customary obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "customary obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a duty or responsibility that is traditionally expected in a particular context or culture. Example: "In many cultures, there is a customary obligation to care for elderly family members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cultural practices

Legal contexts

Historical contexts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

My customary obligation not to vote comes from my Anaywan Aboriginal nationality.

The Guardian - Opinion

Aisha's father, Hajji Muhammed Zai, reached by telephone, confirmed that he had agreed to the betrothal of Aisha and her younger sister to Mr. Sulaiman's family members, in payment of what is called "baad," a customary obligation owed by his own family.

The New York Times

He also complied with the customary obligation of a son giving his father all earnings from work done outside the home until the age of twenty-one.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The freeing of the labourer from feudal and customary obligations created a free market in labour, with a pivotal role for a specific social type, the entrepreneur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In WNB study communities, traditional penile practices were considered within the context of a wider cultural framework whose observation enables customary obligations towards family members, in-laws and other relatives to be fulfilled through the exchange of goods and in-kind contributions.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

A slave who had acquired libertas was a libertus ("freed person," feminine liberta) in relation to his former master, who then became his patron (patronus): the two parties continued to have customary and legal obligations to each other.

Wikipedia

As in England, land was bound up in a mass of partly discretionary, partly customary, feudal rights and obligations.

Britannica

A notion of property in land emerged at the end of the 12th century in England from a mass of partly discretionary, partly customary, feudal rights and obligations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In England a notion of property in land emerged at the end of the 12th century from a mass of partly discretionary, partly customary, feudal rights and obligations.

Britannica

Desecrating bodies of the fallen enemy is no doubt a war crime and a violation of both U.S. treaty obligations and customary international law, forbidden by the First and Second Geneva Conventions, the 1907 Hague Convention X and the Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions.

Huffington Post

Whether sharing obligations arose under customary international law when this controversy arose is also doubtful.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "customary obligation", ensure the context clearly indicates the tradition or custom from which the obligation arises. Provide specific examples or details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all readers understand the specific custom underlying the "customary obligation". Always provide sufficient context or explanation to ensure clarity for a broader audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "customary obligation" functions as a noun phrase, specifying a duty or responsibility that is rooted in established practices or traditions. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a valid phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "customary obligation" refers to a duty or responsibility arising from established customs or traditions. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and usable in written English. It is considered a relatively rare phrase, yet it appears in contexts ranging from news and media to academic discussions and legal interpretations. Alternatives such as "traditional duty" or "conventional responsibility" can be used to express similar meanings. When employing this phrase, it is crucial to provide sufficient context, ensuring that readers understand the specific custom underlying the obligation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traditional duty

Replaces "customary" with "traditional", focusing on the long-established nature of the duty.

established duty

Focuses on the well-settled aspect of the obligation.

standard obligation

Replaces "customary" with "standard" to emphasize conformity to a norm.

conventional responsibility

Substitutes both words to highlight adherence to established norms.

expected obligation

Highlights the anticipated nature of the obligation.

accepted responsibility

Highlights that the responsibility is broadly agreed upon.

usual requirement

Emphasizes the expected nature of the obligation.

ingrained responsibility

Highlights how deeply the responsibility is established.

habitual duty

Focuses on the routine aspect of the duty.

time-honored duty

Emphasizes the long history and respect associated with the duty.

FAQs

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

You can use "customary obligation" to describe a duty or responsibility that arises from long-established traditions or practices. For example, "In some cultures, there is a "customary obligation" to care for elderly parents".

What's the difference between "customary obligation" and "legal obligation"?

"Customary obligation" refers to a duty based on tradition, while "legal obligation" is a duty enforced by law. A "legal obligation" carries potential legal consequences for non-compliance, whereas a "customary obligation" typically relies on social or moral pressure.

What can I say instead of "customary obligation"?

Alternatives include "traditional duty", "conventional responsibility", or "usual requirement", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly define the "customary obligation"?

While not always required, defining the "customary obligation" can enhance clarity, especially if the tradition is not widely known or may be subject to varying interpretations. Providing context helps avoid misunderstandings.