genuine obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "genuine obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sincere or authentic duty or responsibility that one feels compelled to fulfill. Example: "As a citizen, I believe it is my genuine obligation to vote in every election."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Taking at face value the book's claim that living well is a genuine obligation, it argues that this obligation is – to borrow Kent Greenawalt's usage – too rich and too thin.

Harvard University

Businesses need to rediscover purpose, as well as profit, which Labour can naturally focus on: having a genuine obligation to the health and wealth of their employees; taking real long-term investment decisions; helping to solve societal problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Even if the odds of losing money on the policy were slim," the appeals court majority wrote, the insurer with which U.P.S. made the deal assumed "a genuine obligation".

The New York Times

It is not assumed to bind come what may, though it is to be one genuine obligation among others.

SEP

With respect to political obligations, then, neither state coercion (i.e., the absence of voluntary consent) nor the injustice of a state's laws or institutions precludes its citizens' acquisition of a genuine obligation to obey its laws.

SEP

She maintains that a political obligation is a genuine obligation, by which she means that it provides a person subject to it with a sufficient, though not necessarily conclusive, reason for action that trumps considerations of inclination or self-interest.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In this view, suicide is always a supremely selfish act in that it ignores genuine obligations that all human beings have towards others.

The Economist

Moreover, contracts tend to create genuine obligations of the sort incurred when promises are made, as opposed to merely creating options.

Harvard University

But no general policy of upholding the law with steel could be justified if the law were not, in general, a source of genuine obligations" (Dworkin 1986, 191).

SEP

As a sufficient condition for having a doxastic obligation, it may be acceptable, but most ethicists of belief will not want to make the reflective knowledge in the antecedent required for there to be genuine obligations.

SEP

However, Gilbert distinguishes between two kinds of genuine obligations, or two senses of the term "obligation," the first synonymous with being the subject of a moral requirement and the second with "owing" something to another (2013, pp. 391 92).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "genuine obligation" to emphasize the sincerity and moral weight of a commitment, differentiating it from mere contractual or superficial duties.

Common error

Avoid using "genuine obligation" when describing minor tasks or preferences. Reserve it for situations where there is a true and significant sense of duty or moral imperative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "genuine obligation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "genuine" modifies the noun "obligation". It denotes a duty or commitment that is sincerely felt and authentic, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "genuine obligation" signifies an authentic and sincerely felt duty or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and usable in various contexts, particularly in academic, scientific, and news-related discussions. While not exceedingly common, its usage is appropriate when emphasizing the moral weight or imperative of a commitment. Alternatives such as "true responsibility" or "sincere commitment" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations involving significant duties, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authentic responsibility

Uses a synonym for "genuine" to underscore the validity and unfeigned nature of the responsibility.

unfeigned duty

Focuses on the sincerity and lack of pretense in the obligation.

true responsibility

Replaces "obligation" with a broader term for accountability, maintaining the emphasis on authenticity.

bona fide obligation

Uses a Latin term to emphasize the good faith and authenticity of the obligation.

real duty

Substitutes "obligation" with "duty", which carries a similar sense of moral or legal imperative.

actual responsibility

Highlights the factual and existing nature of the responsibility.

legitimate duty

Indicates that the obligation is based on law or accepted rules.

valid responsibility

Emphasizes that the responsibility is well-founded and justified.

sincere commitment

Shifts the focus to the internal conviction behind the obligation, emphasizing personal investment.

moral imperative

Highlights the ethical or moral dimension of the obligation, making it a compelling reason to act.

FAQs

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

You can use "genuine obligation" to express a sincerely felt duty. For example, "As a citizen, I feel a "genuine obligation" to participate in local elections".

What are some alternatives to "genuine obligation"?

Alternatives include "true responsibility", "real duty", or "sincere commitment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very genuine obligation"?

While not grammatically incorrect, adding "very" to "genuine obligation" can be redundant. "Genuine" already implies authenticity and sincerity, so "very" may not add significant emphasis.

What's the difference between a "genuine obligation" and a "legal obligation"?

A "genuine obligation" is based on moral or ethical considerations, while a "legal obligation" is mandated by law. A "genuine obligation" may or may not be legally enforceable, while a "legal obligation" always carries the force of law.