ethically obligated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethically obligated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing moral responsibilities or duties that one is expected to fulfill based on ethical principles. Example: "As a healthcare professional, I feel ethically obligated to prioritize my patients' well-being above all else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Mr. Oberlander, who said he had consulted with his own ethics expert, asserted that he was ethically obligated to use the material on behalf of his clients once it came into his possession.

The New York Times

Though I'm not sure if we're ethically obligated to make the lives of others better, we are ethically obligated not to make the lives of others worse.

The New York Times - Magazine

Was the owner ethically obligated to lend the generator to my friend without power?

The New York Times - Magazine

3. Was the owner ethically obligated to lend the generator to your friend without power?

The New York Times - Magazine

CAROLINE, FLORIDA If your partner's illness were terminal, you would be ethically obligated to stay with him until the end.

The New York Times - Magazine

This question comes down to whether you are ethically obligated to respect someone's property much more than he does.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The Jewish-French philosopher, Emmanuel Levinas believed that seeing the face of another was always a transformational experience, because once we've looked into the eyes of another, we tend to find ourselves ethically (and infinitely) obligated to them.

Huffington Post

In the end, the question isn't whether people have the ability to control their tissues; it is how much science should be obligated (ethically and legally) to put them in a position to do so" [ 26].

BMC Medical Ethics

An attorney is ethically and legally obligated to pursue your best interests.

WikiHow

They're not obligated.

The New York Times - Sports

"I obligated you.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ethically obligated", clearly define the ethical principles that create the obligation to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify which code of conduct or set of values dictates the ethical obligation in the given situation.

Common error

Avoid using "ethically obligated" interchangeably with "legally required". Ethical obligations stem from moral principles, while legal requirements are mandated by law. An action can be ethically obligated without being legally required, and vice versa. Be sure to use the correct terminology and phrase the sentence accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethically obligated" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a person or entity, indicating they have a moral or professional duty to act in a specific way. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase "is correct" and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ethically obligated" is a commonly used expression denoting a moral or professional duty to act in a specific manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Predominantly found in news, science, and academic sources, this phrase conveys a sense of responsibility dictated by ethical principles or codes of conduct. Alternative phrasings, such as "morally bound" or "duty-bound", offer nuanced variations on the same theme. When employing "ethically obligated", clarity is paramount; explicitly stating the guiding ethical principles strengthens the phrase's impact. It is also important to distinguish ethical from legal obligations to ensure accurate and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

required by ethical standards

Explicitly refers to ethical standards as the source of the obligation.

ethically compelled

Similar to ethically obligated, but implies a stronger internal pressure.

morally bound

Focuses specifically on moral rather than professional or legal obligations.

ethically responsible

Highlights the general responsibility to act in an ethical manner.

duty-bound

Emphasizes a sense of duty, often implying a formal or professional commitment.

bound by a code of ethics

Emphasizes adherence to a specific code of conduct.

conscientiously required

Highlights the role of conscience in determining the obligation.

under a moral imperative

Conveys a strong and compelling sense of moral necessity.

morally accountable

Focuses on the responsibility and potential consequences if the obligation is not met.

professionally obliged

Narrows the obligation to a professional context.

FAQs

How can I use "ethically obligated" in a sentence?

You can use "ethically obligated" to describe a situation where someone feels compelled to act in a certain way due to their moral principles. For instance, "As a doctor, I am "ethically obligated" to protect my patient's confidentiality".

What's the difference between "ethically obligated" and "morally obligated"?

While similar, "ethically obligated" often refers to a professional code of conduct, whereas "morally obligated" refers to broader personal or societal values. For example, a journalist might feel "ethically obligated" to protect a source, and a person might feel "morally obligated" to help someone in need.

What are some alternatives to saying "ethically obligated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "morally bound", "duty-bound", or "required by ethical standards".

When is someone considered "ethically obligated" to act?

Someone is "ethically obligated" when their actions are guided by a set of ethical principles, professional standards, or moral values that compel them to act in a specific way. This often arises in professions like medicine, law, and journalism where specific codes of conduct apply.