compulsory obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compulsory obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to emphasize that something is required or mandatory. Example: "The new policy imposes a compulsory obligation on all employees to attend the training sessions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There is a seemingly compulsory obligation to say something "proper".

The Guardian - Opinion

It might be expected that where a surgeon has made a voluntary referral to the RC, he or she would also have fulfilled their compulsory obligation to refer to the NJR.

Bone and Joint Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The rich so-called 'Annex 1' countries have had compulsory obligations, while poorer 'non-Annex 1' countries have simply been required to make voluntary efforts.

The Guardian

A student who must interrupt study temporarily to fulfill a compulsory military obligation for a specific length of time may take a military leave of absence to fulfill that obligation.

Columbia University

Rather than a voluntary gift, climate finance is theorised as compulsory, an obligation on polluting countries that is not only moral but quasi-legal (only quasi-legal because it is hard to see how such agreements can actually be enforced in practice).

The Guardian

After all, the Clinton plan already demanded substantial financial obligations from employers and other groups; when many opponents objected to a government takeover, it was the compulsory financial obligations that they chiefly had in mind.

Princeton University

Many businesses and insurers oppose the big tax hit that his asbestos trust fund would entail; others are unaware of their compulsory financial obligations under the Specter plan.

The New York Times

It remained unclear whether this rate is high for physicians with compulsory service obligations, which warrants further research; however, we should continue to strive for more satisfactory results.

Human Resources for Health

In order to increase the protection of copyright proprietors against economic harm from companies which might refuse or fail to pay their just obligations, compulsory licensees will also be required to make a detailed cumulative annual statement of account, certified by a Certified Public Accountant.

Cornell University

It was not until the 11th century that a "revolution from above," the "Gregorian Reform" started by Pope Gregory VII, left us with the three enduring features of the Roman system: a centralist-absolutist papacy, compulsory clericalism and the obligation of celibacy for priests and other secular clergy.

The New York Times

Where school attendance is compulsory, communities have a moral obligation to provide a safe study and work environment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compulsory obligation" when you want to emphasize that a duty is not just expected, but legally or officially required. This phrase adds a layer of formality and seriousness to the requirement.

Common error

Avoid using "compulsory obligation" in informal contexts. Phrases like "have to" or "need to" may be more appropriate in casual conversation or less formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compulsory obligation" functions as a noun phrase that describes a duty or requirement that is mandatory. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples in Ludwig show its use in describing required actions in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "compulsory obligation" describes a mandatory duty or responsibility, often in legal or official settings. While grammatically correct and accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is relatively rare. It appears most frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, consider its formal tone and whether a simpler alternative might be more appropriate for the situation. Ludwig's examples provide valuable insight into the phrase's contextual usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mandatory duty

Replaces "compulsory" with "mandatory", emphasizing the required nature of the duty.

required responsibility

Uses "required" instead of "compulsory", focusing on the necessity of the responsibility.

obligatory task

Substitutes "compulsory" with "obligatory" and "obligation" with "task", changing the noun.

mandatory requirement

Replaces both words with synonyms, focusing on the formal nature of the requirement.

inescapable duty

Emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the duty.

unavoidable responsibility

Highlights that the responsibility cannot be avoided.

compulsory task

Replaces "obligation" with "task", providing a slightly different nuance.

required undertaking

Replaces responsibility/obligation with the noun undertaking.

legal obligation

Specifies that the obligation is legally binding.

statutory duty

Indicates that the duty is mandated by a statute or law.

FAQs

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

You can use "compulsory obligation" to describe a duty or responsibility that is legally or officially required. For example: "Filing taxes is a "compulsory obligation" for all citizens".

What are some alternatives to "compulsory obligation"?

Alternatives include "mandatory duty", "required responsibility", or "legal obligation" depending on the specific context.

Is "compulsory obligation" the same as "moral obligation"?

No, a "compulsory obligation" is legally or officially required, while a moral obligation is based on ethical or moral principles and is not necessarily legally enforceable.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "compulsory obligation"?

It is appropriate to use "compulsory obligation" in legal, official, or formal contexts where you want to emphasize the mandatory nature of a duty or responsibility.