formally obliged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formally obliged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating a legal or official requirement to do something, often in a context involving duties or responsibilities. Example: "As a public servant, I am formally obliged to adhere to the ethical standards set forth by the governing body."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

They are not formally obliged to support any candidate.

The New York Times

Though he is 76, he is not formally obliged to stand down.

The Economist

Corporate boards should be formally obliged to assess the risks of this behaviour.

The Guardian

The UN is formally obliged to hand control of the revenues directly to Iraqis when they have an independent, representative and recognised government.

The Economist

What does The Times risk today by holding presidents and Congresses accountable to laws with which they are formally obliged to comply?

The New York Times

The Italian constitution does not say that Italy's president is formally obliged to ask the leader of parliament's largest party to form a government.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Ms. Bartnick-Blume of the Butler institute said subsidized trips were not a conflict because they did not formally oblige colleges to send students to institute programs.

The New York Times

Formally, Momentum obliges all its members to also be Labour party members, under a rule change made last year in part to prevent it being infiltrated by far-left groups, but in practice the rule is not strictly applied.

The Guardian

Every owner ought to be obliged formally to accept the duty that the privilege of processing a dog requires.

The Guardian - Opinion

Member States were obliged to formally recognise Producer Organisations (POs), but were given flexibility to determine whether a minimum number of members or a minimum volume of marketable production would constitute a PO.

European Parliament

The deal with Ofcom does mean Openreach will be obliged to consult formally with customers such as Sky, TalkTalk and Vodafone on large-scale investments.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formally obliged", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the obligation, whether it's legal, contractual, or regulatory. This will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "formally obliged" when a simple sense of duty or moral obligation is intended. Reserve it for situations where the obligation is legally or officially binding to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formally obliged" typically functions as a descriptor, indicating a state of being legally or officially required to perform a certain action. Ludwig AI examples show its use in describing duties arising from laws, contracts, or regulations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formally obliged" is a phrase used to describe a legal or official obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and is most commonly found in news and business contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the obligation is indeed legally or officially binding and not merely a moral or general duty. Alternatives such as "legally required" or "officially required" can be used depending on the context. Ludwig AI examples provide further insight into its practical application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legally required

Emphasizes the legal aspect of the obligation.

officially required

Highlights the official or authorized nature of the obligation.

mandated by law

Specifically denotes that the obligation stems from a legal mandate.

under a legal duty

Focuses on the legal responsibility to act.

contractually bound

Implies the obligation arises from a contractual agreement.

required by regulation

Indicates that the obligation is based on a specific regulation.

bound by law

Similar to legally required but can also include moral obligations.

under obligation

A more general phrase that doesn't always imply a legal context.

duty-bound

Implies a strong moral or ethical obligation.

compelled by law

Highlights that a legal force is necessitating the action.

FAQs

What does "formally obliged" mean?

The phrase "formally obliged" means being under a legal or official requirement to do something. It indicates a duty that arises from a law, contract, or other formal agreement.

How can I use "formally obliged" in a sentence?

You can use "formally obliged" to describe someone's duty in legal or official contexts. For example: "As a public servant, I am formally obliged to adhere to the ethical standards set forth by the governing body."

What can I say instead of "formally obliged"?

You can use alternatives like "legally required", "officially required", or "mandated by law" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "formally obliged" and "morally obliged"?

Yes, "formally obliged" refers to a legal or official duty, while "morally obliged" refers to an ethical or personal sense of duty. One is legally enforceable, the other is based on personal beliefs or societal norms.