power of compulsion

USAGE SUMMARY

"power of compulsion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the power to force someone to do something, often against their will. For example: "The union wielded its power of compulsion to ensure that the minimum wage was increased."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He always acted as an autocrat, convinced of the wonder-working power of compulsion by the state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Before the fall, Adam had "dominion of natural liberty and perfection," according to the "primaeval natural law"; afterwards, although Marchia admitted that there was a "remnant of natural law," basically it had to be replaced by positive law and the dominion of "servile necessity" and the "power of compulsion".

SEP

He believes in the hard power of compulsion rather than the soft power of persuasion, writes Gellman.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A letter seen by the Financial Times tells companies that new Chinese laws allow the state to exert influence over companies with "wide-ranging powers of compulsion".

The Times

It's now time to discover if the regulator's powers of compulsion are as strong as they ought to be.

The Guardian - Business

With his soulful voice and haunted intelligence, Mr. Irons beautifully conveys the redemptive power of certain compulsions without overlooking what can be ruinous in them.

The New York Times

Over time, with the help of her family, therapy, and medication, Loulwa began to feel free from the power of her compulsions.

Huffington Post

"[In] the past 30 years, the great powers - out of compulsion, not by choice - have surrendered many times to the Iranian nation and in all cases, steadfastness and determination were the factors that worked".

BBC

But have I got a lot out of that experience, in terms of thinking about how sex operates, about power relations, about issues of compulsion and assault?

The New Yorker

"Convivial tools rule out certain levels of power, compulsion, and programming, which are precisely those features that now tend to make all governments look more or less alike," Illich wrote.

The New Yorker

Power does not necessarily imply coercion or use of force; it may involve any degree of compulsion, from the gentlest suggestion to absolute domination (Beier and Stern 1969).

Agricultural and Food Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "power of compulsion" when you want to emphasize the ability to force someone to act, particularly when that action is against their will or initial inclination. It's stronger than simple influence.

Common error

Avoid using "power of compulsion" when describing persuasive techniques or soft influence. This phrase implies a direct and often forceful imposition of will, not subtle encouragement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power of compulsion" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing the state's ability to exert influence or a regulator's authority.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "power of compulsion" is a noun phrase denoting the capacity to force someone to act, often against their will. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While relatively rare in overall usage, as evidenced by the limited number of examples, it appears in diverse contexts ranging from encyclopedias to news media. The phrase carries a formal tone and is best suited for situations where the element of force or unavoidable obligation is central. Related phrases, such as "force of necessity" or "coercive power", offer alternative ways to express similar concepts with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

force of necessity

Emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the compulsion, focusing on the circumstances that make it necessary.

coercive power

Highlights the power to coerce someone into action, implying a stronger element of force.

irresistible force

Suggests that the compulsion is impossible to resist, stressing its overwhelming nature.

driving force

Focuses on the compelling factor that motivates action, often in a more positive or neutral context.

compelling influence

Emphasizes the influence that urges or persuades someone towards a specific action or decision.

sheer obligation

Highlights the sense of duty or requirement as the compelling factor.

imperative need

Stresses the urgency and necessity behind the compulsion.

weight of responsibility

Emphasizes the burden or obligation as a form of compulsion.

moral imperative

Highlights the ethical or moral obligation that drives the compulsion.

inexorable pressure

Focuses on the unrelenting and unavoidable nature of the pressure causing the compulsion.

FAQs

How can the phrase "power of compulsion" be used in a sentence?

You can use "power of compulsion" to describe a situation where someone or something is forced to act against their will. For example, "The state exerted its "power of compulsion" to enforce the new regulations."

What phrases have a similar meaning to "power of compulsion"?

Similar phrases include "force of necessity", "coercive power", and "irresistible force". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "power of compulsion" formal or informal language?

The phrase "power of compulsion" is generally considered formal. It's more appropriate for academic, legal, or formal business contexts than casual conversation.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "power of compulsion"?

Use "power of compulsion" when you want to emphasize the element of force or unavoidable obligation. It's fitting for describing legal mandates, authoritarian actions, or situations where individuals have no choice but to comply.