Unexpected commitments

USAGE SUMMARY

"unexpected commitments" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to unexpected tasks or responsibilities that have been assigned to you. For example: I'm sorry I can't come to the party tonight - I have some unexpected commitments I need to take care of.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Before filming began, Barrymore was faced with unexpected commitments that meant she would no longer be available to play the demanding lead role.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The unexpected commitment to grammar schools comes from the same philosophical root.

The Guardian

But, by co-producing with the Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, Capasso has injected a genuine sense of Italianità into the proceedings; members of that company's orchestra sat in with the City Opera musicians, giving the performance led, confidently, by Ira Levin an unexpected intensity and commitment.

The New Yorker

Just be sure that you commit to "something" because a strong commitment to an unexpected interpretation is infinitely better than no commitment at all.

WikiHow

In particular, design for the unexpected (low and late commitment) and maximizing the potential for achieving critical user mass were important factors influencing the choices made during the development activities.

Design for the Unexpected From Holonic Manufacturing Systems Towards a Humane Mechatronics Society

I had thought that we'd go on that first Saturday morning, but an unexpected guest, a work commitment and a sick sister kept cutting in and preventing the outing.

Huffington Post

Women say they worry about their ability to meet their commitment if the unexpected comes up.

The New York Times

IN HER OWN SWEET TIME Unexpected Adventures in Finding Love, Commitment and Motherhood By Rachel Lehmann-Haupt.

The New York Times

Rachel Lehmann-Haupt, author of "In Her Own Sweet Time: Unexpected Adventures in Finding Love, Commitment and Motherhood," described conversations about fertility between women and their parents as "the postmodern, adult birds-and-the-bees talk".

The New York Times

An intervention of two skeleton fishers adds an element of the unexpected, but the artist's commitment to a realistic tableau temper any such oddities.

Vice

Commit to your commitments.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Unexpected commitments" when referring to obligations or responsibilities that have arisen without prior planning or anticipation. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "Unexpected commitments" when referring to general unforeseen events. Instead, reserve it for situations involving duties or obligations that you must fulfill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Unexpected commitments" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to unforeseen obligations or responsibilities. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Unexpected commitments" is a noun phrase used to describe unforeseen obligations or responsibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It serves primarily to explain unforeseen constraints with a neutral to professional tone. While the phrase is not overly common, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects unforeseen duties rather than general events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unforeseen obligations

Focuses on the obligatory aspect of the commitments, highlighting that they were not anticipated.

Unexpected obligations

Highlights the obligatory aspect of the commitments, focusing on the lack of anticipation.

Surprise engagements

Emphasizes the element of surprise and the binding nature of the commitments.

Sudden responsibilities

Shifts the focus to the responsibilities arising unexpectedly.

Unanticipated duties

Replaces "commitments" with "duties", stressing the obligatory nature of unforeseen tasks.

Extraneous obligations

Stresses that the commitments are additional and not part of the regular schedule.

Unscheduled appointments

Specifies the type of commitments as appointments that were not planned.

Emergency matters

Highlights the urgent and critical nature of the unforeseen commitments.

Impromptu tasks

Emphasizes the unplanned and immediate nature of the tasks.

Last-minute arrangements

Focuses on the timing of the commitments, highlighting that they were arranged at the last minute.

FAQs

How to use "Unexpected commitments" in a sentence?

You can use "Unexpected commitments" to describe unforeseen obligations. For example, "Due to /s/unexpected+commitments, I won't be able to attend the meeting".

What can I say instead of "Unexpected commitments"?

You can use alternatives like "unforeseen obligations", "sudden responsibilities", or "surprise engagements" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'I have an unexpected commitment'?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It refers to a single unforeseen obligation. The plural form, "Unexpected commitments", refers to multiple unforeseen obligations.

What's the difference between "Unexpected commitments" and "Unexpected events"?

"Unexpected commitments" refers specifically to unforeseen duties or responsibilities that must be fulfilled, while "unexpected events" is a broader term that encompasses any unforeseen occurrence or incident.