is obligated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is obligated' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when someone has a responsibility or a duty that they must fulfill. For example: "The student is obligated to turn in their assignment by the due date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Baseball is obligated to seek the truth, the whole truth.

The New York Times - Sports

Having no sons, Mulan's sickly father is obligated to enlist.

The New York Times

"Nobody is obligated to listen to the regional planning board.

The New York Times

"And the school is obligated to support that application".

The New York Times

If so, the retailer is obligated to collect the tax.

The New York Times

The federal government is obligated to transmit certain revenues to the EU.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nevertheless, he said, he is obligated to move forward in identifying noncitizens.

The New York Times

Dublin is obligated to present its four-year budget plan by Dec. 7.

The New York Times

The partnership is obligated to pay the $14 million new mortgage for the housing complex.

The New York Times

The parent is obligated to pay for the cost of the change.

The New York Times

In exceptional circumstances the party that is obligated to perform first may refuse to do so.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is obligated", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the obligation, whether it is a legal contract, a moral principle, or a social norm.

Common error

Avoid using "is obligated" when expressing a preference or suggestion. The phrase should only be used when there is a genuine duty or requirement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is obligated" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating a state of being bound by duty, contract, or law. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide use. Examples from Ludwig show its application across diverse contexts, reinforcing its role in expressing obligations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is obligated" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey a sense of duty, requirement, or compulsion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts. As evidenced by the many examples Ludwig provides, it commonly appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, indicating its relevance in both formal and neutral registers. When using "is obligated", it's important to clarify the basis for the obligation, be it legal, moral, or contractual. Alternatives such as "is required to" or "is bound to" can be used to express similar meanings, with slight variations in emphasis and formality. Avoiding the confusion of obligation with preference will help writers maintain precision in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is required to

This alternative uses "required" instead of "obligated", conveying a sense of necessity or rule-based demand.

is bound to

This alternative suggests a commitment or agreement that creates a sense of obligation.

is compelled to

This alternative emphasizes an external force or pressure that leads to the obligation.

has a duty to

This alternative explicitly states the existence of a duty or responsibility.

is responsible for

This alternative highlights the accountability associated with the obligation.

is under an obligation to

This is a more formal and emphatic way of stating the obligation.

is legally bound to

This alternative specifies that the obligation arises from a legal requirement.

is morally obliged to

This specifies the obligation arises from moral principles.

must

This expresses a strong necessity or requirement to perform an action.

should

This suggests a recommendation or expectation, a weaker sense of obligation.

FAQs

How to use "is obligated" in a sentence?

Use "is obligated" to indicate a duty, legal requirement, or moral imperative. For example, "The company "is obligated" to provide a safe working environment."

What can I say instead of "is obligated"?

You can use alternatives like "is required to", "is bound to", or "has a duty to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is obligated to" or "is obligated of"?

"Is obligated to" is the correct phrasing. The preposition "to" is used to connect the obligation with the action that must be performed.

What's the difference between "is obligated" and "is responsible"?

"Is obligated" implies a formal duty or requirement, while "is responsible" suggests accountability and oversight. You "are obligated" to follow the law, but you "are responsible" for the outcome of your actions.