a clear obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing responsibilities or duties that are unambiguous and well-defined. Example: "The contract outlines a clear obligation for both parties to fulfill their commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

In 2002, Ratzinger claimed Catholics had a "clear obligation" to oppose pro-choice laws and politicians.

The New Yorker

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

Independent

The United States has a clear interest and a clear obligation to help.

The New York Times

Where they are substantiated, the company has a clear obligation to work with the suppliers concerned to put things right.

The Guardian - Business

"Those who are historically responsible for polluting our atmosphere have a clear obligation to be part of the solution".

The Guardian

We have a clear obligation to stop ignoring it and help chart a sensible course to ease the refugee crisis.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

(20) The introduction of a clearing obligation along with a process to establish which CCPs can be used for the purpose of that obligation may lead to unintended competitive distortions of the OTC derivatives market.

European Parliament

He realized, as George Lucas failed to do, that racial equality was not just an option but a laughably clear obligation in a galaxy far, far away.

The New Yorker

"I feel like so many schools have a very clear obligation to college-bound students to report this information honestly".

The New York Times

"The industry has a very clear obligation," Mr. Davidson said, "to let folks know that this isn't your father's 911".

The New York Times

"The board has a very clear obligation and responsibility.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a clear obligation", ensure that the context provides sufficient detail to understand the specific nature and scope of the obligation. Ambiguity can undermine the clarity you're aiming for.

Common error

Avoid using "a clear obligation" when the responsibility is actually subject to interpretation or dependent on specific conditions. Using this phrase implies an unambiguous and universally accepted duty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear obligation" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It highlights a specific duty or responsibility that is unambiguous and well-defined. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear obligation" is a phrase used to denote an unambiguous and well-defined duty or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable. It is most commonly found in news and media, formal business, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the obligation and avoid overstating responsibilities that are subject to interpretation. Alternatives such as "a definite responsibility" or "an explicit duty" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a definite responsibility

Replaces "obligation" with "responsibility" and "clear" with "definite", emphasizing the certainty of the duty.

an explicit duty

Substitutes "clear obligation" with "explicit duty", focusing on the explicitly stated nature of the duty.

a well-defined responsibility

Replaces "clear" with "well-defined", highlighting the defined nature of the obligation.

a distinct requirement

Uses "distinct requirement" instead of "clear obligation", emphasizing the necessity and clarity of the requirement.

a specific mandate

Replaces "obligation" with "mandate" and "clear" with "specific", indicating a particular and unambiguous order.

a precise commitment

Substitutes "obligation" with "commitment" and "clear" with "precise", stressing the exactness of the promise.

an unavoidable duty

Uses "unavoidable duty" to convey the obligatory nature, emphasizing it cannot be escaped.

a compelling necessity

Replaces the phrase with "compelling necessity", highlighting the urgent and undeniable need.

a non-negotiable responsibility

Emphasizes that the responsibility cannot be avoided or altered.

an undeniable requirement

Replaces the phrase with "undeniable requirement", stressing that the duty can't be denied.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clear obligation" to emphasize an unambiguous duty. For example, "The company has "a clear obligation" to protect its customers' data".

What are some alternatives to "a clear obligation"?

Alternatives include "a definite responsibility", "an explicit duty", or "a well-defined responsibility" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "clear obligation" or "obvious obligation"?

"Clear obligation" is generally preferred in formal writing as it suggests that the obligation is well-defined and unambiguous. "Obvious obligation" implies that the obligation is easily perceived, which might not always be the case.

What's the difference between "a clear obligation" and "a moral obligation"?

"A clear obligation" refers to a specific, often legally or contractually defined duty. "A moral obligation", on the other hand, stems from ethical or personal beliefs about what is right or wrong.