we are compelled to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are compelled to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to a situation or circumstance that requires you to take a certain action. Example sentence: We are compelled to find an alternative solution to this problem.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are compelled to think outside of the box.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"We are compelled to plead and ask for a public outcry," she wrote.

The New York Times

Thus, we are compelled to conclude that either claim would support the jury's verdict.

Harvard University

We are compelled to undergo the loss of what we loved about Paradise Lost.

Yale University

We are compelled to undergo the aesthetic fall that is taken by this very poem.

Yale University

In Britain, in 2014, we are compelled to debate whether people should work for free.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thus, we are compelled to share that love in both word and deed.

The New York Times

I believe that by looking or speaking out, we are compelled to maybe act.

The Guardian - Film

We don't like it, we don't want it, but we are forced, we are compelled to do it".

The New York Times

We barely regulate financial markets for years, thinking regulation oppressive, until we are compelled to nationalize private firms.

The New York Times

However, we are compelled to address certain reckless and false allegations concerning the Yankees' role in this matter.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. If the obligation is primarily legal or formal, alternatives like "we are required to" or "we are obligated to" may be more appropriate.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "we are compelled to" can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Opt for alternatives like "we have to" or "we need to" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are compelled to" functions as a declarative statement expressing obligation or necessity. It introduces an action that the speaker (or a group represented by "we") feels driven or required to perform. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are compelled to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a strong sense of obligation or necessity. As shown by Ludwig AI, it appears most often in news media and academic writing, suggesting a formal to neutral register. While effective in conveying seriousness and a sense of duty, it's crucial to consider the context and audience to avoid sounding overly formal. Alternatives like "we have to" or "we need to" might be more appropriate for casual settings. Remember to tailor your language to fit the situation and intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are obliged to

This phrase indicates a sense of duty or legal requirement, differing from "we are compelled to" which can also imply an internal drive.

we are required to

This suggests a formal rule or regulation necessitates the action, whereas "we are compelled to" can be due to other pressures.

we are bound to

This indicates a moral or legal obligation, similar to "we are compelled to" but potentially less forceful.

we are forced to

This emphasizes the external pressure causing the action, similar to "we are compelled to" when the compulsion is external.

we are driven to

This implies a strong internal motivation, different from the potentially external pressure suggested by "we are compelled to".

we feel obligated to

This highlights the subjective feeling of obligation, while "we are compelled to" can be more objective.

we cannot help but

This suggests an irresistible urge, which may be stronger than the sense of duty in "we are compelled to".

we are under a duty to

This highlights a formal or legal obligation, providing a more precise alternative for specific contexts.

necessity dictates that we

This is a more formal and emphatic way of saying that circumstances force a particular action.

circumstances demand that we

This phrase emphasizes the external situation requiring the action, moving away from internal feelings or obligations.

FAQs

What does "we are compelled to" mean?

The phrase "we are compelled to" means that a force, either internal or external, is driving or obligating a group to take a specific action. It suggests a strong sense of necessity.

How can I use "we are compelled to" in a sentence?

You can use "we are compelled to" to express a strong sense of obligation. For instance, "Due to the overwhelming evidence, "we are compelled to" reconsider our initial hypothesis."

What are some alternatives to "we are compelled to"?

Alternatives to "we are compelled to" include phrases like "we are obliged to", "we are required to", or "we are forced to", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "we are compelled to" formal or informal?

"We are compelled to" leans towards the formal side. In more casual settings, phrases like "we have to" or "we need to" might be more appropriate.