a significant obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a duty or responsibility that is important or has considerable weight. Example: "As a team leader, I feel a significant obligation to ensure that all members are supported and heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although monitoring is a significant obligation under the WFD, there is little guidance on developing monitoring protocols; Member States are developing ad hoc monitoring programme.

Marine Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The decision was the second since 1998 in which the court vacated federal affirmative-action rules imposed on broadcasters, all but ending prospects that the industry will face any significant obligations to recruit minorities and women in the near future.

The New York Times

Auditors and ratings agencies will then have to decide whether to sign off on their financial statements, or penalize the governments for failing to disclose significant obligations.

The New York Times

"For example," Ms. Schapiro said, "imposing significant obligations for market quality on some firms, but leaving other firms free to operate without those obligations — or, indeed, to take advantage of the firms with obligations — would create an unfair playing field that might, in the end, do little to promote market quality".

The New York Times

Policy makers bear significant obligations, and they deserve the benefit of unbiased, well-researched, objective information.

Huffington Post

These issues are not only for the international community but also for African scientists who have significant obligations to develop the research infrastructure and culture within their own countries.

Globalization and Health

There was a significant correlation between family obligation and positive appraisal of caregiving.

Geriatric Nursing

His success has meant a significant uptick in professional obligations, creating painful disruptions that are hard to talk about.

The New York Times - Arts

7. KBR performs a significant portion of its obligations under LOGCAP III through subcontractors.

Huffington Post

Tsipras won election in January on promises to scrap the bailout agreement unless Greece was given a significant reduction in its obligations and the latitude to invest in jobs in a country with the unemployment rate topping 25%.

Los Angeles Times

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his Syriza party won election in January on promises to scrap the bailout agreement unless Athens was given a significant reduction in its obligations and the latitude to invest in jobs in a country with an unemployment rate topping 25%.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant obligation", ensure the context clearly establishes who holds the obligation and to whom or what it is owed.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant obligation" when a simpler term like "duty" or "responsibility" would suffice. Overusing "significant" can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant obligation" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies the noun "obligation". It indicates that the obligation is of considerable importance or consequence. Ludwig AI validates that is correct and usable in written english.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a significant obligation" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a duty or responsibility of considerable importance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English writing. It appears frequently in various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While similar to phrases like "an important obligation" or "a major commitment", "significant" emphasizes the weight or impact of the duty. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly identifies the holder of the obligation and to whom or what it is owed. Be mindful not to overstate the significance when a simpler term would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial responsibility

Focuses on the weight and importance of the duty, similar to "significant", but uses "responsibility" instead of "obligation".

a major commitment

Emphasizes the dedication and time required, diverging slightly from the purely duty-based sense of "obligation".

a key duty

Highlights the importance of the task, framing it as a central component.

a critical requirement

Stresses the necessity of fulfilling the task, framing it as indispensable.

a considerable burden

Focuses on the onerous aspect of the responsibility.

an important undertaking

Highlights the action and effort needed, shifting the focus slightly from duty to the task itself.

a crucial imperative

Emphasizes the urgency and necessity of the responsibility.

a primary concern

Shifts the focus to something that needs to be taken care of.

a pressing engagement

Highlights the time-sensitive nature of the duty.

a solemn pledge

Highlights the seriousness and commitment of the duty.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant obligation" to describe an important duty or responsibility. For example: "As a leader, I have "a significant obligation" to support my team."

What phrases are similar to "a significant obligation"?

Similar phrases include "a substantial responsibility", "a major commitment", or "a key duty" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a significant obligation" or "an important obligation"?

"A significant obligation" and "an important obligation" are similar, but "significant" suggests a greater weight or impact. Choose the phrase that best reflects the degree of importance.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a significant obligation"?

It might be inappropriate if the obligation is minor or trivial. Using "a significant obligation" implies that the duty carries considerable weight or consequence.