use force

USAGE SUMMARY

"use force" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to physically or emotionally exert power or pressure to achieve a desired outcome. Example: The police were authorized to use force if the protesters became violent.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I wouldn't use force.

The New York Times

Who will use force?" he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

He must be ready to use force.

The Economist

We don't want to use force.

The Guardian

Of course parents use force like this.

The Guardian

Ukraine will not use force first.

The Guardian

You can't use force for limited goals.

The New Yorker

We have the duty to use force.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

And to upvote or downvote, you use Force Touch.

TechCrunch

She required him to use force.

Huffington Post

"They will use force if they do not evacuate".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics, consider the connotations of "use force". Alternatives like "employ de-escalation tactics" may be more appropriate in certain contexts.

Common error

Avoid defaulting to "use force" when describing actions that involve influence or pressure. Consider if a milder term such as "apply influence" or "exert pressure" would be more suitable to the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "use force" functions primarily as a verb phrase, typically used in sentences to describe an action taken by an agent. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "use force" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes the application of power or authority, often in contexts related to news, academia, and general knowledge. While versatile, it's important to consider the connotations and explore alternatives like "apply pressure" or "exert influence" for more nuanced communication. Its prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its relevance in contemporary discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

employ force

Replaces "use" with "employ", suggesting a more formal or deliberate application of force.

exert force

Focuses on the active application of power or influence.

apply force

Similar to "exert force", but can also imply a more controlled or measured application.

exercise force

Implies a right or authority to use force in a given situation.

resort to force

Suggests that force is being used as a last option after other methods have failed.

enforce power

Shifts the focus to the power being enforced, rather than the act of using force.

wield power

Implies skillful and strategic use of power.

bring to bear

Suggests bringing influence, pressure, or force on someone or something.

make use of coercion

Replaces force with the more specific term "coercion", implying pressure or intimidation.

impose one's will

Emphasizes the intent to dominate or control through the use of power.

FAQs

What does "use force" mean?

"Use force" generally means to apply physical or other forms of power to achieve a goal, often implying coercion or control.

How can I "use force" in a sentence?

You can use "use force" to describe actions where power is exerted, such as: "The police may "resort to force" if necessary" or "They "employ force" to maintain order".

What are some alternatives to "use force"?

Alternatives to "use force" include "apply pressure", "exert influence", "exercise authority", or "resort to violence", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "use force"?

The phrase "use force" is appropriate when specifically describing actions where physical or other forms of power are intentionally applied to achieve a particular outcome or exert control. Otherwise you can use alternative phrases like "apply pressure" or "exert influence".