feeling of obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

"feeling of obligation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express a sense of responsibility or duty. For example, "She had a strong feeling of obligation to help those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

No feeling of obligation.

The New York Times

"I didn't have that same feeling of obligation".

The New York Times

It's not common for somebody who is not Japanese to have this feeling of obligation".

The New Yorker

The Journal of Marketing accepted an academic paper exploring whether gratitude kindles a feeling of obligation.

The New York Times

Baryshnikov believes that it is the feeling of obligation to the audience that triggers stagefright: "Suddenly the morality kicks in.

The New Yorker

Conscience, a personal sense of the moral content of one's own conduct, intentions, or character with regard to a feeling of obligation to do right or be good.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Self- reported data may be affected by social desirability bias e.g. if teachers over report their implementation of the two components due to a feeling of obligations to the Boost project group [ 8, 49].

BMC Public Health

I had read of a brother who was so overwhelmed by feelings of obligation that he could "not even stand to look at" his donor sister.

The New York Times - Magazine

Minus the context Connelly provides in his introduction, particularly his apt and telling choice of the word "communion," with all the spiritual symbolism it implies, to describe a homicide detective's feelings of obligation to murder victims, we could be reading a detail of an overworked cop who hates to do paperwork, or has taken to chewing his glasses to kick a nicotine habit.

The New York Times - Books

Emphasizing her role as a mother of two young children was a savvy move on the campaign trail and probably reflected, in part, Obama's true feelings of obligation and love.

Huffington Post

I played a bit further along, out of feelings of obligation, but stopped when I realized I was having no fun at all and my resentment toward the game, for eating time I could instead spend on more enjoyable activities, would only grow from then on.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeling of obligation" to describe situations where someone experiences a sense of duty or responsibility, often due to moral, ethical, or social expectations. For example: "He felt a strong feeling of obligation to help his community."

Common error

Avoid using "feeling of obligation" when the underlying emotion is actually guilt or resentment. Obligation implies a willingness to act, whereas guilt suggests reluctance or regret. Ensure the context truly reflects a sense of duty, not just a negative emotional response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of obligation" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an emotional state tied to a perceived duty, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling of obligation" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a sense of duty or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts, spanning from News & Media to Science, indicating its broad applicability. When writing, be mindful of the underlying emotion: ensure it truly reflects a sense of duty rather than guilt or resentment. Consider alternatives like "sense of duty" or "moral imperative" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey. This phrase is commonly found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral obligation

Specifies that the obligation is based on moral principles.

sense of duty

Emphasizes moral or ethical commitment rather than an emotional response.

responsibility

Focuses on accountability and the state of being answerable for something.

moral imperative

Highlights a strong, internally driven need to act.

sense of commitment

Indicates a voluntary dedication and loyalty.

internalized pressure

Focuses on the pressure felt internally due to social expectations or personal values.

compulsion

Suggests an irresistible urge or pressure to act, stronger than obligation.

expectation of reciprocity

Implies a duty arising from previous interactions or favors.

social pressure

Highlights external influence and expectation to behave in a certain way.

burden of responsibility

Highlights the weight and challenge associated with obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "feeling of obligation" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling of obligation" to describe a sense of duty or responsibility that someone experiences, such as "She volunteered at the soup kitchen because she had a strong "feeling of obligation" to help those in need."

What is a good synonym for "feeling of obligation"?

A good synonym for "feeling of obligation" is "sense of duty". It conveys a similar meaning of responsibility and commitment.

Is it better to act out of "feeling of obligation" or genuine desire?

Ideally, actions should stem from genuine desire. However, a "feeling of obligation" can also motivate positive actions, especially when guided by ethical considerations.

What's the difference between "feeling of obligation" and "feeling of responsibility"?

"Feeling of responsibility" focuses on accountability for outcomes, while "feeling of obligation" emphasizes the sense of duty or commitment to a particular action or role. They are closely related but differ in focus.