What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
compulsion
Example
He felt a compulsion to check his phone every few minutes. [compulsion: noun]
Example
She was compelled to speak up and defend herself. [compelled: verb]
necessity
Example
It is a necessity to wear a helmet while riding a bike. [necessity: noun]
Example
Studying hard is a necessity if you want to pass the exam. [necessity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Necessity is more commonly used than compulsion in everyday language. Necessity is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while compulsion is a more specialized term used mainly in psychology and related fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between compulsion and necessity?
Both compulsion and necessity can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, compulsion may be more associated with a technical or specialized tone, while necessity is more versatile and can be used in various levels of formality.
