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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Entailment

Hello.

I think that ”force” entails what is expressed in the "to" infinitive is achieved.

So, it is not correct to deny what is achieved as in the sentence below.

× I was forced to evacuate, but I didn't.

How about "compel" and "oblige"?

I was compelled to evacuate, but I didn't.

I was obliged to evacuate, but I didn't.

Are these sentences acceptable?
  

Top answer

Compel has the same meaning as force . If you were forced or compelled to evacuate, you did evacuate, even against your will. Oblige is less strong, but it still carries the implication that you complied.

— AlpheccaStars

  • Compel has the same meaning as force .
  • If you were forced or compelled to evacuate, you did evacuate, even against your will.
  • Oblige is less strong, but it still carries the implication that you complied.
  • It's better to say one of these: I was asked to evacuate, but I didn't.
  • I was strongly encouraged to evacuate, but I didn't.
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1 Answers
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Compel has the same meaning as force. If you were forced or compelled to evacuate, you did evacuate, even against your will.

Oblige is less strong, but it still carries the implication that you complied.

It's better to say one of these:

I was asked to evacuate, but I didn't.

I was strongly encouraged to evacuate, but I didn't.

I was
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