under any compulsion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under any compulsion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is acting or making a decision due to pressure or force rather than their own free will. Example: "I want to make it clear that I am signing this document under no compulsion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This Court has defined fair market value as "the price at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller when the former is not under any compulsion to buy and the latter is not under any compulsion to sell, both parties having reasonable knowledge of relevant facts". In re Estate of Romnes, 79 N.J. 139, 144 (1978).

Harvard University

They were not remotely under any compulsion to authorize torture.

Huffington Post

One should enjoy while doing it but should not do under any compulsion.

WikiHow

Fair market value is defined as the price at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or to sell, and both having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Prior to Escobedo and Miranda, few States were under any enforced compulsion on account of local law to grant requests for the assistance of counsel or to advise accused persons of their privilege against self-incrimination.

Cornell University

At the same time, Fitzgerald often appeared to be under a compulsion to ridicule Murphy's elegant style.

The New Yorker

Under these circumstances, the Austrian authorities were not only right to act, they were almost under a compulsion to do so.

The Guardian

Indeed it seems that this profound and lonely man was under a compulsion to make every great alteration in his life a matter for remorse, for the incursion of a general horror into the particular life.

The Guardian - Books

Although he initially intended to focus on his relationship with his wife Ella, touching on the war only briefly, he soon felt under a "compulsion" to write more about his war experiences.

Wikipedia

"I think these are very improper questions for any American to be asked, especially under such compulsion as this," he said.

The Washington Post

"I think," he told them, "these are very improper questions for any American to be asked especially under such compulsion as this".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under any compulsion", ensure the context clearly indicates the absence of external pressure or coercion. This reinforces the idea of voluntary action or decision-making.

Common error

Avoid using "under any compulsion" when the situation involves a moral or ethical obligation, as it implies a lack of free will rather than a commitment to a principle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under any compulsion" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the absence of external force or obligation influencing an action. As Ludwig AI points out, it signifies that someone is acting without being coerced or forced.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under any compulsion" is a grammatically sound and relatively infrequent expression used to emphasize the lack of external force or obligation influencing a decision or action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct. Predominantly found in news, media, and academic contexts, it serves to assure the audience that the subject is acting voluntarily. While similar phrases like "without coercion" or "free from duress" can be used, understanding the specific nuance of lacking free will is crucial for appropriate usage. Ensure that the context genuinely reflects the absence of coercion, distinguishing it from mere influence or ethical obligations. Using "under any compulsion" correctly enhances the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without coercion

Emphasizes the absence of force or threat influencing a decision.

free from duress

Highlights the lack of constraint or pressure, ensuring a voluntary action.

of one's own volition

Indicates acting willingly and voluntarily, without external influence.

by free choice

Focuses on the element of personal selection and autonomy.

without external pressure

Specifically points out the absence of outside forces affecting the decision.

not obligated

Stresses the lack of a formal or moral requirement to act.

under no obligation

Highlights the absence of any duty or requirement to perform an action.

voluntarily

Simple adverb indicating action done by choice.

without being forced

Clearly states that the action is not the result of compulsion.

free will

Emphasizes the autonomy and choice in decision-making.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "under any compulsion" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "without coercion" or "free from duress". These options emphasize the voluntary nature of the action or decision while maintaining a professional register.

Is it grammatically correct to say "under no compulsion" instead of "under any compulsion"?

Yes, "under no compulsion" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning. Both phrases indicate the absence of external pressure or obligation. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference and the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "under any compulsion" in legal writing?

In legal writing, "under any compulsion" is suitable when describing situations where a party's actions must be free from undue influence or force. For example, in contracts or testimonies, ensuring actions are "without coercion" is crucial for validity and credibility.

What's the difference between "under any compulsion" and "under pressure"?

"Under pressure" implies influence or stress that might affect a decision, while "under any compulsion" suggests a lack of free will or outright coercion. The latter is stronger, indicating the absence of voluntary action, whereas the former simply indicates influence.