be obliged to

USAGE SUMMARY

'be obliged to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you feel grateful to someone for providing you with a service or when you feel you must do something for someone else. Example sentence: I'm so grateful for your help - I'd be obliged to return the favor if ever I can.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They must be obliged to.

The Guardian

The trustee will be obliged to help enforce this.

The Economist

Many passengers will be obliged to take replacement buses.

Independent

Who knows what lies Nachman might be obliged to tell?

The New Yorker

Should Muslim bakers be obliged to publish cartoons of Mohamed?

Independent

Every American will be obliged to have health insurance.

The Economist

Mr Hain must be obliged to eat his words.

The Economist

will be obliged to use the system after that.

The New Yorker

A sincere pacifist could not be obliged to kill.

The New York Times

Should Fischer be obliged to quit the campaign?

The New Yorker

GNM shall not be obliged to publish your Competition entry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms such as "be required to" or "be compelled to" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be obliged to" in very informal contexts, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "have to" or "need to" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be obliged to" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a sense of duty, necessity, or gratitude. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, indicating obligations arising from laws, social norms, or personal commitments. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be obliged to" is a versatile phrase used to express obligation, necessity, or gratitude. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's prevalent in formal contexts like news, science, and business, suggesting a more formal register. While less common in casual settings, understanding its proper usage can add sophistication to your writing. Remember to consider the context and formality when choosing between "be obliged to" and its more informal alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be required to

Indicates a formal requirement or legal necessity.

must

Expresses a strong obligation or necessity, often from an authority.

be duty-bound to

Highlights a sense of responsibility and moral imperative.

be compelled to

Suggests a stronger sense of force or pressure to act.

be bound to

Implies a legal or moral commitment.

have to

A more informal way of expressing obligation or necessity.

need to

Similar to "have to" but can also express a personal need.

ought to

Similar to "should" but slightly more formal.

should

Suggests a recommendation or moral obligation, less forceful than "must".

feel indebted to

Expresses gratitude and a sense of wanting to reciprocate.

FAQs

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

You can use "be obliged to" to express a sense of duty or gratitude. For example, "I would "be obliged to" help you if you need assistance" or "I "am obliged to" you for your kind hospitality".

What are some alternatives to "be obliged to"?

Alternatives to "be obliged to" include phrases like "be required to", "be compelled to", "have to", or "must", depending on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "be obliged to" formal or informal?

"Be obliged to" is generally considered a formal expression. In more casual settings, it is better to use alternatives like "have to" or "need to".

What's the difference between "be obliged to" and "be required to"?

Both phrases indicate a sense of necessity, but "be required to" typically implies a more formal or legal obligation, while ""be obliged to"" can also convey a sense of gratitude or moral duty.