be obligated to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be obligated to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to have a moral or legal duty to do something. Example: As part of my job, I am obligated to report any suspicious activity to my supervisor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"To me, they would be obligated to him.

The New York Times - Sports

Because then I would be obligated to move it.

The New York Times

We may be obligated to sort out which is which.

The New York Times

It would mean that unions will still be obligated to represent everybody, but no one will be obligated to pay dues.

Harvard University

So the government should not be obligated to keep paying interest.

The New York Times

Thus, the government should not be obligated to keep paying interest.

The New York Times

Dr. Murray, 58, will also be obligated to pay restitution to Jackson's estate and family.

The New York Times

The union should thus be obligated to represent those players' interests.

The Economist

If the former executives are found liable, they would be obligated to repay the government.

The New York Times

That lawmaker would then be obligated to support the entire multibillion-dollar bill despite possible reservations.

The New York Times

"All clubs need to be obligated to set up youth academies.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be obligated to", ensure the context clearly identifies who is imposing the obligation and what the nature of the obligation is.

Common error

Avoid using "be obligated to" when expressing a mere preference or suggestion. The phrase implies a binding duty, not just a desirable action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be obligated to" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a state of being bound by duty, contract, or other form of requirement. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be obligated to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used modal verb phrase to express a formal or legal duty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and common expression in English writing. It is most prevalent in News & Media and Science, indicating its suitability for both formal and neutral contexts. Alternatives like "be required to" and "be bound to" offer subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is appropriate for conveying a genuine duty rather than a mere suggestion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be under an obligation to

Formal and explicit about the existence of an obligation.

be required to

Indicates a formal requirement or rule, slightly more direct than "be obligated to".

be legally required to

Specifically points to a legal obligation.

be bound to

Suggests a legal or moral constraint, implying a strong commitment.

be compelled to

Implies a strong external force or pressure making the action necessary.

be duty-bound to

Emphasizes a moral or ethical obligation, adding a sense of responsibility.

have a duty to

Directly states the existence of a duty, slightly less formal.

be morally responsible for

Highlights the moral aspect of the obligation.

be expected to

Suggests a social expectation rather than a strict obligation.

be beholden to

Indicates a sense of owing something in return for a favor or benefit.

FAQs

How can I use "be obligated to" in a sentence?

Use "be obligated to" to express a formal or legal duty. For example: "As an employee, I "am obligated to" follow company policy."

What's a less formal way to say "be obligated to"?

Alternatives include "be required to" or "need to", which convey a similar sense of necessity without the same level of formality.

Is there a difference between "be obligated to" and "should"?

"Be obligated to" implies a stronger sense of duty or requirement than "should". "Should" is a suggestion, while "be obligated to" suggests a binding commitment.

When is it appropriate to use "be obligated to" instead of "be responsible for"?

"Be obligated to" is appropriate when there is a formal or legal duty. "Be responsible for" implies accountability for something, but not necessarily a formal obligation.