was compelled by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was compelled by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone was forced or strongly urged to do something due to external circumstances or influences. Example: "She was compelled by her sense of duty to volunteer for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

King John was compelled by the barons, supported by public opinion, to sign the Great Charter.

The Architecture of England From Norman Times to the Present Day

In December, he was compelled by subpoena to spend eight hours giving handwriting samples to investigators.

The New Yorker

In 388 it was compelled by Sparta to give up the Athenian alliance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her self-invention as a fabulous creature was compelled by her knowledge of life's frailty.

The New York Times - Arts

That was a lie, of course, but it was compelled by the urgency of the situation.

The New Yorker

Under heavy pressure, parliament voted to sever diplomatic relations with Germany, and Li was compelled by his premier to acquiesce.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I was compelled by a version of life that was packed with crushes, secrets, stand-offs, coincidences and moral dilemmas.

The Guardian - Books

Rather, I was compelled by the world itself – by its saturated colours and textures, its unexpected smells and tastes.

The Guardian - Books

"I was compelled by the idea of looking at that woman's journey in a contemporary context," Banks says.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But the refusal to process Mr. Bean's application, he continued, "was not contrary to law, it was compelled by law".

The New York Times

I was compelled by the character, who is quite mysterious, and how you find out more and more about him.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was compelled by", ensure the reason for compulsion is clearly stated to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example: "He was compelled by the court order to testify."

Common error

Avoid using "was compelled by" when the action was merely influenced or suggested. "Compelled" implies a strong, often irresistible, force. Use "influenced by" or "motivated by" for weaker forms of persuasion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was compelled by" functions as a passive construction indicating that an individual or entity was forced or strongly influenced to perform a specific action due to external factors. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was compelled by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate that an action was taken due to external force or strong influence. As validated by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to explain the reasons behind actions, emphasizing obligation. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedia articles, and academic writing, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the reason for the compulsion is clearly stated to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was forced to

Directly indicates a lack of choice, emphasizing coercion or external pressure.

was pressured by

Focuses on the exertion of influence or demands from an external entity.

was obliged to

Emphasizes a sense of duty or legal requirement, subtly shifting the focus from external force to internal obligation.

was necessitated by

Highlights the unavoidable nature of the action, emphasizing the circumstances that made it essential.

was required by

Highlights the mandatory nature of the action, often due to rules or regulations.

was driven by

Suggests a strong internal motivation that pushes someone to act, rather than an external command.

was motivated by

Focuses on the reason or incentive behind the action, implying a conscious decision.

was influenced by

Implies a more subtle form of persuasion or impact, without necessarily indicating a lack of choice.

was urged by

Suggests encouragement or strong advice that led to the action, softening the sense of obligation.

was induced by

Suggests that someone or something led to the action, possibly through persuasion or enticement.

FAQs

How can I use "was compelled by" in a sentence?

Use "was compelled by" to indicate that someone was forced or strongly urged to do something due to external circumstances or influences. For example, "She "was compelled by" her sense of duty to volunteer for the project".

What phrases are similar to "was compelled by"?

Similar phrases include "was obliged to", "was forced to", or "was required by". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "was compelled by" in formal writing?

Yes, "was compelled by" is appropriate for formal writing. It is grammatically correct and conveys a clear meaning of obligation or necessity, making it suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "was compelled by" and "was motivated by"?

"Was compelled by" suggests an external force or obligation, while "was motivated by" implies an internal drive or reason. For example, someone "was compelled by" a subpoena to testify, but "was motivated by" a desire to help others.