financial obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

"financial obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which someone has an obligation to pay money or other financial resources. For example, "The company took on a large financial obligation when they decided to buy new equipment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A financial obligation does not oblige you to identify with your debt.

Huffington Post

"But we also have a financial obligation to our board to do something that is financially prudent".

The New York Times - Arts

Like it or not, being a trustee requires a financial obligation.

The New York Times

Had you hired a professional, there would be no question as to his financial obligation.

The New York Times - Magazine

There has always been a moral, as well as a financial, obligation to repay loans.

The Economist

"If they meet their financial obligation to the company, they will have autonomy.

The New York Times - Magazine

This way recipients are not made to feel any kind of moral – let alone financial – obligation.

The Guardian

Each member has a financial obligation to his or her chapter.

Cornell University

Indeed, the fact that their nest may be empty no longer automatically ends parental financial obligation.

The New York Times

Four years later Pope Alexander IV (pope 1254 61) threatened to excommunicate Henry for failing to meet this financial obligation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The states should be able to afford these changes because a big financial obligation would be removed from their budgets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "financial obligation", be specific about the amount, the terms, and the parties involved to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "financial obligation" when you actually mean a financial aspiration or target. An obligation is a duty, while a goal is something you aim to achieve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "financial obligation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a specific duty or commitment related to finances. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "financial obligation" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe a duty or commitment to pay money or provide financial resources. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, highlighting its prevalence across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specify the amount, terms, and involved parties to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "financial liability" or "monetary obligation" may be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The term should not be confused with the broader concept of "financial responsibility" or a "financial goal".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

financial liability

Focuses on the aspect of being legally responsible for debt.

monetary obligation

Emphasizes the monetary nature of the obligation.

budgetary obligation

Relates to obligations within a budget context.

financial duty

Highlights the sense of duty associated with the financial requirement.

funding obligation

Specifically refers to the duty to provide funding.

financial commitment

Highlights the aspect of promising or pledging funds.

financial need

Focuses on the requirement of funds, rather than the obligation to provide them.

financial bond

Emphasizes the binding nature of a financial agreement.

financial responsibility

Highlights the accountability associated with managing finances.

financial requirement

Emphasizes the necessary condition or need for finances.

FAQs

How is "financial obligation" typically used in a sentence?

You can use "financial obligation" to describe a commitment to pay money. For example, "The company has a significant "financial obligation" to its creditors".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "financial obligation"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "financial liability", "monetary obligation", or "financial commitment".

Is there a difference between "financial obligation" and "financial responsibility"?

"Financial obligation" refers specifically to a debt or payment that must be made. "Financial responsibility" is a broader term encompassing the overall management and accountability for financial matters.

When is it appropriate to use "financial obligation" in formal writing?

The term "financial obligation" is suitable for formal writing in business, legal, and academic contexts when discussing legally binding or contractual duties to pay money or provide financial resources.