existing obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "existing obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a duty or responsibility that is currently in effect or has been established. Example: "The company must fulfill its existing obligation to provide health benefits to all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Moreover, in the case of transfers to the creditor in conformity with an obligation, the trustee must prove the preferential intent of the debtor and knowledge thereof by the creditor, whereas, in the case of payments made or security interests granted not in conformity with an existing obligation, the only defense is lack of preferential effect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Greenspan's point: The legal services performed by the partners were an existing obligation not performed for salary, and you can't take money out of a partnership if it's insolvent.

Forbes

Third, Kerry repeatedly committed to only return with an agreement that requires Iran to reveal its past nuclear weapons activities (Possible Military Dimensions PMD, in IAEA parlance) -- an existing obligation under the so-called "Additional Protocols" of the Non-Proliferation Treaty to which Iran is a signatory.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

These nations have the highest trade barriers and the most trouble meeting existing obligations.

The Economist

The move will allow the new owners to assume responsibility for all existing obligations of the Heart, effective immediately.

The Guardian - Sport

But to fix this problem would take a lot of money -- money to pay off the system's existing obligations.

The New York Times

Raising our tax rates gives us incentives to work, since we have to earn more to meet our existing obligations.

The New York Times

Russia violated the 1999 deadline, saying it needed more time to complete the deliveries under existing obligations, thereby irritating the United States, which complained to Russian officials.

The New York Times

Instead, he persuaded Congress to authorize new bonds to replace existing obligations, while reducing the interest rate to 4 percent from 6 percent.

The New York Times

But if the debt limit is not raised, it will not cut the nation's deficit or allow the government to get out of its existing obligations.

The New York Times

Recent changes that raised the retirement age for new workers and limited the pensions that future workers can earn have not reduced the existing obligations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or contractual matters, use "existing obligation" to clearly indicate a duty that is already in effect. This avoids ambiguity about the timing or validity of the obligation.

Common error

Avoid using "existing obligation" when referring to potential or future duties. Ensure the obligation is currently active and not merely anticipated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existing obligation" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to a duty or responsibility that is currently in effect. Ludwig AI confirms this correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "existing obligation" refers to a duty or responsibility that is currently in effect. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. This phrase is found across diverse sources, including News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While "existing obligation" is grammatically straightforward, remember to reserve it for duties that are presently active, not merely anticipated. Alternatives like "current responsibility" or "ongoing liability" can offer slight nuances in meaning depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current responsibility

Replaces 'obligation' with 'responsibility' and 'existing' with 'current', emphasizing a present duty.

present commitment

Substitutes 'obligation' with 'commitment', highlighting an existing pledge or promise.

ongoing liability

Replaces 'obligation' with 'liability', suggesting a current legal or financial responsibility.

pre-existing duty

Emphasizes that the duty was in place before the current moment.

incumbent requirement

Uses more formal language to indicate a currently binding requirement.

outstanding debt

Focuses on financial obligations that currently need to be settled.

established accountability

Highlights a pre-existing system or expectation of accountability.

extant mandate

Uses formal language to describe a currently valid command or authorization.

surviving obligation

Emphasizes that the obligation has persisted or continued to exist.

unfulfilled promise

Highlights that the promise was made in the past, but not yet fulfilled.

FAQs

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

You can use "existing obligation" to refer to duties or responsibilities that are currently in effect. For example, "The company must fulfill its "existing obligation" to provide health benefits."

What's a more formal way to say "existing obligation"?

A more formal alternative could be "incumbent requirement", especially in legal or business contexts.

How does "existing obligation" differ from "future obligation"?

"Existing obligation" refers to a duty that is currently in effect, while "future obligation" refers to a duty that will arise at a later time. It is important not to confuse one for the other.

What can I say instead of "existing obligation" in a financial context?

In a financial context, you can use alternatives such as "outstanding debt" or "ongoing liability".