I am under an obligation to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am under an obligation to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a duty or responsibility to do something, often in formal contexts. Example: "I am under an obligation to report any unethical behavior I witness in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

At some point, he began to feel that he was under an obligation to marry her.

The New Yorker

Moreover, once an individual has discharged her obligations under this societal contract, she no longer is under an obligation to continue her life.

SEP

"We're under an obligation to act quickly, but we're under no obligation to suspend our rules," AQMD official Peter Mieras said Tuesday.

Los Angeles Times

18 Psychiatry is under an obligation to reflect upon practices that cause the public concern.

British Journal of Psychiatry

Since I made no contract with the man, I am under no obligation to save him.

The New York Times

I was under no obligation to go any further.

The Guardian - Sport

"We think they ought to be under a legal obligation to do that".

Independent

Footballers are under a professional obligation to scrutinise good news.

The Guardian - Sport

The difference now is that institutions are under a clear obligation to co-operate.

Independent

Councils are under a legal obligation to balance their budgets.

BBC

They would be under a legal obligation to take part.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "I am under an obligation to", ensure the context clearly defines the source or nature of the obligation, whether it's legal, ethical, or contractual.

Common error

Avoid using "I am under an obligation to" for minor or trivial tasks. Reserve it for situations where a genuine duty or responsibility exists to prevent sounding overly formal or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am under an obligation to" functions as an expression of duty or responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a commitment that one is bound to fulfill. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from legal requirements to personal commitments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I am under an obligation to" serves as a formal declaration of duty or responsibility. It is grammatically correct and most frequently appears in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While several alternatives exist, such as "I am required to" and "I have a duty to", choosing the most appropriate option depends on the context and desired level of formality. Be mindful not to overuse this phrase for trivial matters, reserving it for genuine and significant responsibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am obliged to

A more formal synonym, indicating a sense of duty or gratitude. This alternative closely mirrors the original phrase in formality.

I am duty-bound to

Emphasizes a strong sense of moral or ethical duty. This alternative intensifies the feeling of obligation.

I am required to

Indicates a formal requirement or necessity. It's more direct and less nuanced than the original phrase.

I have a duty to

Emphasizes a moral or ethical responsibility. This alternative highlights the inherent responsibility aspect.

It is my responsibility to

Highlights the personal accountability for a task or action. This alternative places focus on the speaker's role.

I am bound to

Suggests a legal or contractual commitment. This alternative emphasizes a binding agreement.

I am expected to

Indicates an anticipation or expectation from others. This alternative focuses on external expectations.

I am compelled to

Implies a strong internal or external force driving the action. This alternative emphasizes a sense of being forced or driven.

I must

A simpler and more direct way of expressing obligation. This alternative offers a shorter, less formal expression.

I am tasked with

Suggests being assigned a specific duty or responsibility. This alternative highlights the assignment of a task.

FAQs

How can I use "I am under an obligation to" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to express a duty or responsibility. For example, "I am under an obligation to report any safety violations I observe" indicates a required action.

What are some alternatives to "I am under an obligation to"?

You can use alternatives like "I am required to", "I have a duty to", or "I am obliged to" depending on the formality and context.

Is "I am under an obligation to" formal or informal?

This phrase is generally considered formal. Simpler alternatives like "I must" are more appropriate for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "I am under an obligation to" and "I feel obligated to"?

"I am under an obligation to" indicates an actual duty, while "I feel obligated to" suggests a sense of moral or social pressure, even if no concrete obligation exists.