it was obligatory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was obligatory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was required or mandatory in a past context. Example: "In the past, it was obligatory for all employees to attend the annual training sessions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"It was obligatory.

The New Yorker

In Ireland it was obligatory to boil cabbage for three hours.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I started it as a very young student, it was obligatory, but I didn't get very far..

The Times

He said it was obligatory for us to go to Syria, and if we wouldn't, then he would," Geraldine said.

The Guardian

Compliance was monitored with regular urine tests, and it was obligatory for defendants to come back to court often, to discuss their progress.

The Guardian

A Taliban spokesman issued a statement on Wednesday claiming it was obligatory to kill anyone "leading a campaign" against Islamic law.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 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

"It's obligatory".

The New York Times

Indeed, it is obligatory.

The New York Times

His mother, Melissa Sporn, added: "We think it's obligatory.

The Washington Post

"The same as before, except that now it's obligatory".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was obligatory", ensure the context clearly specifies what entity or person was bound by the obligation. For instance, "it was obligatory for all citizens to vote" provides clear context.

Common error

Avoid using "it was obligatory" without specifying the source or basis of the obligation. Statements like "it was obligatory" without context leave the reader questioning the legitimacy or source of the obligation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was obligatory" functions as an assertion of a past requirement or duty. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's used to indicate that something was not optional but mandated by a rule, law, or social norm. For example, "It was obligatory for all automobiles to backfire..."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was obligatory" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a past requirement or duty. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and frequently appears in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times. While interchangeable with synonyms like "it was required" or "it was mandatory", it's important to provide clear context regarding the source or basis of the obligation to avoid vagueness. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, and, according to Ludwig, it frequently appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was required

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing the necessity of something.

it was mandatory

This alternative stresses the compulsory nature of the action or event.

it was compulsory

This alternative highlights that something was enforced or demanded.

it was a requirement

This alternative phrases it as a need or essential condition.

it was a must

This alternative is a more informal way to express something was necessary.

it was essential

This alternative emphasizes the importance and necessity of something.

it was necessary

This alternative underscores the need or inevitability of the action.

it was unavoidable

This alternative focuses on the inevitability of the action.

it was imperative

This alternative stresses the urgency and importance of the action.

it was binding

This alternative emphasizes that something was legally or morally required.

FAQs

How can I use "it was obligatory" in a sentence?

Use "it was obligatory" to describe something that was required or mandatory in the past. For example, "During that period, "it was obligatory" to wear a uniform".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was obligatory"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was required", "it was mandatory", or "it was compulsory" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "it was obligatory" and "it was necessary"?

While both indicate a need, ""it was obligatory"" implies a rule or requirement, whereas "it was necessary" simply means something was needed. For instance, attending the meeting might have been necessary for information, but obligatory due to company policy.

Which is more formal, "it was obligatory" or "it was required"?

"It was obligatory" is generally perceived as slightly more formal than "it was required", though both are suitable for formal writing. The choice often depends on the specific context and desired tone.