a binding obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a binding obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal, contractual, or formal contexts to refer to a duty or responsibility that is enforceable by law or agreement. Example: "The contract includes a binding obligation for both parties to fulfill their respective duties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Other film-makers have not found this such a binding obligation.

The Guardian - Film

A Foreign Office spokesman said the government was disappointed by Patiño's statement and stressed that the UK had a "binding obligation" to extradite Assange.

The Guardian

Under our law, with Mr Assange having exhausted all options of appeal, the British authorities are under a binding obligation to extradite him to Sweden.

The Guardian

The idea of a contract that creates a binding obligation on surrogate mothers to relinquish all rights to a child after birth may seem several steps too far.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Zambian government also has a binding obligation not to expose people to conditions of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment – which it currently breaches by exposing prisoners to these conditions.

The Guardian - Opinion

When a donor has a binding obligation to sell any noncash asset, including real estate, before giving it to charity, the prearranged-sale rule forces the donor to pay tax on the gain, effectively negating any deduction, said Lawrence P. Katzenstein, a lawyer with Thompson Coburn in St . Louis

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"I simply cannot authorise issuance of these licences", he wrote, "without any binding obligation that these plants will have implemented the lessons learned from the Fukushima accident before they operate".

The Economist

There would be a "legally binding obligation to submit a schedule and various legally binding provisions for accounting, reporting, review and periodic updates," Stern said, so that other countries, scientists, environmentalists and the broader public could keep track of a nation's progress.

Los Angeles Times

Greens senator Rachel Siewert welcomed the scheme, but said WA still needed a "legally binding obligation for police to alert relevant supports when an Aboriginal person goes into custody," adding "this is not what is outlined in these new efforts".

The Guardian

The WRU has a legally binding obligation to enter four Welsh teams into the Pro12 and Heineken Cup next season and without the regions, it would have to develop new sides capable of competing in those tournaments.

BBC

Article 12, a legally binding obligation for states that have ratified it, provides for the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

Global Health Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a binding obligation" in contexts where you want to emphasize the legally or morally compulsory nature of a duty or responsibility. For instance, in contracts, international agreements, or ethical guidelines.

Common error

Avoid using "a binding obligation" loosely for situations that involve mere preferences or weak suggestions. The phrase implies a strong, enforceable duty, so ensure the context warrants this level of commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a binding obligation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify a specific kind of duty or responsibility. As supported by Ludwig, it specifies that the obligation is not merely suggested or voluntary but is compulsory and must be fulfilled. Examples show its presence across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Opinion

10%

Unknown

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a binding obligation" is a noun phrase denoting a duty or responsibility that is compulsory, legally enforceable, or morally imperative. Ludwig AI analysis and example sentences from sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and BBC show that the phrase is grammatically correct and most frequently appears in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While not as common as simpler terms like "duty" or "responsibility", its use emphasizes the non-negotiable aspect of the commitment, making it suitable for formal and professional communication. Remember to avoid using it loosely and reserve it for contexts where a strong, enforceable duty exists. Ludwig's analysis supports the phrase's proper and effective use in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mandatory duty

Emphasizes the compulsory nature of the obligation.

a legal commitment

Highlights the legal enforceability of the obligation.

a contractual requirement

Focuses on obligations arising from a contract.

an unavoidable responsibility

Stresses the inescapable nature of the duty.

a compulsory undertaking

Highlights the forced nature of the activity and obligation.

a non-negotiable necessity

Underscores the essential and unchangeable aspect of the obligation.

a moral imperative

Shifts the focus to the ethical dimension of the obligation.

an indispensable task

Highlights the requirement to fulfill the obligation.

a required action

Highlights the necessity of performing the action related to the obligation.

a fixed charge

Focuses on the charge to perform a certain action.

FAQs

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

The phrase "a binding obligation" is used to describe a duty or responsibility that is enforceable, either legally or morally. For example: "The treaty created "a binding obligation" for all signatory nations to reduce emissions."

What are some alternatives to "a binding obligation"?

Alternatives include "a mandatory duty", "a legal commitment", or "a contractual requirement", depending on the specific context and the nature of the obligation.

Is it redundant to say "legally binding obligation"?

While "binding obligation" often implies legal enforceability, using "legally binding obligation" can add emphasis and clarity, particularly when distinguishing it from moral or ethical obligations.

What is the difference between "a moral obligation" and "a binding obligation"?

A moral obligation is based on ethical principles and personal conscience, while "a binding obligation" typically refers to duties enforced by law or contract.