ENGLISH
REFERENCE

forcing

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈfɔɹsɪŋ// UK //fˈɔːsɪŋ// forc·ing

v. to make someone do something they do not want to do. You can also use it when you use physical strength to move or open something that is stuck.

v. to compel an individual to act against their will through the use of power, authority, or physical strength. Transitive; frequently followed by an object and a 'to'-infinitive clause.


SIMPLE

The rain is forcing us to stay inside today.

CONTEXTUAL

The heavy snow is forcing the airport to cancel all flights until the runways are cleared.

COMPLEX

Economic pressures are forcing many small businesses to reconsider their traditional brick-and-mortar models in favor of more agile, digital-first strategies.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

By surface analysis, force + -ing.

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. When used to mean 'compel', it typically follows the pattern: force + object + to-infinitive.

Pitfall

They forced him doing itThey forced him to do itThe verb 'force' requires a 'to'-infinitive when followed by an object, not a gerund.

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