is compelled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is compelled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong obligation or necessity to do something. Example: "She is compelled to speak out against injustice after witnessing the events unfold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But one is compelled to ask: Is anyone throwing punches?

The New York Times

Now Obama is compelled to engage.

The New York Times

Our species is compelled to make art.

Independent

She is compelled by her own logic.

The New York Times - Books

No one is compelled to read it.

The Guardian

But abruptly, the gaze is compelled elsewhere.

The New York Times

Yet, he is compelled to keep building.

The New York Times

"Morlock is compelled to offer testimony against others, including Wagnon".

The New York Times

So Jed is compelled by the destinations of his friends.

The New York Times

No one is compelled to participate in these activities.

The Guardian

He is compelled to make meaning from whatever is there.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is compelled" to convey a sense of obligation or necessity, particularly when external forces or circumstances are the driving factor. Consider the strength of the obligation – "is compelled" implies a strong, often unavoidable, need to act.

Common error

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

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is compelled" functions as a passive voice verb phrase, indicating that the subject is being acted upon or forced to perform a particular action. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses a strong obligation or necessity. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts where an entity is under pressure or obligation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is compelled" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to convey obligation, necessity, or coercion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, its formality makes it less suited for casual conversation. Remember to consider the nuance you want to convey and explore alternative phrases like "is obligated" or "is forced" to achieve the desired effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is forced

Implies a lack of choice and being made to do something against one's will; close in meaning to "is compelled" but with a stronger emphasis on coercion.

is obligated

Indicates a moral or legal duty to do something; often interchangeable with "is compelled" but carries a stronger sense of duty.

has no choice but to

Highlights the lack of alternatives, implying a forced action; close to "is compelled" in emphasizing limited options.

is required

Suggests a necessity or a condition that must be met; similar to "is compelled" but emphasizes a rule or requirement.

is left with no option

Similar to 'has no choice', this stresses the limited agency and situational pressure.

is bound

Indicates a legal or moral obligation; comparable to "is compelled" but often used in more formal contexts.

is constrained

Suggests limitations or restrictions leading to a particular action; "is compelled" suggests a driving force, while this suggests limiting alternatives.

is duty-bound

Emphasizes a strong sense of obligation, as if compelled by one's duties; adds a layer of moral imperative.

is under an obligation

A more formal way of saying someone is obligated; similar to "is compelled" in a formal setting.

is necessitated

Indicates that a particular action or outcome is made unavoidable by circumstances; provides a sense of inevitability similar to "is compelled".

FAQs

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

Use "is compelled" to indicate that someone or something is forced or obliged to do something due to external factors or a strong sense of necessity. For example, "The evidence "is compelled" the jury to reach a guilty verdict".

What are some alternatives to "is compelled"?

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

Is "is compelled to" the same as "feels compelled to"?

No, "is compelled to" implies an external force or obligation, while "feels compelled to" suggests an internal feeling or strong desire. The former is about external pressure, the latter is about internal motivation.

Which is correct, "is compelled to" or "is compelling to"?

"Is compelled to" indicates that someone is forced or obliged to do something. "Is compelling to" means something is persuasive or convincing, which is a different meaning altogether. For example, the evidence is compelling to believe that X is guilty.