it was compulsory for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was compulsory for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was required or mandatory for a specific group or individual in a particular context. Example: "It was compulsory for all students to attend the safety training session before the field trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

In the 1980s it was compulsory for all menopausal women.

The Guardian

After the war, it was compulsory for Americans visiting Paris to call on him.

The Guardian - Arts

At some point in the history of boxing, someone decided that it was compulsory for every fighter to have a nickname.

The Guardian - Sport

Of the Prague scene he says: "For a long time, the Czech composers were enjoying a comfortable life when the Union of Composers was the mightiest organisation, and when it was compulsory for state orchestras and ensembles to perform contemporary music.

The Guardian - Music

In the 1980s, convinced that it was compulsory for political playwrights to be named Howard or David, some commentators missed the extraordinary upsurge of playwrights called things like Caryl, Charlotte [Keatley] and Clare [McIntyre], whose plays addressed a new, feminist audience, challenging the idea that political theatre has to stop at the front door.

The Guardian

For as long as I can remember, our family used to sit and discuss what should be taught in school, how expensive trains were, why we were at war in a different country and why it was compulsory for me to run round a sports field in the depths of winter.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It would not be compulsory for newspapers to form such a body – nor would it be compulsory for one to conform to its standards.

Independent

Poll: Should it be compulsory for cyclists to wear helmets?

The Guardian

The ANSI/AIHA does not require risk assessment whereas it is compulsory for ATEX.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Then again, it's compulsory for British actors to do Harry Potter.

The Guardian - Film

In many countries, including the US, Australia and Spain, it is compulsory for children to be vaccinated before they start school.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for synonyms like "required" or "mandatory" if the context demands a more contemporary tone, as "compulsory" can sometimes sound slightly formal or dated.

Common error

Avoid using "it was compulsory for" without clearly defining the group or individuals to whom the compulsion applied. Be precise to prevent misinterpretations about who was obligated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was compulsory for" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something was required or mandatory. As Ludwig shows, it often precedes a noun phrase specifying the individuals or entities subject to the compulsion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was compulsory for" is used to indicate that something was mandatory or required in the past. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It typically appears in neutral to formal contexts, such as news articles, scientific publications, and official documents, to express obligations, legal requirements, or standards that were in effect. While generally formal, synonyms like "required" or "mandatory" might be preferable in more contemporary settings. Common errors involve not clearly defining the scope of the compulsion. The phrase is considered 'uncommon' in frequency of use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was mandatory for

Replaces "compulsory" with "mandatory", offering a direct synonym with similar connotations of requirement.

it was required for

Uses "required" instead of "compulsory", suggesting a slightly less strict or formal necessity.

it was obligatory for

Substitutes "compulsory" with "obligatory", implying a moral or legal duty.

it was a requirement for

Shifts the focus to the requirement itself, rather than the action of making something compulsory.

it was a necessity for

Replaces "compulsory" with "necessity", highlighting the essential nature of the action.

it was essential for

Emphasizes the importance of something, differing slightly from the directive nature of "compulsory".

it was imperative for

Highlights the urgency and critical nature of the requirement, adding a sense of importance.

it was unavoidable for

Suggests that something could not be prevented or escaped, focusing on the lack of choice.

it was a must for

Employs a more informal tone, indicating something highly recommended or practically necessary.

it was requisite for

Offers a formal alternative, denoting something needed or necessary according to a particular set of rules or procedures.

FAQs

What does "it was compulsory for" mean?

The phrase "it was compulsory for" means that something was required or mandatory for a particular person or group. It indicates that there was no choice in the matter and adherence to the requirement was enforced.

Are there synonyms for "it was compulsory for"?

Yes, you can use synonyms such as "it was mandatory for", "it was required for", or "it was obligatory for". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "it was compulsory for" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was compulsory for" is generally considered formal. In more casual settings, phrases like "it was a must for" or "it was necessary for" might be more appropriate.

Is it correct to say "it is compulsory for" instead of "it was compulsory for"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct. Use "it is compulsory for" when referring to a current requirement, and "it was compulsory for" when referring to a past requirement.