has no obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

"has no obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express that someone or something is not required to do something. For example, "The politician has no obligation to fulfill the promises he made during his campaign."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Palin has no obligation to answer it.

The New York Times

Columbia College has no obligation to monitor the Communication Services.

Columbia University

Theatre has no obligation to give a complete picture.

The Guardian

"And Microsoft has no obligation to facilitate a competitor".

The New York Times - Tech

The court has no obligation to help the parties reach a mutually satisfactory outcome.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That child has no obligation to share the money with siblings, Mr. Nelson said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It has no obligations, no competition.

Independent

That is not to say that Israel has no obligations.

The New York Times

We have no obligation to make history.

The Economist

We have no obligation to make art.

The New Yorker

Mr Obama had no obligation to act.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has no obligation", clearly specify who or what lacks the obligation and to whom or what that obligation would otherwise be owed. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "has no obligation" when describing situations where a moral or ethical duty might still exist, even if a legal or contractual one doesn't. Consider whether "is not required to" or "is not bound to" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has no obligation" functions as a descriptor, indicating the absence of a legal, moral, or contractual duty for someone or something to perform a specific action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is grammatically correct and clear.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has no obligation" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the absence of a duty or requirement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and useful in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly define the subject lacking the obligation and the specific action they are not required to perform. Consider alternatives like "is not required to" or "is not bound to" depending on the specific nuance needed. This information is compiled from a wide variety of authoritative sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not required to

Replaces "has no obligation" with a more direct statement of non-requirement.

is not bound to

Suggests a lack of legal or moral compulsion.

is not compelled to

Emphasizes the absence of external pressure or force.

is not duty-bound to

Highlights the lack of a specific duty or responsibility.

is under no compulsion to

Similar to 'is not compelled to', but perhaps slightly more formal.

is at liberty to

Indicates freedom to choose, implying no obligation to do otherwise.

is not beholden to

Implies a lack of dependence or owing of gratitude, which removes obligation.

is free from any requirement to

Expresses an exemption from a specific requirement.

bears no responsibility to

Shifts the focus to a lack of responsibility, which often implies a lack of obligation.

is excused from

Highlights a release from a previously expected obligation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "has no obligation"?

You can use alternatives such as "is not required to", "is not bound to", or "is not compelled to", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. The phrase "is not required to" provides a more direct substitute.

Is it correct to say "have no obligation"?

Yes, it is correct. "Have no obligation" is used for plural subjects (e.g., 'They have no obligation') or with 'I', 'we', 'you'. "Has no obligation" is used for singular subjects (e.g., 'He has no obligation').

What's the difference between "has no obligation" and "is not responsible"?

"Has no obligation" means there is no duty, legal or otherwise, to do something. "Is not responsible" means there is no accountability for something, which can be related to obligation but focuses more on the outcome or consequences. To say "is not responsible" indicates absence of commitment.

Can "has no obligation" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "has no obligation" is suitable for formal writing. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in news reports, academic papers, and legal documents.