A1 noun Neutral #233 most common

force

/fɔːrs/

Force is the physical strength or energy that is used to push or pull an object. It can also refer to an organized group of people, such as the police or a military group.

Examples

3 of 5
1

You need to use a lot of force to open this heavy door.

You need to use a lot of force to open this heavy door.

2

The local police force is looking for new officers.

The local police force is looking for new officers.

3

Don't use too much force or you will break the toy.

Don't use too much force or you will break the toy.

Word Family

Noun
force
Verb
force
Adverb
forcefully
Adjective
forceful
Related
reinforcement
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'Force' in Star Wars - it is a power that can push or pull things.

Quick Quiz

The police _____ arrived at the park to help the people.

Correct!

The correct answer is: force

Examples

1

You need to use a lot of force to open this heavy door.

everyday

You need to use a lot of force to open this heavy door.

2

The local police force is looking for new officers.

formal

The local police force is looking for new officers.

3

Don't use too much force or you will break the toy.

informal

Don't use too much force or you will break the toy.

4

Gravitational force keeps the planets in orbit around the sun.

academic

Gravitational force keeps the planets in orbit around the sun.

5

Our company has a large sales force in Europe.

business

Our company has a large sales force in Europe.

Word Family

Noun
force
Verb
force
Adverb
forcefully
Adjective
forceful
Related
reinforcement

Common Collocations

physical force physical force
police force police force
labor force labor force
driving force driving force
brutal force brutal force

Common Phrases

by force

by force

join forces

join forces

force of habit

force of habit

Often Confused With

force vs strength

Strength is the quality of being strong inside, while force is the actual energy applied to move something.

force vs power

Power often relates to authority or speed of work, whereas force is specifically the physical push or pull.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'force' when talking about physical pushes or pulls, and also when talking about groups like the police or army.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes say 'he has a lot of force' to mean he is strong; it is better to use 'strength' for a person's physical ability.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'Force' in Star Wars - it is a power that can push or pull things.

📖

Word Origin

From the Old French word 'force', which comes from the Latin word 'fortis', meaning strong.

Grammar Patterns

countable noun (forces) uncountable noun (force)
🌍

Cultural Context

The concept of force is fundamental in science classes globally and is often the first concept taught in physics.

Quick Quiz

The police _____ arrived at the park to help the people.

Correct!

The correct answer is: force

Related Words

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

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