it is obligatory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is obligatory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when stating that something is required or mandatory in a particular context. Example: "In order to participate in the event, it is obligatory to register in advance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is obligatory that" may also be read personally, but non-agentially as "it is obligatory for Jones that" ( Krogh and Herrestad 1996) We will return to these issues again below.

SEP

Here we choose to read the basic operator as "it is obligatory that" so that all continuity with permissibility, impermissibility, and indifference is not lost, as it would be with the "it ought to be the case that" reading.

SEP

Indeed, it is obligatory.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - Music

It is obligatory these days in a polite society to have a complicated attitude toward success.

The New York Times

Under certain interpretations of the Talmud, it is obligatory to kill a rodef in order to save the intended victim.

The New Yorker

My own feeling is that even in America, there are some to whom it is obligatory to lie.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is obligatory for the commencement speaker to throw in a few local references to give the appearance of being intimately familiar with the territory.

The New York Times

It is obligatory in this type of play to have all arguments represented, but Ms. Diaz does a fine job of making her lines more than perfunctory.

The New York Times

Since it is obligatory in a World Cup to have a "group of death" we must conclude that Australia are in it.

The Guardian - Sport

No one mandates prenatal testing, although it is such an automatic part of the regimen that many expectant mothers believe it is obligatory, and few fight it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is obligatory", ensure the context clearly establishes who is obligated and what the obligation entails to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it is obligatory" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "you have to" or "you must" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is obligatory" functions as an impersonal construction to express a strong sense of duty or requirement. It serves to impose an obligation on an unspecified subject, often implying a rule, law, or moral imperative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something must be done.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is obligatory" is a phrase used to express that something is required or mandatory, often due to a rule, law, or moral principle. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage is most common in formal and scientific contexts, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, which come from scientific journals, news articles, and encyclopedias. While it effectively conveys a sense of duty, it can sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using synonyms like "it is compulsory" or "it is mandatory" depending on the specific context. When using this phrase, make sure to clearly define the subject of the obligation to prevent any misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is compulsory

Replaces 'obligatory' with 'compulsory', offering a direct synonym with virtually identical meaning and force.

it is mandatory

Substitutes 'obligatory' with 'mandatory', emphasizing the enforced nature of the requirement.

it is required

Uses 'required' in place of 'obligatory', slightly softening the tone while maintaining the sense of necessity.

it is essential

Replaces 'obligatory' with 'essential', highlighting the importance of the action or item.

it is necessary

Similar to 'required', but with an emphasis on need rather than imposed obligation.

one must

Expresses obligation through a more direct and personal construction using 'must'.

it is imperative

Emphasizes the urgent and crucial nature of the obligation, conveying a higher level of importance.

it is a must

Simplifies the phrase to a more colloquial expression indicating something indispensable.

it is binding

Suggests that something is legally or morally obligatory.

duty demands

Uses 'duty' to express the obligation in a more formal or moral context.

FAQs

What does "it is obligatory" mean?

The phrase "it is obligatory" means that something is required, mandatory, or necessary due to a law, rule, or moral principle. It indicates a duty or obligation that must be fulfilled.

When is it appropriate to use "it is obligatory"?

The phrase "it is obligatory" is most appropriate in formal writing, legal documents, or situations where emphasizing the binding nature of a requirement is important. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives may be preferable.

What can I say instead of "it is obligatory"?

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

Is "it is obligatory" the same as "it is necessary"?

While similar, "it is obligatory" implies a binding duty or requirement, whereas "it is necessary" simply indicates that something is needed or essential. Obligation carries a stronger sense of enforcement or moral imperative.