a paramount obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a paramount obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the importance or priority of a duty or responsibility in various contexts, such as legal, ethical, or personal matters. Example: "As a leader, it is a paramount obligation to ensure the well-being of your team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the most important point I want to make is to motivate Cal professors and scholars, who taught us to protect and preserve the human race as our paramount obligation, to accept the responsibility of leadership by taking learning to a whole new level so humanity can protect and preserve itself.

University of California, Berkeley

He said the UK saw its paramount obligation was the legal duty to extradite Assange.

The Guardian

Secrecy is a paramount concern.

The New York Times

Security remains a paramount concern.

The New York Times - Sports

Confidentiality was a paramount concern.

Harvard Business Review

"So safety became a paramount issue".

The New York Times

The budget obviously is a paramount consideration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Security has become a paramount issue.

The New York Times - Sports

For some, cost was a paramount issue.

The New York Times

Assuring that customers are respectfully treated is a paramount concern.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He will have to make public safety a paramount issue.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a paramount obligation" when you want to stress the supreme importance of a duty or responsibility, especially in formal or ethical contexts. For instance, "Ensuring data privacy is a paramount obligation for tech companies."

Common error

Avoid using "a paramount obligation" in casual or informal settings. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "main responsibility" or "top priority" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a paramount obligation" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes a duty or responsibility of utmost importance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a paramount obligation" is a noun phrase used to underscore the supreme importance of a duty or responsibility. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts such as academia and news reporting. While relatively rare in occurrence, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of critical importance. Alternatives include "an overriding duty" or "a primary responsibility". When writing, reserve "a paramount obligation" for situations where you need to emphasize the highest level of commitment or ethical duty. Avoid overuse in casual contexts to maintain its impact. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Academia sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an overriding duty

Replaces "paramount" with "overriding", highlighting the superior importance of the duty.

a primary responsibility

Substitutes "obligation" with "responsibility", focusing on the accountability aspect.

a foremost requirement

Emphasizes the necessity of the obligation as a key condition.

an utmost imperative

Replaces both words to give a more formal and forceful tone.

a chief concern

Shifts the focus to the level of concern that the obligation warrants.

a top priority

Highlights the ranking of the obligation in terms of importance.

a critical necessity

Emphasizes that the obligation is indispensable.

a supreme commitment

Focuses on the dedication and pledge associated with the obligation.

a cardinal requirement

Uses "cardinal" to stress the fundamental nature of the requirement.

a fundamental responsibility

Highlights that the responsibility is foundational and essential.

FAQs

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

You can use "a paramount obligation" to emphasize the significance of a duty. For example, "Protecting the environment is "a paramount obligation" for all citizens."

What can I say instead of "a paramount obligation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an overriding duty", "a primary responsibility", or "a top priority", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "paramount duty" or "paramount obligation"?

Both "paramount duty" and "paramount obligation" are acceptable, but "paramount obligation" might be preferred when emphasizing a formal or moral responsibility. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What distinguishes "a paramount obligation" from a simple "obligation"?

The word "paramount" elevates the significance of the obligation, indicating that it is of the highest importance and takes precedence over other considerations. It's not just any obligation, but one that is critically important.