an absolute obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an absolute obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a duty or requirement that is non-negotiable or must be fulfilled without exception. Example: "In this organization, adhering to safety protocols is an absolute obligation for all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

That is just an absolute obligation of the faith".

The New Yorker

Because nobody can fight back, the director has an absolute obligation to treat people decently".

The New Yorker

None of that constitutes an absolute obligation to disclose your status.

The New York Times - Magazine

The United States is under an absolute obligation under the Convention Against Torture (CAT) to investigate, prosecute and punish torturers.

The Guardian - Opinion

And you have an absolute obligation to exercise sound judgment based upon facts, and not simply faith.

The New York Times

"But all of us, not least the two governments, have an absolute obligation to ensure that all aspects of the [Good Friday] agreement are implemented in full.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

On neither account, though, is a person's political obligation taken to provide her with an absolute duty to obey the law.

SEP

It also underlines the enormous power of the press and, as a consequence, its absolute obligation to exercise that power responsibly.

The Guardian

Hobbes pushes the logic of this argument to a very strong conclusion, arguing that it implies not only a government with the right and the power to enforce cooperation, but an 'undivided' government in which the arbitrary will of a single ruler must impose absolute obligation on all.

SEP

"My brother and sister have an absolute fiduciary obligation to obtain as high a sales price as they can, not give it away to hide Garfield's wasting of corporate assets and mismanagement," Mark DeMarco said in the suit.

The New York Times

"If you are a board member of a housing association, you have an absolute legal obligation to manage the assets of your organisation in a way that protects its future viability," says Orr. "It is wrong for government to insert itself and instruct you in what you may or may not do with the assets you own".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an absolute obligation", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and scope of the obligation to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "an absolute obligation" when the duty has potential exceptions or limitations; consider using qualifiers like "primary" or "overriding" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an absolute obligation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a duty or requirement considered essential and non-negotiable. Ludwig shows that this phrase appears across various contexts, often emphasizing the importance of a particular responsibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an absolute obligation" is a noun phrase used to emphasize the non-negotiable nature of a duty or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in news media and academic writing. Related phrases, like "a binding commitment" or "a non-negotiable requirement", can be used as alternatives depending on the desired nuance. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure the context clearly indicates the source and scope of the obligation. Overstating the absoluteness of the obligation should be avoided, especially when exceptions or limitations may exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a definitive responsibility

Replaces "obligation" with "responsibility" and "absolute" with "definitive", altering the tone slightly while maintaining the core meaning.

a categorical imperative

Uses a more formal and philosophical term, "categorical imperative", to denote an unconditional moral obligation.

a binding commitment

Substitutes "obligation" with "commitment", suggesting a formal agreement or promise that must be honored.

a non-negotiable requirement

Focuses on the inflexibility of the requirement, rather than the sense of duty.

an inescapable duty

Emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the duty.

a strict liability

A legal term indicating responsibility regardless of fault or intent.

an unquestionable mandate

Highlights the authoritative nature of the obligation.

a firm imperative

Similar to "categorical imperative" but less formal, highlighting a compelling need.

a paramount responsibility

Indicates that the responsibility is of the highest importance.

a moral imperative

Highlights the ethical dimension of the obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "an absolute obligation" in a sentence?

You can use "an absolute obligation" to emphasize a duty or requirement that must be fulfilled without exception. For example, "The company considers data security to be "an absolute obligation"".

What are some alternatives to "an absolute obligation"?

Alternatives include "a definitive responsibility", "a binding commitment", or "a non-negotiable requirement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an absolute obligation"?

Yes, "an absolute obligation" is grammatically correct and widely used in formal and informal contexts to emphasize a strong duty or requirement.

What is the difference between "an absolute obligation" and "a moral obligation"?

"An absolute obligation" implies a duty that is binding and must be fulfilled, while "a moral obligation" refers specifically to a duty based on ethical principles. While a moral obligation can be absolute, not all absolute obligations are necessarily moral in nature.