Language is constantly evolving, and with it comes curiosity about whether certain words are real or accepted in formal and informal communication. One such word that sparks interest is compulsorily. At first glance, it may seem unfamiliar or even awkward to some, but it is a legitimate word used in English. Understanding the usage, correctness, and context of compulsorily helps clarify whether it belongs in professional writing, casual conversation, or legal texts. This topic explores the word in depth, analyzing its roots, grammatical function, and usage to determine its validity in modern English.
Understanding the Root Word Compulsory
To examine compulsorily, it is helpful to begin with its root: compulsory. The word compulsory is an adjective that means something is required by law, rule, or authority. For example, compulsory education refers to mandatory schooling that children must attend by law. Compulsory derives from the Latin wordcompellere, meaning to compel or to force.
Grammatically, compulsory describes a condition or action that is enforced. But when we want to describe how something is done the manner in which an action is carried out we need an adverb form. That’s where compulsorily comes in.
Is Compulsorily a Word?
Yes, compulsorily is indeed a valid English word. It is the adverbial form of compulsory. As an adverb, it is used to describe an action that is done in a manner that is required or enforced by rule or law.
For example:
- Students were compulsorily enrolled in the program.
- The property was compulsorily acquired by the government.
In these examples, compulsorily describes how the enrollment or acquisition happened not voluntarily, but because it was mandated.
Grammatical Role and Sentence Usage
Compulsorily functions as an adverb and typically modifies verbs. It answers the question how? For instance, if someone does something compulsorily, they do it because they are required to, not because they want to.
Here are more sentence examples:
- All citizens were compulsorily registered for the national census.
- In some countries, military service is compulsorily imposed on young adults.
Using compulsorily adds specificity to a sentence, highlighting the non-voluntary nature of the action being described. It’s particularly useful in legal, academic, and formal writing where precise language is necessary.
Common Contexts for Using Compulsorily
The word compulsorily is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it appears frequently in legal, governmental, and academic settings. Below are some typical contexts where the word may be appropriately used:
Legal and Governmental Texts
In legal documents, policies, or regulations, compulsorily is often used to describe mandates or enforced actions.
- Land may be compulsorily purchased for public use.
- Vaccinations may be compulsorily administered during health emergencies.
Education and Employment
Policies related to mandatory attendance or participation also employ this term:
- Students were compulsorily assigned to courses based on their major.
- Employees were compulsorily transferred to new departments.
Military and Civil Service
In countries with mandatory service requirements, compulsorily clearly indicates the non-optional nature of such duties:
- Young men are compulsorily enlisted into the military at the age of 18.
Synonyms and Alternatives
While compulsorily is correct and formal, some people prefer using alternative expressions, especially in more casual settings. Some synonyms and phrases that convey similar meanings include:
- Mandatorily
- By force
- Obligatorily
- Under compulsion
- Required by law
Each synonym varies slightly in tone and context, so choosing the right one depends on the sentence and the level of formality needed.
Common Misunderstandings
Some native speakers might think compulsorily sounds strange or made up because it’s less common in speech. However, just because a word is rare in casual use does not mean it isn’t real or proper. Dictionaries such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Merriam-Webster list compulsorily as a legitimate adverb, supporting its official status in English.
Additionally, non-native speakers may confuse compulsorily with similar-sounding words like compulsively, which has a very different meaning. Compulsively refers to an uncontrollable urge or behavior, often linked with psychology, whereas compulsorily relates to external requirements or obligations.
Regional Differences in Use
Compulsorily is more common in British English than in American English. In the United States, writers might favor mandatorily or simply restructure the sentence to avoid using the adverb altogether. However, this does not make the word incorrect or obsolete in American usage. It simply reflects stylistic preferences.
Should You Use Compulsorily?
If your goal is to write formally and accurately, especially in contexts involving rules, obligations, or enforced procedures, then compulsorily is an appropriate word to use. It conveys precision and eliminates ambiguity about whether an action was voluntary or required.
However, in informal writing or conversation, simpler alternatives like by force or mandatory may resonate better with the audience. Always consider your readers when choosing vocabulary.
Compulsorily is undeniably a real word and has a clear, functional place in the English language. It plays an important role in formal and legal contexts, helping convey that something was done as a requirement rather than a choice. While it may not be used frequently in everyday speech, its validity and clarity make it valuable for precise communication. Whether you’re writing a legal document, a policy paper, or a formal essay, using compulsorily can help convey your message with accuracy and authority.