a heavy obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

"a heavy obligation" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used in formal contexts to refer to something that requires a lot of effort to fulfill, or that someone is morally or otherwise obligated to do. Example: "The CEO of the company had a heavy obligation to prioritize the safety of its workers at all times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

If the Administration disagrees with the European plan, then it would seem to be under a heavy obligation to propose its own.

The New Yorker

If an anecdote leads a report of major significance, it bears a heavy obligation to busy readers to encapsulate the very essence of the report.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The current law says if you take federal money you are under a heavy obligation not to discriminate," Mr. Frank said.

The New York Times

Second, the Corps itself is under a heavy obligation to enforce the new rules in a fair-minded but hard-nosed way.

The New York Times

We met, she looked at me and said 'this is a fantastic script, how are we going to do it?' " Although they are making the film without Aung San Suu Kyi's permission, Harries said they felt a heavy obligation to get it right.

The Guardian

Yet the extant literature is already so extensive that each new entrant comes with a heavy obligation to justify itself.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"The ABC gets over a billion dollars a year from the taxpayer and it's got a very heavy obligation to deliver that accurate and impartial coverage and do it with the dignity and responsibility that befits our national broadcaster".

The Guardian

Possessing our data is a heavy responsibility that must come with ethical obligations.

The Guardian - Tech

The people who support the death penalty, it seems to me, have an especially heavy obligation to see that the, in cases where it is applied, there is no question of whether it, whether the guilt, was there.

The New York Times

Saying that Theresa May has a "heavy moral obligation" to make the first move, it also warns: Question marks over the rights of EU nationals to live in the UK "may be fuelling xenophobic sentiment", as suggested by the Bulgarian ambassador.

The Guardian

No more so than in the financial services industry where there exists a heavy compliance obligation and a regulatory environment that is heightened post-financial crisis and scandals such as LIBOR.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a heavy obligation", ensure the context clearly indicates who bears the obligation and what it entails. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a heavy obligation" vaguely. Always specify the nature and extent of the obligation to prevent misinterpretations. For example, instead of saying "They have a heavy obligation", specify "They have "a heavy obligation" to ensure the safety of the residents".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heavy obligation" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a significant duty or responsibility. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe duties ranging from governmental protection to ethical commitments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a heavy obligation" is a noun phrase denoting a significant duty or responsibility. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in formal contexts, particularly within news and media and academic writing. While not the most common phrase, it effectively conveys the seriousness and importance of a commitment. To ensure clarity, specify who bears the obligation and its nature. By considering alternatives such as "a significant responsibility" and avoiding vague usage, you can enhance your writing and ensure your message is clearly communicated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant responsibility

Replaces "obligation" with "responsibility", focusing on the aspect of accountability.

a considerable duty

Substitutes "obligation" with "duty", highlighting a moral or legal requirement.

a major commitment

Emphasizes the dedication and time required to fulfill the obligation.

a pressing need

Shifts the focus to the urgency and importance of addressing a particular requirement.

an overriding imperative

Highlights the mandatory and crucial nature of the obligation.

a stringent requirement

Focuses on the strict and demanding nature of the obligation.

a weighty burden

Highlights the difficulty and potential stress associated with the obligation.

a moral imperative

Emphasizes the ethical dimension of the obligation.

a legal mandate

Highlights the legally binding nature of the obligation.

a serious liability

Focuses on the potential negative consequences of failing to meet the obligation.

FAQs

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

You can use ""a heavy obligation"" to describe a significant duty or responsibility. For instance, "The government has "a heavy obligation" to protect its citizens".

What are some alternatives to saying ""a heavy obligation""?

Alternatives include "a significant responsibility", "a considerable duty", or "a major commitment depending" on the context.

Is it better to use "a heavy obligation" or "a heavy responsibility"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""a heavy obligation"" emphasizes a moral or legal duty, while "a heavy responsibility" focuses on accountability. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to have ""a heavy obligation""?

To have ""a heavy obligation"" means that you have a substantial duty that requires significant effort, resources, or commitment to fulfill. It implies a serious and important responsibility.