under compulsion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under compulsion" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is done because of external force or pressure. For example: "The police questioned the suspect under compulsion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

They did it only under compulsion of the law.

The New York Times

And they knew that the German enemy, too, were fighting under compulsion.

The Economist

He does not want to be seen to be acting under compulsion.

The Economist

He has subsequently said sorry a bit more, but always under compulsion.

The Economist

Beliefs about these matters could not define the attributes of personhood were they formed under compulsion of the State".

The New York Times

Under the settlement, KPMG can no longer participate in any investigation of Livent's affairs except under compulsion of law.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

To be "under equal compulsion" means to be under the force of law, and thus to be subjected to a common lawgiving authority (Korab-Karpowicz 2006, 234).

SEP

However, he is under contract until 2016 so Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, feels under no compulsion to sell at a knock-down price.

The Guardian - Sport

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

The New Yorker

And, right or wrong, he seemed to be under some compulsion to damage his own cause even in the South.

The New Yorker

Whether the public will regard payments made under state compulsion as subject to their control, or instead see them as taxes by another name, is less certain.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under compulsion" to clearly indicate that an action is not voluntary but is driven by external forces, whether legal, social, or physical.

Common error

Avoid using "under compulsion" when describing actions influenced by personal beliefs or internal motivations. This phrase is specific to external pressures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under compulsion" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As noted by Ludwig AI, it indicates actions driven by external forces rather than free will.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under compulsion" correctly and effectively conveys that an action is performed due to external force or pressure, as supported by Ludwig AI. It is commonly found in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's important to distinguish its use from similar phrases like "under duress", understanding the specific nuances each phrase conveys. Use "under compulsion" to clearly specify actions that lack voluntary intent due to external drivers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under duress

Emphasizes pressure, threats, or other coercive actions that force someone to act against their will.

under pressure

Focuses on the stress or strain exerted on someone, influencing their decisions or actions.

under constraint

Highlights restrictions or limitations that affect someone's freedom or choices.

by force

Indicates physical power or coercion is used to compel an action.

involuntarily

Directly expresses that an action is not done willingly or by choice.

obliged to

Suggests a sense of duty or requirement, whether legal or moral.

compelled by

Highlights the driving force or influence behind an action.

required by force

Explicitly states that an action is necessitated through coercive means.

coerced into

Focuses on the manipulation or pressure used to make someone do something.

forced into

Emphasizes that an action is carried out because of the lack of alternatives, implying a loss of autonomy.

FAQs

How can I use "under compulsion" in a sentence?

Use "under compulsion" to describe actions done because of external force or pressure. For example, "He confessed "under compulsion" after hours of interrogation".

What's a good substitute for "under compulsion"?

Alternatives include "under duress", "under pressure", or "involuntarily", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "under compulsion" or "by force"?

"Under compulsion" is generally used to indicate a broader range of external influences, while "by force" typically refers to physical coercion. The best choice depends on the context.

What is the difference between "under compulsion" and "obliged to"?

"Under compulsion" emphasizes the lack of voluntary action due to external pressures, while "obliged to" suggests a sense of duty or requirement, whether legal or moral.