to apply force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to apply force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to physics, mechanics, or any situation where physical strength or pressure is exerted. Example: "In order to move the heavy object, you need to apply force in the right direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

In fact, the Pope's prior reasonableness was due in part to his lack of success in getting anyone to apply force.

The New Yorker

The trick is not to rush into Mali, but to apply force as part of a coherent military and political plan.

The Economist

Gimzewski and Rao use the ultrasharp tip of an atomic-force microscope probe to apply force to single cells and measure the resistance.

MIT Technology Review

By contrast, officers in the 111th Precinct in the Bayside neighborhood of Queens, which is 87 percent white and Asian, were the least likely to apply force, using it in 4.7 percent of stops.

The New York Times

In order to apply force feedback to the fingertip while allowing natural finger motions, the exoskeleton linkage structure with three degrees of freedom (DOFs) was designed, which was inspired by the muscular skeletal structure of the finger.

Mechatronics

To generate enough thrust for a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) to excavate a soil and advance, several jacks are typically used to apply force to the last installed ring that acts as a reaction frame.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Those cables are used to generate motions or to apply forces to the moving-platform throughout its workspace.

Procedia CIRP

There are levers, cylinders, and other rigging to apply forces to the brake shoe, which bear directly on the rim of the wheel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Familiarize yourself with how contact is handled, and how the narrow and broad phase detection decides which Block-Block pairs to apply forces to.

Cornell University

Closing loops are used in orthodontics to apply forces on teeth and cause them to move in a desired direction.

Oral Science International

A closed power chain (3 M Unitek, USA) was used to apply forces of 150 175 g.

Progress in Orthodontics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions that require physical effort or pressure, use "to apply force" to clearly convey the exertion of power or influence. For instance, “To open the valve, you need to apply force to the handle”.

Common error

Avoid using "to apply force" in purely abstract or metaphorical contexts where more nuanced language would be appropriate. Instead of saying "to apply force to the argument", consider alternatives like "to strengthen the argument".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to apply force" functions as an infinitive phrase often used as a verb complement or to express purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in English, indicating an action involving the exertion of physical power or influence. Examples show it across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to apply force" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms, primarily in science, news, and academic contexts. It effectively conveys the act of exerting physical strength or pressure. While versatile, it’s best to reserve this phrase for situations where direct exertion is intended and opt for more nuanced language in abstract contexts. Alternatives like "to exert pressure" or "to exercise influence" can provide greater precision depending on the desired nuance. The phrase is widely accepted and understood, making it a valuable tool for clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to exert pressure

Focuses on the application of pressure, which can be physical or metaphorical, differing slightly from direct force.

to exercise influence

Emphasizes the use of influence, which is a more subtle form of force.

to bring to bear

Implies bringing something into a situation to have an effect, similar to applying force but more abstract.

to put into effect

Focuses on implementing or activating something, which can involve force but is not limited to it.

to bring about

Highlights causing something to happen, which might involve applying force but also other methods.

to set in motion

Suggests initiating a process, which can involve an initial application of force.

to set about

Indicates starting to do something, which may or may not require force.

to put one's hand to

Describes engaging in an activity, which could involve applying force but is generally broader.

to throw one's weight behind

Signifies supporting something strongly, which is a metaphorical application of force.

to take action

Indicates doing something to achieve an aim, which could involve force but is a general term.

FAQs

How can I use "to apply force" in a sentence?

You can use "to apply force" to describe physical actions, such as "The engineer needed "to apply force" to tighten the bolt" or in more abstract scenarios like, "The government decided "to apply force" through economic sanctions".

What are some alternatives to "to apply force"?

Alternatives to "to apply force" include "to exert pressure", "to exercise influence", or "to bring to bear", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to apply force" or "to exert force"?

Both "to apply force" and "to exert force" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific nuance you wish to convey. "To exert force" might imply a more sustained effort.

What's the difference between "to apply force" and "to apply pressure"?

"To apply force" generally refers to a more direct and immediate exertion of power, while "to apply pressure" can imply a more sustained or indirect influence. For example, you might "to apply force" to move an object, but "to apply pressure" to convince someone.