Substantial obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Substantial obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to emphasize a significant duty or responsibility that someone has. Example: "The contract outlines a substantial obligation for the contractor to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He learned that because the gallery had not exercised a certain tax option, a substantial obligation would be incurred if it sold off its inventory.

The New York Times - Arts

Good or bad, fair or unfair, Frankie simply shoulders the substantial obligation that comes with dividing his world — and his room — with a disabled brother.

The Washington Post

Hold‐over proceedings in volve landlords' efforts to be rid of a tenant who is occu pying an apartment illegally, or breaking a substantial obligation of the lease, or committing a nuisance, the judge explained.

The New York Times

Although the most "socially progressive" decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, Goldberg v. Kelly, recognized some procedural guarantees and held the termination of welfare benefits to be unconstitutional in the absence of due process of law, it did not recognize any substantial obligation of the State to provide welfare.

Columbia University

The long stock position is beneficial as long as shares continue to climb, but the short calls, which represent a substantial obligation to deliver 600,000 shares at $32.00 in the event that the contracts are exercised at expiration, are a risk this investor is apparently willing to take.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In a statement, the United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Benton J. Campbell, said that the "substantial obligations" imposed on the defendants would serve as a deterrent to those "who seek to evade their legal obligations".

The New York Times

If the rich separate from the poor and form their own distinct political communities, the reciprocity argument will no longer support the claim that the rich have substantial obligations to the poor.

SEP

We then conduct a valuation of the common stock of Fannie and Freddie and find that, under any reality-based scenario, the substantial obligations owed to Treasury and the implausibility of never-ending growth in housing markets rendered the shares worthless.

University of Chicago

One of the most substantial obligations introduced by the IHR is the commitment of states parties to develop, strengthen, and maintain national capacities to identify, investigate, assess, and respond to public health events in their territories and to develop, strengthen, and maintain routine and emergency public health capacities at certain designated points of entry.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

To explain this achievement, many observers point to its formal rules that entail strong obligations and delegate substantial power to supranational actors such as the European Commission.

Johns Hopkins University

Thomas has been conspicuously reticent about his support for Weber, and neither loyalty nor a substantial buyout obligation binds him to a coach he didn't hire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial obligation" when you want to convey that a duty or responsibility is significant in scope, impact, or consequence. It's suitable for formal contexts where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial obligation" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "big responsibility" or "major duty" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial obligation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "obligation". It describes the nature or extent of the obligation, indicating that it is significant and considerable. Ludwig AI also confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantial obligation" denotes a significant duty or responsibility, often in formal or professional contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and usable. While "substantial obligation" is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic writing, it's important to consider the tone and choose simpler alternatives like "significant responsibility" in casual settings. Understanding its nuances allows for precise and effective communication, ensuring the weight of the commitment is appropriately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant responsibility

Emphasizes the importance of the responsibility rather than the binding nature of the obligation.

weighty responsibility

Underscores the importance and potential consequences of the obligation.

considerable duty

Focuses on the moral or ethical aspect of the obligation.

major commitment

Highlights the dedication and time investment involved.

binding commitment

Highlights the legally or morally binding nature of the agreement.

onerous task

Implies that the obligation is burdensome or difficult.

stringent requirement

Stresses the strictness and precision of the obligation.

primary burden

Stresses the difficulty and weight of the obligation.

chief liability

Focuses on the legal aspect of being held accountable.

heavy encumbrance

Implies the obligation is a significant impediment or restriction.

FAQs

How can I use "substantial obligation" in a sentence?

You can use "substantial obligation" to describe a significant duty or responsibility. For example, "The contract outlines a "substantial obligation" for the contractor to complete the project on time."

What can I say instead of "substantial obligation"?

You can use alternatives like "significant responsibility", "considerable duty", or "major commitment" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "substantial obligation"?

It is appropriate in formal contexts, such as legal documents, business agreements, or academic writing, where a precise and impactful description of a significant duty is needed. It would be less fitting in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "substantial obligation" and "moral imperative"?

"Moral imperative" refers to a duty dictated by one's ethics or conscience, while "substantial obligation" refers to a significant duty or responsibility that may arise from a contract, law, or other external source.