is forced to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is forced to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a situation where someone is compelled or required to do something against their will. Example: Jacob is forced to work overtime every week to make ends meet. In this sentence, "is forced to" indicates that Jacob has no choice but to work extra hours, even though he may not want to.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is forced to change affordability tests.

The Guardian - Business

The poor fellow is forced to leave.

The New Yorker

Nobody is forced to collaborate here.

The New Yorker

Mrs. Page is forced to deny this.

The New Yorker

(No one is forced to participate).

The New York Times

So Kelly is forced to pad.

The New Yorker

policy is forced to be empty.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

flag is forced to the indicated value.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

No one is forced to join it.

Yale University

policy is forced to be pol.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

flag is forced to indicated value.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is forced to" to clearly convey a lack of voluntary action. Ensure the context makes the source of the compulsion clear to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is forced to" when the actor performing the forcing action is unclear or omitted. Always strive for clarity by explicitly stating who or what is exerting the force.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is forced to" functions as a passive construction indicating obligation or compulsion. It describes situations where an individual or entity is required to perform an action against their will or preference. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is forced to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone or something is compelled to act against their will. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequent use across various contexts such as News & Media and Academia makes it a versatile tool for conveying a lack of agency. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying who or what is exerting the force. By understanding its nuances and potential for misuse, writers can effectively use "is forced to" to add precision and impact to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is compelled to

Emphasizes a strong sense of obligation or requirement, often from an external authority.

is obligated to

Highlights a formal or moral duty to perform an action.

is required to

Focuses on a rule or regulation necessitating the action.

is bound to

Suggests a legal or contractual obligation.

is made to

Implies coercion or manipulation leading to the action.

is under pressure to

Indicates influence or persuasion, but not necessarily a complete lack of choice.

is left with no option but to

Highlights a lack of alternatives, creating a sense of inevitability.

has no choice but to

Similar to 'left with no option', emphasizing the absence of alternatives.

is left to

Focuses on a lack of interference or unwanted help in one's decision.

is susceptible to

Indicates an affectation but is not necessarily a full obligation.

FAQs

How to use "is forced to" in a sentence?

Use "is forced to" to indicate that someone or something is compelled to do something against their will. For example, "The company "is forced to layoff" employees due to financial difficulties."

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

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

Is it correct to say "are forced to"?

Yes, "are forced to" is the correct plural form of "is forced to". Use "are forced to" when referring to multiple subjects or a plural subject. For example, "They "are forced to work" overtime."

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

"Is forced to" implies a lack of choice and external compulsion, while "wants to" indicates a voluntary action driven by desire or motivation. They are antonyms. One indicates obligation and the other indicates free will.