it compels

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it compels" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that strongly urges or drives someone to take action or feel a certain way. Example: "The evidence presented in the report compels us to reconsider our initial conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As Prikryl writes, it "houses a will as acquisitive / as ours, if not more so": it compels its speakers to say whatever it has in mind.

The New Yorker

Walking, Lee notes early on, refines awareness: it compels you to "tread" a landscape "slowly", to "smell its different soils".

The Guardian - Books

"It compels action.

The New York Times

It compels attention.

The Guardian - Books

In a strange way it compels me.

The Guardian - Books

It compels me to speak as though I were two.

The Guardian - Opinion

Usually, it compels people to leave the room".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It compels every citizen to buy health insurance on pain of a fine.

The Economist

This is a movie that defies understanding even as it compels reverent, astonished belief.

The New York Times

And while research shows that most women neither enjoy nor admire fat talk, it compels them.

The New York Times

It compels the spectator to examine one facet or another of his own conscience.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it compels", ensure the subject clearly exerts a strong influence, either internally (motivation) or externally (obligation).

Common error

Avoid using "it compels" when the influence is mild or suggestive. Opt for alternatives like "it encourages" or "it suggests" if the force is not particularly strong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it compels" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "it" serves as the subject and "compels" as the main verb. It expresses a cause-and-effect relationship, indicating that the subject strongly influences or necessitates a particular action or thought, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it compels" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates a strong influence or necessity. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It commonly appears in news articles, scientific publications, and formal business documents. While alternative phrases exist, like "it forces", "it necessitates", and "it requires", the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. When employing this phrase, make sure that the subject exerts a genuine strong influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it forces

Emphasizes a stronger, more unavoidable sense of obligation than the original phrase.

it necessitates

Highlights the logical requirement for something to occur.

it requires

Similar to 'necessitates' but can imply a more formal or official demand.

it obliges

Suggests a moral or legal duty to perform an action.

it urges

Implies a strong encouragement rather than a strict requirement.

it drives

Focuses on the motivational aspect, suggesting a strong internal or external pressure.

it induces

Indicates that something leads or persuades someone to do something.

it motivates

Highlights the element of inspiration and incentive.

it inspires

Suggests that something stimulates creativity or a desire to act.

it leads to

Implies that something causes or results in a particular action or outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "it compels" to show that something has a strong influence on someone's actions or thoughts. For example, "The evidence compels us to reconsider our conclusions".

What are some alternatives to "it compels"?

You can use alternatives like "it forces", "it necessitates", or "it requires" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it compels"?

"It compels" is appropriate when the subject strongly influences or drives a particular action or feeling. It suggests a strong urging or requirement, and it should be used when a direct influence is intended.

What's the difference between "it compels" and "it suggests"?

"It compels" implies a strong and direct influence, pushing someone towards a specific action or thought. "It suggests", on the other hand, indicates a milder influence, hinting at a possibility or an idea without the same forceful impact.