it compelled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it compelled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a strong force or influence that drives someone to take action or feel a certain way. Example: "The urgency of the situation compelled her to make a quick decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While this system tended to make for incremental, rather than revolutionary, reform, Mr. Brownstein says, "it compelled political leaders who held contrasting views and represented differing constituencies to talk and listen to each other".

The New York Times - Books

"I'd been an actor for 13 years, but didn't start to think about writing my own plays until I was past 30," said Mr. Matsui, who is 37. "I wanted to create a world that I found compelling, and to see if it compelled others.

The New York Times - Arts

The third agenda item, announced May 16, is considered the most significant to date, as it compelled the FARC to acknowledge its role in drug trafficking.

The Washington Post

The enormously enlarged photograph of the incision-slashed torso was the pivotal image of the show; it compelled immediate, stunned attention, and its presence invaded one's perception of the other, less overtly horrifying images.

The New Yorker

The significance of suffering and pain thus lay not in its immediate sensation but in what it compelled human beings to do.

Bulletin of the History of Medicine

The offense accomplished one prong of its miniaturized goals in the top of the fifth — it compelled Brewers manager Craig Counsell to use Knebel.

Los Angeles Times

It compelled gay men and lesbians to hide who they are and to live in fear of being reported.

The New York Times

Instead, it compelled the employer to exceed bargained-for expectations and nullified an express term of the pension plan.

Harvard University

And it compelled each of them to devote their lives to Apollo for the best part of a decade.

The Guardian

The Savard concussion last March was caused by a blindside check from the Penguins' Matt Cooke and it compelled the general managers to propose Rule 48.

The New York Times - Sports

They found that the extra discipline the clubs provided was valuable in itself, because it compelled them to save no matter what.Some went further.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it compelled", ensure the subject (the 'it') is clearly defined and the reason for the compulsion is evident for clarity.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of "it compelled" in passive voice constructions. Instead, restructure sentences to emphasize the actor and the direct impact of the compulsion for a more engaging and active tone.

Linguistic Context

It compelled functions as a verb phrase indicating a strong influence or obligation that results in a specific action. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, all indicating a force or circumstance driving an outcome. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it compelled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates a strong influence or obligation leading to a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It appears most often in news and media, academic writing and encyclopedias, denoting a neutral register. While alternatives like "it forced" or "it obliged" exist, "it compelled" strikes a balance between formality and impact, effectively conveying the sense of necessity driving an outcome. Ensure clarity by defining the 'it' and emphasizing the reason for compulsion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it forced

Indicates a more direct and potentially unwelcome imposition.

it obliged

Implies a sense of duty or legal requirement.

it necessitated

Highlights the unavoidable nature of the action.

it required

Suggests a formal demand or prerequisite.

it prompted

Indicates that something encouraged or caused an action or feeling.

it drove

Conveys a strong, motivational push towards a particular action.

it induced

Suggests gently persuading or influencing someone to do something.

it motivated

Highlights the inspirational aspect of causing action.

it pressured

Implies the application of influence to make someone do something.

it influenced

Indicates a less forceful effect, shaping actions or thoughts indirectly.

FAQs

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

Use "it compelled" to indicate that a force or circumstance strongly influenced someone to take a specific action. For example, "The dire situation "it compelled" him to act immediately".

What's a good alternative to "it compelled"?

Alternatives include "it forced", "it obliged", or "it necessitated", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it compelled" formal or informal?

"It compelled" is generally considered appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though the formality of your overall writing should guide your choice. More casual alternatives like "it made" might be suitable for informal settings.

How does "it compelled" differ from "it persuaded"?

"It compelled" implies a stronger sense of obligation or necessity, while "it persuaded" suggests influence through reasoning or encouragement. Compulsion is about being driven by circumstances, while persuasion is about being convinced.