would be compelled to

USAGE SUMMARY

"would be compelled to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a requirement, or to indicate that someone is obligated to take a particular course of action. For example, "If the members cannot reach an agreement on this issue, they would be compelled to take a vote."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Every adult would be compelled to make income-related payments into these funds.

The Economist

Analysts have predicted that other European carmakers would be compelled to follow suit.

The New York Times

Martin Amis would be compelled to issue the call to prayer at his local mosque.

The Guardian - Opinion

No one, of course, would be compelled to select this feature for his or her phone service.

The New York Times

As long as Bashir's Army was active in the Nuba, the south would be compelled to defend its border.

The New Yorker

"Then our feelings and emotions will rise and we would be compelled to anything to alleviate such hardship".

The New Yorker

Everyone would be compelled to make income-related contributions into these funds; so the rich pay more.

The Guardian

MR. OLSON -- That's JUSTICE STEVENS -- Is there any circumstance in which she would be compelled to accept a late return?

The New York Times

If state reserves are withheld, Russian millers and livestock farmers would be compelled to import large quantities of grain for the first time since the late 1990s.

The New York Times

Another is that every picket line would have to have a supervisor who would be compelled to wear an armband and carry a letter of authorisation.

Independent

Why an audience member would be compelled to spend actual time and money trying to shame Kardashian with a picture from the sex tape remains unknown.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "would be compelled to" when you want to emphasize the lack of genuine choice and the presence of external pressure or necessity.

Common error

Avoid using "would be compelled to" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "have to" or "need to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would be compelled to" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a future obligation or necessity. It modifies a verb, specifying that the action is not voluntary but rather required due to external forces or circumstances. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "would be compelled to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a future obligation or necessity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most frequently used in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, conveying a sense of external pressure or requirement. While generally neutral in register, it can lean towards formality. For more casual situations, alternatives such as "would have to" or "would need to" might be more suitable. When using "would be compelled to", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the compulsion and the lack of voluntary choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would be obliged to

Indicates a sense of duty or moral imperative, rather than strict compulsion.

would be required to

Focuses on an external rule or requirement, often legal or procedural.

would be forced to

Highlights the lack of choice and potential resistance to the action.

would have to

A more neutral and common way of expressing necessity or obligation.

would be bound to

Implies a legal or moral contract that creates the obligation.

would be made to

Suggests external control and a lack of autonomy in the decision.

would need to

Emphasizes the necessity arising from a specific need or goal.

would be expected to

Focuses on anticipated behavior or performance, rather than strict enforcement.

would be inclined to

Suggests a predisposition or tendency, rather than a firm requirement.

would be prone to

Focuses on a natural tendency or vulnerability to a certain outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "would be compelled to" in a sentence?

The phrase "would be compelled to" indicates a strong sense of obligation or necessity. For example, "If found guilty, he "would be compelled to" pay a hefty fine".

What are some alternatives to "would be compelled to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "would be obliged to", "would be required to", or "would have to".

Is "would be compelled to" formal or informal?

"Would be compelled to" leans towards the formal side. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "have to" or "need to" are often more appropriate.

What's the difference between "would be compelled to" and "would be willing to"?

"Would be compelled to" implies a lack of choice due to external pressures, while "would be willing to" suggests a voluntary agreement or inclination to do something.