it was compelled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was compelled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone or something was forced to act or respond in a certain way. Example: "She felt that it was compelled by circumstances beyond her control to make a decision quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

At that time, it was compelled to make substantial changes to how its online login system,.Net Passport, stored addresses, ages and other personal details.

The New York Times - Tech

The majority for the Eleventh Circuit said it was compelled to reject the revised opinions.

The New York Times

In 388 it was compelled by Sparta to give up the Athenian alliance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That was a lie, of course, but it was compelled by the urgency of the situation.

The New Yorker

Under the caretaker government, it was compelled to remain silent on matters for which there is no bipartisan agreement.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the refusal to process Mr. Bean's application, he continued, "was not contrary to law, it was compelled by law".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"I made it because I was compelled to make it, like I was compelled to make 'Mother'".

Independent

But it was compelling.

The New York Times - Sports

Some people said it was overdone, but there's no doubt it was compelling.

The Guardian - Film

This was my first live experience of gymnastics, and much of it was compelling.

The Guardian - Sport

It was compelling.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was compelled", ensure the reason for compulsion is clear and logically connected to the subject. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was compelled" when an active voice construction would be more direct and concise. For example, instead of "The company felt it was compelled to issue a statement", consider "The company issued a statement" if the compulsion is self-evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was compelled" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence was subjected to an external force or obligation. This aligns with Ludwig AI, which identifies its correct usage in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was compelled" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that a subject was forced or obliged to act due to external pressures. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse sources, primarily in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic contexts. While it's important to ensure clarity and avoid overuse in active voice contexts, mastering this phrase enhances precision and formality in writing. Alternatives like "it was forced" or "it was obliged" can provide nuanced alternatives based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was forced

Emphasizes external pressure and a lack of choice.

it was obliged

Suggests a moral or legal duty to act.

it was required

Highlights a formal or official need.

it was bound

Implies a commitment or promise that necessitated the action.

it was necessitated

Focuses on the circumstances that made the action unavoidable.

it was made to

Highlights external agency and lack of autonomy.

it had no choice but to

Emphasizes the absence of alternative options.

circumstances dictated

Shifts the focus to the influence of external conditions.

duty called for

Implies a moral or professional imperative.

the situation demanded

Highlights the urgency or criticality of the action.

FAQs

How to use "it was compelled" in a sentence?

Use "it was compelled" to indicate that a subject was forced or obliged to do something, often due to external factors or regulations. For example, "The company was compelled to change its policies after the audit."

What can I say instead of "it was compelled"?

You can use alternatives like "it was forced", "it was obliged", or "it was required" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it was compelled" or "it is compelled"?

"It was compelled" refers to a past action or state, while "it is compelled" refers to a present or ongoing obligation. The correct choice depends on the time frame you are describing.

What's the difference between "it was compelled" and "it felt compelled"?

"It was compelled" indicates an external force or requirement caused the action, while "it felt compelled" suggests an internal motivation or sense of duty drove the action.