implicit obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

"implicit obligation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to refer to an obligation that is not explicitly stated but is implied or understood. Example: In most cultures, there is an implicit obligation for children to take care of their elderly parents as they age. Example: The teacher's instructions carried an implicit obligation for the students to complete the assignment by the deadline. Example: As a citizen, there is an implicit obligation to follow the laws and pay taxes to contribute to the functioning of society.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

And, unlike academia, there's no implicit obligation to use the time to advance your career.

Science Magazine

The themes of his work have always suggested he has worn the implicit obligation to "save" the traditional Japanese console industry at times proudly, and at times uneasily.

Vice

The themes of Kojima's work have always suggested he has worn the implicit obligation to 'save' the traditional Japanese console industry at times proudly, and at times uneasily.

Vice

Perhaps we never understood the weight of what we signed up for, the implicit obligation that we made when we were afforded the opportunity for change.

Huffington Post

Women also recount the implicit obligation to provide sex following any receipt of material or monetary benefit from a romantic partner [ 13, 19].

Globalization and Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The debt guarantees, it pointed out, are only "contingent" liabilities: they will land in officials' laps only if bad things happen, and bad things do not always happen.Based on past experience, the NAO believes local governments will have to bear only a fraction of these liabilities: 19% of the explicitly guaranteed debt and less than 15% of the implicit obligations.

The Economist

To fulfil this aim and implicit obligations, as well as enhancing the welfare of both human and animal companion, it is impossible to ignore the emotional and behavioural aspects of this relationship in favour of purely physiological illness and disease.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

The decision, issued by a unanimous five-judge court, is the first recognition by an appellate court that a sponsor has an implicit contractual obligation to sell apartments within a reasonable time after a conversion.

The New York Times

As soon as an American baby is born, its parents enter into an implicit contractual obligation to answer any question about their hopes for their tiny offspring's future with the words: "I don't care, as long as he's happy" (the mental suffix "at Harvard" must remain unspoken).

The New York Times

Whippman writes, As soon as an American baby is born, its parents enter into an implicit contractual obligation to answer any question about their hopes for their tiny offspring's future with the words: "I don't care, as long as he's happy" (the mental suffix "at Harvard" must remain unspoken).

The New York Times

For example, he said, if, as Mr. Saft and Mr. Luxemburg contend, the court ruled that every sponsor has an implicit contractual obligation to sell enough shares to create a viable co-op, that ruling would apply without consideration of the language of the particular documents or the surrounding circumstances.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "implicit obligation", ensure the context clearly implies the unstated duty to avoid ambiguity. Consider briefly clarifying the source of the obligation for enhanced clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "implicit obligation" when the duty is reasonably obvious or already explicitly stated. Overusing the phrase in such cases can weaken its impact and sound redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "implicit obligation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a duty or responsibility that is not explicitly stated but is understood or implied. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "implicit obligation" refers to a duty or responsibility that is not explicitly stated but is understood within a certain context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, finding examples across news, scientific, and academic domains. While not as frequent as other phrases, its usage is appropriate when emphasizing unspoken expectations. To ensure clarity, provide sufficient context so the implied duty is clear. Related phrases include "unspoken duty" and "tacit responsibility".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understood duty

Stresses that the responsibility is mutually comprehended without needing explicit declaration.

implied commitment

Highlights the sense of being bound by an unspoken promise or agreement.

constructive obligation

Highlights a binding duty inferred from actions or circumstances.

tacit responsibility

Emphasizes the unspoken agreement or understanding of the responsibility.

presumed duty

Highlights that the duty is expected or taken for granted.

unspoken duty

Focuses on the lack of explicit communication regarding the responsibility.

inherent responsibility

Suggests that the responsibility is a natural or intrinsic part of a role or situation.

assumed responsibility

Indicates a responsibility that is taken on without formal assignment.

customary obligation

Refers to a duty dictated by tradition or common practice.

moral imperative

Shifts the focus to the ethical dimension of the unstated duty.

FAQs

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

You can use "implicit obligation" to describe a duty or responsibility that is not explicitly stated but understood. For example, "There's an "implicit obligation" to respect elders in many cultures."

What's the difference between "implicit obligation" and "explicit obligation"?

"Implicit obligation" refers to a duty that is understood or implied, while "explicit obligation" is a duty that is clearly stated. One is unspoken, the other is communicated directly.

Are there synonyms for "implicit obligation"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "unspoken duty", "tacit responsibility", or "implied commitment" depending on the context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "implicit obligation"?

The phrase "implicit obligation" is appropriate in contexts where a duty or responsibility exists without being formally stated, often arising from social norms, ethical considerations, or professional expectations.