is obligatory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is obligatory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is required or mandatory in a specific context. Example: "Attendance at the safety training session is obligatory for all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is obligatory scatology.

The New York Times

Indeed, it is obligatory.

The New York Times

The "by all accounts" is obligatory.

Independent

Some of it, I'm sure, is obligatory.

The New York Times

"Even the Qur'an tells us that knowledge is obligatory".

The Guardian

A society where wellness is obligatory is a sick one.

The Guardian - Books

To become a leader in any field, specialisation is obligatory.

The Guardian - Music

(It is obligatory to add that he hated the place).

The Guardian - Music

This early mother-young association is obligatory for newborns.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Voting is obligatory in most of Latin America, for instance.

The Economist

Holding off Mr Trump there is obligatory for him.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is obligatory" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly establishes the source of the obligation, whether it's a law, rule, or moral principle.

Common error

Avoid using "is obligatory" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is required" or "is a must" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is obligatory" functions as a predicative adjective, indicating that something is required or compulsory. It asserts a condition or action that must be fulfilled, as demonstrated by examples in Ludwig like "Voting is obligatory in most of Latin America". Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

54%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is obligatory" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote that something is required or mandatory. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in formal contexts such as news media and scientific publications, the phrase serves to communicate a formal requirement or duty. While alternatives like "is required" or "is mandatory" may be more appropriate in informal settings, "is obligatory" maintains a strong presence in professional and academic discourse. The analysis underscores its correct usage and offers guidance to avoid overuse in casual communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is required

This alternative is a more direct and commonly used synonym, suitable for most contexts where "is obligatory" is appropriate.

is mandatory

This alternative emphasizes the compulsory nature of the action or item, similar to "is obligatory" but with a stronger sense of enforcement.

is compulsory

This alternative is another synonym highlighting the forced nature of the requirement, often used in legal or formal contexts.

is imperative

This alternative conveys a sense of urgency and importance, suggesting that the action or item is crucial and cannot be ignored.

is essential

This alternative shifts the focus to the importance of the item or action, suggesting it is crucial for achieving a specific outcome.

is a necessity

This alternative frames the requirement as something indispensable, highlighting its importance for a particular purpose.

is a must

This alternative is a more informal way of expressing necessity, often used in recommendations or casual advice.

is a prerequisite

This alternative specifies that the item or action is a necessary condition that must be met before something else can occur.

is strictly enforced

This alternative focuses on the enforcement aspect, emphasizing that the rule or requirement is actively monitored and upheld.

is non-negotiable

This alternative indicates that the requirement cannot be challenged or altered, highlighting its absolute and inflexible nature.

FAQs

How can I use "is obligatory" in a sentence?

You can use "is obligatory" to indicate that something is required or mandatory. For example, "Attendance at the safety briefing "is obligatory" for all new employees."

What phrases can I use instead of "is obligatory"?

You can use alternatives like "is required", "is mandatory", or "is compulsory" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "is obligatory" or "is obligated"?

"Is obligatory" means something is required or compulsory. "Is obligated" means someone feels bound or compelled to do something. They have different meanings and uses. "Attendance is obligatory". "He is obligated to help."

What's the difference between "is obligatory" and "is optional"?

"Is obligatory" means something "is required" and must be done. "Is optional" means something is not required and can be chosen. For example, "The uniform is obligatory, but the hat is optional."