feigned obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feigned obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone pretends to have a duty or responsibility that they do not genuinely feel. Example: "Her feigned obligation to attend the meeting was evident, as she seemed disinterested and distracted throughout."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Melendez feigned shock.

The New York Times

Anthony feigned confusion.

The New York Times - Sports

Milanovic feigned indignation.

The New Yorker

Stewart feigned ignorance.

The New Yorker

He feigned sleep.

The New Yorker

The reporters feigned sensitivity.

The New York Times - Sports

Israel feigned ignorance.

The New York Times

Milosevic feigned astonishment: "Me?

Independent

Everyone feigned delight.

The New York Times

He feigned insanity.

The New York Times - Magazine

I feigned confusion.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feigned obligation" when you want to emphasize that someone is pretending to feel a sense of duty they don't actually possess. Ensure the context makes it clear that the obligation is not genuine.

Common error

Avoid using "feigned obligation" to describe situations where someone fulfills a duty begrudgingly but sincerely. The phrase should only apply when the obligation itself is a pretense, not merely the willingness to perform it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feigned obligation" functions as a noun phrase where "feigned" modifies "obligation". It describes a pretended or simulated duty, highlighting the insincerity behind the performance of that duty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Science

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Less common in

Encyclopedias

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Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feigned obligation" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe a pretended or simulated sense of duty. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its actual usage appears to be rare due to the lack of occurrences in the provided search results. The phrase serves to express skepticism regarding the genuineness of someone's commitment to a perceived duty, with semantic alternatives including "pretended duty" or "false sense of duty". When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the insincerity of the obligation to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pretended duty

Focuses on the act of pretending to fulfill a responsibility.

Simulated responsibility

Highlights the artificial or imitation aspect of the obligation.

False sense of duty

Emphasizes the incorrect or misleading perception of having an obligation.

Insincere commitment

Highlights the lack of genuine dedication to a purported duty.

Fabricated duty

Implies that the obligation was invented or manufactured.

Sham responsibility

Suggests the obligation is a deceptive or empty pretense.

Affected accountability

Focuses on the pretense or artificiality of taking responsibility.

Make-believe obligation

Conveys a sense of childish or unserious pretense regarding a duty.

Superficial duty

Indicates a lack of depth or genuine concern in fulfilling the obligation.

Artificial obligation

Emphasizes the contrived or unnatural nature of the obligation.

FAQs

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

You can use "feigned obligation" to describe a situation where someone pretends to have a duty or responsibility that they do not genuinely feel. For instance, "Her "feigned obligation" to attend the meeting was evident, as she seemed disinterested and distracted throughout."

What's a more common way to express a similar idea to "feigned obligation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "pretended duty" or "false sense of duty", which might be more readily understood in certain contexts.

Is it correct to say "faked obligation" instead of "feigned obligation"?

While "faked" carries a similar meaning to "feigned", "feigned obligation" is more formal and suggests a deliberate attempt to create a false impression of duty. "Faked obligation" is less common but understandable.

What is the difference between "feigned obligation" and simply fulfilling an "obligation"?

"Obligation" refers to a genuine duty or responsibility, while ""feigned obligation"" implies that the duty itself, or the person's commitment to it, is not real or sincere.