incitement.

instigate

This term suggests initiating an action or event, often with a sense of urgency.

prompt

This alternative indicates causing or triggering an action, often in response to something.

push

This implies a continuous effort to make someone do something.

pressurize

This term suggests the act of exerting psychological force to influence someone's decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "impel" in a sentence?

You can use "impel" to show that something or someone is pushing someone else towards an action or a belief. For example: "The evidence impelled the jury to reach a guilty verdict."

What's the difference between "impel" and "compel"?

"Impel" suggests intrinsic motivation, while "compel" implies external force. "Impel" is urging, "compel" is forcing.

What are some alternatives to "impel"?

Alternatives to "impel" include "urge", "drive", and "motivate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it most appropriate to use "impel"?

"Impel" is suitable when discussing internal drivers or motivations, especially in formal or literary contexts. Consider alternatives like "encourage" or "push" in less formal scenarios.