grave obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or significant duty or responsibility that one must fulfill. Example: "As a citizen, it is our grave obligation to vote and participate in the democratic process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There is no more grave obligation by members of the House and Senate than to look carefully at such a question.

The New York Times

A further principle was enunciated by Cardinal Bernard Law, archbishop of Boston, in a recent column in his archdiocese's newspaper: "The grave obligation to protect innocent human life must govern our political and military decisions".

The New York Times

"Our nation, in collaboration with others, has a moral right and a grave obligation to defend the common good against such terrorists attacks," the bishops wrote in the letter sent to the White House on Wednesday and released yesterday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We were firmly resolved to do everything in our power with a view of fulfilling the grave obligations which we had undertaken.

The Guardian

Richard Gilman, a literary and theater critic who died in 2006, came as close to anyone in defining it: “Being a sports fan is a complex matter, in part irrational but not unworthy, a relief from the seriousness of the real world, with its unending pressures and often grave obligations.”.

Forbes

If a cash-strapped government wishes to step back from cradle-to-grave obligations, then at least give everybody guided access to its ample resources of data computation to inform the extra choices that devolve on us.

Independent

The decision rested, he wrote, on "the theory that two governments accord more liberty than one," which he said gave rise to a "grave constitutional obligation if democratic liberty and the federalism that secures it are to endure".

The New York Times

Heavy obligations.

Huffington Post

"Those who are directly involved in lawmaking bodies have a grave and clear obligation to oppose any law that attacks human life," the guidelines say in an 18-page booklet written by the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

The New York Times

In 2003, the Vatican issued two documents declaring that Catholic politicians have a "grave and clear obligation" to oppose any law that violates church teaching on abortion or same-sex marriage.

Huffington Post

"The actions of F.O.T.A. as a whole, and Ferrari in particular, amount to serious violations of law including willful interference with contractual relations, direct breaches of Ferrari's legal obligations and a grave violation of competition law," the statement read.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave obligation" when you want to emphasize the seriousness and importance of a duty. It is suitable for formal contexts and situations where the responsibility carries significant consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "grave obligation" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "serious duty" or "important responsibility" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave obligation" functions as a noun phrase that describes a serious and significant duty or responsibility. As Ludwig AI underlines, it is often employed to denote obligations with weighty consequences, legally binding duties or important decision makings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grave obligation" is a noun phrase used to denote a serious and significant duty. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts where the importance of a duty needs to be emphasized. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it is frequently found in news, formal business and scientific sources. Remember to reserve "grave obligation" for situations where the responsibility carries substantial weight and consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious responsibility

Emphasizes the weight and potential consequences associated with the responsibility.

weighty duty

Highlights the burden or significance of the task.

significant obligation

Focuses on the importance and impact of the obligation.

profound responsibility

Implies a deep and far-reaching impact.

solemn duty

Suggests a formal and serious undertaking.

critical responsibility

Emphasizes the crucial nature of the duty.

vital obligation

Highlights the essential nature of the obligation.

imperative duty

Indicates a command or necessity.

pressing responsibility

Highlights the urgency and need for immediate action.

inescapable obligation

Implies that the obligation cannot be avoided.

FAQs

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

You can use "grave obligation" to emphasize the seriousness of a duty, for example: "The government has a "grave obligation" to protect its citizens."

What's a good alternative to "grave obligation"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "serious responsibility", "weighty duty", or "significant obligation".

Is "grave obligation" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "grave obligation" is generally considered formal. For everyday conversation, consider using simpler alternatives like "important duty" or "serious task".

What's the difference between "grave obligation" and "serious responsibility"?

While similar, "grave obligation" often implies a more formal and potentially legally binding duty, whereas "serious responsibility" can refer to a broader range of important duties, whether formal or informal.