did not oblige

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not oblige" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone did not fulfill a request or obligation. Example: "Despite my repeated requests, he did not oblige with the necessary information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

He did not oblige.

The New York Times

But Vogelsong did not oblige.

The New York Times - Sports

The police did not oblige.

The New York Times

Shorten, unsurprisingly, did not oblige.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the Bears did not oblige.

The New York Times - Sports

Unfortunately for London, the market did not oblige.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The young woman didn't oblige.

The New York Times

"I didn't oblige him," Kawashima says.

The New Yorker

Biddle, broken by the Bank War, didn't oblige.

The New Yorker

Scott didn't oblige.

Huffington Post

He didn't oblige and we went our separate ways.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "did not oblige", ensure the context clearly indicates what request or expectation was unmet. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "did not oblige" is generally acceptable, avoid it in highly formal contexts where a more direct and forceful term like "refused" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not oblige" functions as a verb phrase indicating a failure or refusal to comply with a request, expectation, or requirement. Ludwig's examples show it used in various contexts, from personal refusals to systemic non-compliance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "did not oblige" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a refusal or failure to comply with a request or expectation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts, with a neutral tone suitable for general writing. While alternatives like "refused to comply" or "declined to assist" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. When using this phrase, clarity regarding the unmet expectation is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refused to comply

Emphasizes a deliberate refusal to follow a rule or order.

declined to assist

Highlights the lack of help or support provided.

did not accommodate

Focuses on the failure to make adjustments or meet someone's needs.

failed to fulfill

Stresses the lack of completion of a duty or promise.

did not consent

Highlights a lack of agreement or permission.

would not cooperate

Implies a lack of willingness to work together.

disregarded the request

Emphasizes the ignoring of a specific request.

rejected the appeal

Focuses on the refusal of a formal request or plea.

stood firm in refusal

Highlights the resolve and determination in rejecting something.

was unamenable to suggestion

Implies a resistance to advice or guidance.

FAQs

How can I use "did not oblige" in a sentence?

You can use "did not oblige" to indicate that someone refused to fulfill a request or expectation. For example, "Despite repeated requests, the company "did not oblige" with the necessary documents".

What are some alternatives to "did not oblige"?

Alternatives include "refused to comply", "declined to assist", or "did not accommodate". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "didn't oblige" instead of "did not oblige"?

Yes, "didn't oblige" is a contraction of "did not oblige" and is perfectly acceptable in informal writing and speech. However, "did not oblige" may be preferred in more formal settings.

What's the difference between "did not oblige" and "did not require"?

"Did not oblige" implies a refusal to fulfill a request or expectation, while "did not require" means something was not necessary or mandatory. For example, "The contract "did not require" him to attend the meeting; however, he "did not oblige" when asked to present."