a constructive obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a constructive obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal and financial contexts to refer to a duty that arises from a person's actions or statements, leading others to expect that the obligation will be fulfilled. Example: "The company recognized a constructive obligation to provide severance pay to employees who were laid off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He said this type of promise was called a "constructive obligation," and had to be disclosed.

The New York Times

In this framework, the state has an obligation to protect human rights, but industry also has a constructive obligation to respect those rights, and by extension, to ensure that its influence does not undermine the state's efforts to fulfill its protective role.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I think we had... a generational obligation to include Russia in a constructive partnership.

BBC

If that didn't work, and the writer had to vacate the apartment because of continuing smoke exposure, that could be considered a "constructive eviction," which would relieve the tenant of any further obligation to pay rent.

The New York Times

The statement said that Pakistan was aware of its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and that it was "having a constructive engagement with the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad in this regard".

The New York Times

"We would hope that Brazil would play a constructive role in trying to get Iran to do the right thing and fulfill its international obligations".

The New York Times

It's a constructive fight.

The Guardian

Zaghlūl was not a constructive statesman.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It was a constructive, very businesslike conversation".

The New York Times

Liu Xiaobo also has a constructive ideology, too.

The New York Times

Violence is never a constructive response".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a constructive obligation", ensure the context clearly establishes how the obligation arises from actions, statements, or circumstances, rather than a formal agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "a constructive obligation" when referring to duties explicitly outlined in contracts or laws; reserve it for situations where the obligation is implied or inferred from conduct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a constructive obligation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "constructive" modifies the noun "obligation", indicating a duty that arises implicitly rather than explicitly. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in contexts where the obligation is inferred from actions or circumstances.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a constructive obligation" refers to an implied duty arising from conduct or representations, rather than a formal agreement. It's most commonly found in news and academic contexts and has a professional register. Ludwig's analysis aligns with this, highlighting that the phrase is grammatically correct but not overly common. When using the term, ensure the context clearly indicates how the obligation arises. Several alternative phrases, like "an implied obligation" or "a moral imperative", can be used depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an implied obligation

Focuses on the unspoken nature of the obligation, derived from actions or circumstances.

a moral imperative

Highlights the ethical or moral dimension of the obligation.

an ethical responsibility

Emphasizes the ethical aspect of the duty or responsibility.

a perceived duty

Indicates that the obligation is based on perception or belief, rather than a formal agreement.

a self-imposed obligation

Suggests the obligation is voluntarily assumed, rather than externally imposed.

a tacit duty

Similar to "implied obligation", but emphasizes the unspoken understanding.

a de facto responsibility

Highlights the practical or actual responsibility, regardless of formal status.

a voluntary commitment

Focuses on the voluntary nature of the undertaking.

a professional obligation

Specifies the duty as arising from one's profession or career.

a social responsibility

Highlights the obligation towards society or the community.

FAQs

What does "a constructive obligation" mean?

A "constructive obligation" refers to a duty or responsibility that is not explicitly stated but arises from a party's actions, statements, or a pattern of conduct that leads another party to reasonably expect the obligation to be fulfilled.

How is "a constructive obligation" different from a contractual obligation?

A contractual obligation is formally documented and legally binding, whereas "a constructive obligation" is implied based on behavior or representations without a formal contract.

When might you use the term "a constructive obligation"?

You might use "a constructive obligation" when discussing situations where a company, entity, or individual has created an expectation of providing something, even if it isn't legally required, as in providing severance pay or maintaining certain standards.

What are some alternatives to "a constructive obligation"?

Alternatives to "a constructive obligation" include "an implied obligation", "a moral imperative", or "an ethical responsibility", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.