by obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is required or necessary due to a duty or responsibility. Example: "She attended the meeting by obligation, even though she had other commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Pity the veggie burger, consumed almost exclusively by obligation.

The New Yorker

Attacks were fuelled by obligation now, not optimism.

The Guardian - Sport

For years, Wimbledon's fans seemed more enthusiastic by obligation than pro-Murray to the core.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet it was by choice — not by obligation — that Napier ended up there.

The New York Times - Sports

Admittedly, I was motivated as much by curiosity as by obligation.

The Washington Post

I am connected because I want to be, not by obligation.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

We were guided by obligations that are imposed by the Football Association and also as an employer".

Independent

L. 86 251 struck out "in the form of notes" after "represented by obligations" in proviso.

Cornell University

Mr Whalen contends that BofA is, in essence, a healthy operating bank buried by obligations tied to Countrywide.

The Economist

Women in particular, less bound by obligations to work state-controlled jobs, dominate North Korea's countless urban and rural marketplaces.

The New York Times

"I think it's mainly people who know the agency but are no longer constrained by obligations to the president.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by obligation" when you want to emphasize that an action is being performed because of a sense of duty, responsibility, or requirement rather than by choice. Be mindful of the context to ensure it appropriately conveys the reason for the action.

Common error

Avoid using "by obligation" when the action is driven by personal desire or preference. Instead, use phrases that reflect personal motivation or willingness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by obligation" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the reason or motivation behind an action. As shown by Ludwig, it specifies that something is done not willingly, but because of a duty or requirement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by obligation" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action is performed because of a duty, responsibility, or requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and can be used to clarify that an action is not voluntary. While relatively uncommon, the phrase appears in a variety of sources, ranging from news articles to scientific publications, showing its versatility. When using "by obligation", ensure the context clearly reflects a sense of duty rather than desire. Alternatives such as "out of necessity" or "due to duty" may provide more specific nuance, but are semantically close.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of necessity

Emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the action.

by necessity

Highlights that something is essential.

due to duty

Highlights the moral or ethical imperative.

out of a sense of duty

Highlights the personal feeling of having to do something.

under compulsion

Implies external pressure or force.

from a legal standpoint

Refers to a legal requirement

as a requirement

Focuses on a rule or condition that must be met.

mandatorily

Emphasizes that something is legally or officially required.

because it's required

States the action is done because something needs to be done.

as a matter of course

Indicates that an action happens routinely or as an expected part of a process.

FAQs

How can I use "by obligation" in a sentence?

You can use "by obligation" to indicate that something is done out of duty rather than desire. For example, "She attended the event "by obligation", not because she wanted to."

What are some alternatives to "by obligation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "out of necessity", "due to duty", or "under compulsion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "by obligation" or "out of obligation"?

Both "by obligation" and "out of obligation" are grammatically correct, but "by obligation" is generally more concise. The choice depends on the context and desired emphasis. Consider rephrasing with alternatives to obligation for clearer meaning when possible.

What's the difference between "by obligation" and "by choice"?

"By obligation" indicates an action is performed because it's required, while "by choice" indicates an action is performed willingly. For instance, "He participated "by obligation", not by choice."