conscientious obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conscientious obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a duty or responsibility that one feels morally or ethically bound to fulfill. Example: "As a healthcare professional, I feel a conscientious obligation to provide the best care possible to my patients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Suppose, further, that the two boys were to challenge the prohibition against wearing weapons to school in the name of "a conscientious obligation" to carry out the imperatives of their traditions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It has been argued that these articles provide international legal obligations protecting conscientious objectors from service in the military.

Wikipedia

The first belief, I presume, depends on some version of Kevin Drum's suggestion that the state has no obligation to respect conscientious religious objections if the objectors represent a sufficiently marginal minority within American society and culture.

The New York Times

He knew from experience what an evil an unlimited executive patronage can become, but he felt powerless to change its obligations and too conscientious to avoid its duties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The physicians who participate in it may feel that the job is less gratifying than it was a generation ago, but they should still feel an obligation to deliver personal and conscientious care.

The New York Times

The coder performed her identity as a competent, conscientious, caring worker trying to meet her informal obligation to patients.

BMC Health Services Research

To him it entailed obligations to be met only by untiring and conscientious work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Conscientious and dedicated, I placed no self-interest over work obligations or client needs.

Huffington Post

"He was extremely conscientious".

The New York Times

No, just a conscientious citizen.

Independent

Someone too conscientious.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conscientious obligation", ensure the context clearly establishes the source of the obligation (e.g., religious belief, ethical code, personal values).

Common error

Avoid using "conscientious obligation" in casual or informal settings where simpler terms like "sense of duty" or "moral responsibility" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conscientious obligation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "conscientious" modifies the noun "obligation". It describes a specific type of obligation rooted in one's conscience or moral beliefs. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid construction in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conscientious obligation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey a strong moral or ethical duty arising from personal beliefs. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage is relatively rare, often appearing in news, encyclopedic texts, and scientific discussions. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in defining the source of the obligation. Alternative phrases like "moral imperative" or "ethical responsibility" may be suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral imperative

Focuses specifically on a duty derived from a personal sense of right and wrong, emphasizing its compelling nature.

ethical responsibility

Highlights the duty based on a code of conduct or set of moral principles.

sense of duty

Emphasizes a feeling or awareness of needing to fulfill a specific task or role.

moral duty

Directly states a requirement dictated by one's morals.

ethical obligation

Similar to ethical responsibility, but with a stronger sense of binding commitment.

commitment to principle

Highlights a dedication to a specific belief or standard.

dictates of conscience

Emphasizes that the duty comes from internal moral reasoning.

internalized value

Suggests a personal belief so deeply ingrained that it creates a sense of obligation.

deep-seated conviction

Emphasizes a strong personal belief that drives a sense of responsibility.

imperative of conscience

Similar to dictates of conscience, highlighting the compelling nature of internal moral guidance.

FAQs

How does a "conscientious obligation" differ from a legal obligation?

A "conscientious obligation" arises from personal beliefs or moral principles, while a legal obligation is mandated by law. The former is internally driven, the latter externally enforced.

What are some synonyms for "conscientious obligation"?

You can use alternatives like "moral imperative", "ethical responsibility", or "sense of duty" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "conscientious obligation" in a formal context?

Yes, "conscientious obligation" is appropriate for formal contexts, especially when discussing ethics, morality, or personal beliefs in professional or academic settings.

Can a company have a "conscientious obligation"?

While less common, a company might frame certain ethical commitments as a "conscientious obligation" to stakeholders, emphasizing a voluntary and deeply held commitment beyond legal requirements.