are obligatory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are obligatory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is required or mandatory in a specific context. Example: "In this course, attendance and participation are obligatory for all students to pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Goosebumps are obligatory.

The Guardian - Film

Both are obligatory, of course.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A cocktail umbrella and a garish stirrer are obligatory.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lake swimming, barbecues and afternoon naps are obligatory.

The Guardian - Travel

Yet, to make sense of the middle way, some positive thoughts are obligatory.

The Guardian - Business

There are obligatory references to L.A. traffic, which apparently gets even worse during Martian invasions.

The New Yorker

This required the diputación to set exams, which are obligatory for any permanent public job.

The Guardian

Public tender offers are obligatory only if a shareholding exceeds 30%.

The Economist

Quotas are obligatory; power is rigidly contested on sectarian and ethnic lines.

The New York Times

In fact, 'tis the season to talk about other things: there are some autumn conversations that are obligatory.

The Guardian - Opinion

For serious followers of outdoor sculpture who must see everything each summer, all these stops are obligatory.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are obligatory", ensure the context clearly defines who or what is subject to the obligation. For instance, specify whether it's a legal requirement, a moral duty, or a procedural necessity.

Common error

Avoid using "are obligatory" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "are required" or "are a must" to maintain a natural and accessible tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are obligatory" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is required or mandatory. As Ludwig AI indicates, the usage across multiple examples shows consistent application of this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are obligatory" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies a binding requirement or necessity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is often found in formal contexts, such as scientific literature, news reports, and business documents. While grammatically "correct", remember to adjust the register accordingly. Alternatives such as "are mandatory", "are required", or "are compulsory" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. When using "are obligatory", clarity is key; ensure that the subject of the obligation is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. While "are obligatory" is widely accepted, consider the audience and context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are compulsory

Replaces "obligatory" with "compulsory", suggesting a requirement that must be followed.

are required

Uses "required" instead of "obligatory", implying a necessity or condition that needs to be met.

are mandatory

Substitutes "obligatory" with "mandatory", emphasizing an official or legal requirement.

are necessary

Replaces "obligatory" with "necessary", indicating that something is essential or needed.

are binding

Uses "binding" in place of "obligatory", suggesting a formal agreement or rule that must be adhered to.

are imperative

Replaces "obligatory" with "imperative", highlighting the critical or urgent nature of the requirement.

are essential

Substitutes "obligatory" with "essential", underlining the fundamental importance of something.

are a must

Uses a more informal expression to convey that something is highly recommended or required.

are unavoidable

Replaces "obligatory" with "unavoidable", implying that something cannot be prevented or escaped.

are prescribed

Substitutes "obligatory" with "prescribed", suggesting that something is officially recommended or ordered.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "are obligatory"?

For more formal alternatives to "are obligatory", consider using "are mandatory", "are compulsory", or "are required". These options maintain a professional tone while clearly indicating necessity.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "are obligatory"?

"Are obligatory" is suitable in contexts where you need to emphasize a binding requirement, whether it's legal, moral, or procedural. It's common in formal writing, official documents, and academic discussions.

How can I use "are obligatory" in a sentence?

You can use "are obligatory" to describe actions, rules, or procedures that must be followed. For example, "These clinical clerkships "are obligatory" in 47% of centres and elective in 44%."

Which is correct, "are obligatory" or "is obligatory"?

Use "are obligatory" when referring to plural subjects or multiple items. Use "is obligatory" when referring to a singular subject or a single item. For example, "These measures "are obligatory"" (plural) vs. "This step "is obligatory"" (singular).