external obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "external obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a duty or responsibility that originates from outside an individual or organization, often imposed by external factors or entities. Example: "The company must comply with external obligations set by regulatory authorities to ensure legal operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Often when we're caught in a time conflict, it's because of some external obligation: Day-care pickup runs against an important meeting; your work shift starts at 9, but the bus is late.

The Washington Post

However other scholars understand these chapters as Crescas is that Crescas is not concerned here with finding a morsel of free choice in a highly deterministic world, but is rather addressing a very different problem: He only wants to answer the question of external obligation and the parallel issue of culpability.

SEP

In an era of global connectivity and instant media, companies increasingly view philanthropic campaigns as an intrinsic component of a successful business strategy, rather than an external obligation.

HuffPost

Money's impact is so universal in our lives that putting it aside is truly our greatest hope, an inescapable call to mindfulness which leads to independence of external obligation.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Brazil's government will not default on its external obligations to save $5 billion per year," he said.

The New York Times

There is now no reason no external obligations, no internal constraint to stop him speaking as he pleases.

The Economist

This paper develops an early warning system for debt crises broadly defined as episodes of outright default or failure of a country to be current on external obligations.

Emerging Markets Review

She emphasized that Brazil — sitting among other things on new oil fields discovered off its coast — no longer needed foreign assistance to meet external obligations.

The New York Times

It's worked out for me, now on a fixed-term contract rather than an hourly one, but I haven't got a family to support or any external obligations.

The Guardian

Analysts differ on the size of the financing gap that Greece will face in the next two years — the sum of money that it will need to fulfill its internal and external obligations.

The New York Times

Its positioning in the organization enables me to fulfill my internal duties as a change leader but doesn't affect my ability to meet the many external obligations I have as the CEO of a rapidly evolving public-sector organization emerging from crisis Canada's blood-supply system was completely revamped after thousands of people received contaminated blood in the 1980s and 1990s.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "external obligation", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the obligation. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "external obligation" when referring to self-imposed duties or responsibilities. "Internal obligation" is more appropriate for duties arising from personal values or beliefs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "external obligation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a duty or responsibility imposed by an outside entity. As Ludwig examples show, it refers to things imposed by regulation authorities or similar sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "external obligation" is a noun phrase denoting a duty or responsibility imposed by an external source. While Ludwig shows that it is grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare, and is common in contexts such as news, science, and business. When writing, be sure to clearly indicate the source and nature of the obligation. Also, according to Ludwig AI, avoid using "external obligation" when referring to self-imposed duties; instead, opt for "internal obligation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

external requirement

Focuses specifically on what is demanded or needed from an outside source.

external duty

Emphasizes a moral or legal imperative originating externally.

external commitment

Highlights a pledge or responsibility to an outside party.

external responsibility

Highlights accountability to external entities.

contractual obligation

Specifically denotes a legally binding duty arising from an agreement.

outside commitment

Points to obligations stemming from sources that are not internal to an organization or individual.

international obligation

Refers to duties and responsibilities between countries.

imposed duty

Underscores that the duty is forced or required from an outside entity.

mandated responsibility

Highlights accountability that is legally required or officially assigned.

prescribed task

Refers to duties that are specifically assigned and expected to be performed.

FAQs

How to use "external obligation" in a sentence?

Use "external obligation" to describe a duty or requirement imposed by an outside source, such as "The company must comply with "external obligations" set by regulatory authorities".

What can I say instead of "external obligation"?

You can use alternatives like "external requirement", "external duty", or "outside commitment" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "external obligation" or "internal obligation"?

"External obligation" refers to duties imposed by outside sources, while "internal obligation" refers to self-imposed duties. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the source of the duty.

What's the difference between "external obligation" and "contractual obligation"?

"External obligation" is a broader term for any duty from an outside source. "Contractual obligation" specifically refers to duties arising from a legally binding agreement.