Obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a duty or commitment that someone is bound to fulfill. Example: "He felt a strong obligation to help his community during the crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have no obligation to make a statement".

The Economist

That's my most important obligation as President and Commander-in-Chief.

The Economist

"We would have an obligation as a good friend and neighbour in our region to respond if we had a request from one of those nations," he said.

The Guardian

They include consent, legal obligation, to fulfil a contract with an individual, to protect life, and so on.

The Guardian - Opinion

But by checking out of the process, you are checking out of both the right, but also obligation, to play your part in the society you want to see, and leave for your children.

The Guardian

Scottish National Party (p10): "we will seek additional investment to support a more rapid rollout of superfast broadband and 4G across Scotland and to support wider and affordable access to the internet in our most disadvantaged communities, and for a universal service obligation to be applied to telecoms and broadband providers ensuring everyone is able to access the communications they need".

The Guardian - Tech

Lord Adonis, the former transport secretary who was heavily involved in the Labour negotiations with the Lib Dems in 2010, insists that Brown fulfilled his constitutional obligation to remain in office until a clear successor had emerged.

The Guardian

Guy Johnson, external affairs director of Npower, which has announced average rises of 10.4%, said the largest driver of price rises had been the cost of the so-called climate obligation on power firms.

The Guardian

While looted artworks are meant to be returned to the heirs of their owners, there is only a non-binding "moral obligation" to return those pieces which were confiscated as "degenerate art" and then sold on.

The Guardian

But on the other he felt a moral obligation to apply the same values that the NGO promoted to one of their staff members.

The Guardian

As Robertson argues, states which have signed up to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child have an obligation to take into account the interests of children of prisoners when deciding on sentences.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obligation", clearly define the source of the obligation (e.g., legal, moral, contractual) to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "obligation" when a suggestion or recommendation is more appropriate. "Obligation" implies a binding duty, so ensure the context warrants such a strong term.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "obligation" is as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object in a sentence, denoting a duty, commitment, or requirement. Ludwig AI highlights its use in various contexts, reflecting its versatility in expressing binding agreements or moral imperatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obligation" functions as a noun referring to a binding duty or commitment. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and formal business contexts. While synonyms like "responsibility" or "duty" exist, "obligation" carries a stronger implication of a binding agreement or requirement. Remember to clearly define the source of the "obligation" to avoid ambiguity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Duty

This term conveys a moral or legal imperative to act in a certain way, similar to a responsibility.

Responsibility

Implies accountability for actions and decisions, often self-imposed or expected.

Commitment

Highlights a pledge or dedication to a particular course of action.

Requirement

Focuses on a necessary condition or demand that must be met.

Moral imperative

Stresses a compelling ethical reason to take action.

Legal duty

Specifies a duty enforced by law.

Contractual agreement

Highlights an agreement based on a legally binding contract.

Indebtedness

Suggests a state of owing gratitude or service to someone.

Burden

Indicates a heavy responsibility or something that is hard to bear.

Accountability

Emphasizes being answerable for one's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "obligation" in a sentence?

You can use "obligation" to describe a legal, moral, or ethical duty. For example, "The company has a legal "obligation" to protect its employees" or "I feel an "obligation" to help those in need".

What are some synonyms for "obligation"?

Alternatives to "obligation" include "responsibility", "duty", "commitment", and "requirement". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "obligation" and "responsibility"?

While both terms relate to duties, "obligation" often implies a binding agreement or external requirement, whereas "responsibility" can be a broader term encompassing moral or self-imposed duties.

When is it appropriate to use the term "obligation"?

"Obligation" is appropriate when referring to a specific duty or commitment that someone is bound to fulfill, whether by law, contract, or moral principle. If you're unsure about the commitment, it may be more helpful to use a more generic term like "responsibility".