a sort of obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sort of obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a feeling or duty that is not strictly defined but carries a sense of responsibility or expectation. Example: "After receiving the generous gift, I felt a sort of obligation to reciprocate in some way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I suppose there's a sort of obligation, people live up to their cliches in all parts of society".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In interviews, he has spoken of this 9/11 novel as a sort of obligation, a challenge to him as a New Yorker and an artist.

The Guardian - Books

It was reported that one local railway director refused to supply his train times to Bradshaw, saying: "I believe it would tend to make punctuality a sort of obligation".

Independent

"Grand Ayatollah Sistani insisted on direct elections, and it's a sort of obligation," said Muhammad Alaaowi al-Shameri, a representative of Ayatollah Sistani at the Khadimiya mosque in Baghdad, in an interview this week.

The New York Times

Other studies have highlighted how people in Europe often see participation as a sort of obligation that goes along with benefiting from universal healthcare and medical science [ 26, 27].

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A: Sort of.

Independent

"If you witness a crime, do you have any sort of obligation that transcends your promise of anonymity?" Ms. McBride said.

The New York Times

The 56 members of the Islamic Conference managed only an "invitation" to Islamic countries to sever ties with Israel, rather than any sort of obligation to do so.

The Economist

And for consent to confer any sort of obligation, it must meet certain conditions: consenting parties must be sufficiently informed about the terms they are consenting to, and their consent must be freely given.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite their talk about responsibility, the donor countries don't really acknowledge any sort of obligation to provide humanitarian assistance if it does not suit them.

FAO

It's also, at this point in history, a sort of moral obligation.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sort of obligation" to describe situations where the duty is not strictly defined but carries a reasonable expectation of action or behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "a sort of obligation" when a formal, legally binding duty exists; the phrase is best suited for describing less rigid, more discretionary responsibilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sort of obligation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a non-specific or weakly defined duty or responsibility. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sort of obligation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a duty or responsibility that is not strictly defined but carries a sense of expectation. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and is often found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While it can be used across various registers, it is most effective in describing duties that arise from moral, ethical, or social considerations. Alternatives like "a kind of duty" or "a sense of responsibility" can be used to convey similar meanings, while avoiding stronger implications of legal or formally binding duties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a kind of duty

Replaces "obligation" with "duty", implying a moral or legal imperative.

a sense of responsibility

Emphasizes the feeling of being accountable rather than a formal requirement.

a moral imperative

Highlights the ethical dimension of the obligation.

a perceived duty

Indicates that the obligation is based on individual belief or interpretation.

a tacit responsibility

Suggests an unspoken or implied obligation.

an implicit requirement

Focuses on the indirectly stated or understood nature of the obligation.

a felt compulsion

Conveys a strong, internal pressure to act.

an ethical consideration

Emphasizes the moral aspects influencing a decision or action.

a matter of conscience

Highlights that the obligation is dictated by one's internal moral compass.

an unwritten rule

Suggests a customary or conventional, but not formally codified, obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "a sort of obligation" in a sentence?

You can use "a sort of obligation" to describe a situation where someone feels a duty or responsibility that is not formally defined or legally binding. For example, "After receiving their help, I felt "a sort of obligation" to return the favor."

What's the difference between "a sort of obligation" and "a moral imperative"?

"A sort of obligation" suggests a general sense of duty, while "a moral imperative" implies a stronger, ethically driven necessity.

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

You can use alternatives like "a kind of duty", "a sense of responsibility", or "a perceived duty" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a sort of obligation" in formal writing?

Yes, "a sort of obligation" is acceptable in formal writing, but it's crucial to ensure it accurately reflects the level of duty you're describing. If the duty is very strong or legally binding, a more precise term might be better.