less obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or arrangement that requires fewer responsibilities or commitments. Example: "This new policy allows employees to work from home with less obligation to be in the office every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This means there is slightly less obligation to pander to what straight white men are supposed to want from culture.

The Guardian - Opinion

The press in the region seems to feel less obligation now to stand in solidarity with Islamic brothers in the Middle East and a bit more leeway to offer a glimpse of the other side of the argument.

The New York Times

Supervisory boards are getting smaller: companies feel less obligation to include representatives of the country's three main linguistic groups (German, French and Italian), both main strains of Christianity and both sexes.At the same time, management and supervisory boards now contain more foreigners.

The Economist

Trump offers a mirror image of the same mathematics that presented a hurdle to Rock: the less obligation one feels toward one's countrymen or, I guess, toward anybody at all the easier it is to attract, then hold, their attention, even unto farce, or worse.

The New Yorker

The Negro, in the idiom of Crummell's day, has no less obligation than any other "nation" to make a cultural contribution to civilization.

SEP

However, I have less obligation to dress up because I no longer have official duties.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A desirable Europe is one in which religious and philosophical views are everyone's right and no one's duty, much less an obligation of society as a whole.

The Guardian - Opinion

Younger people have less responsibility and fewer financial obligations.

Forbes

According to Rich Bender, the executive director of USA Wrestling, the more money made in public donations, the less financial obligation the fund's stewards will have.

The New York Times - Sports

Even in commercial theatre, which has less regulatory obligation to be inclusive than the subsidised sector, there has been some progress.

The Guardian

I also, personally, like to work with clients whose home base isn't the same city as me so that there's less social obligation involved.                  .

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less obligation", ensure the context clearly defines what the original obligation was and how it has been reduced. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "less obligation" when you mean "no obligation". "Less obligation" implies a partial reduction in responsibilities, while "no obligation" signifies a complete absence of duty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less obligation" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples show it describing a state or condition of having reduced duties or responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less obligation" is grammatically sound and denotes a reduction in duties or responsibilities. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media. It's crucial to ensure the context clearly defines the original obligation and the extent of its reduction to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "reduced responsibility" or "fewer commitments" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid misinterpreting "less obligation" as "no obligation", as they carry distinct meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced responsibility

Focuses on the diminished level of accountability or duty.

fewer commitments

Highlights the reduced number of binding engagements or tasks.

decreased duty

Emphasizes the lower level of moral or legal imperative.

minimal accountability

Stresses the low degree to which one is answerable for something.

limited liability

Indicates a reduced level of legal responsibility for potential damages or debts.

relaxed requirements

Highlights the easing or loosening of specific demands or conditions.

lighter burden

Emphasizes the reduced weight of responsibility or task.

eased commitment

Signifies a reduction in the intensity or strictness of an engagement.

diminished imperative

Focuses on the reduced sense of necessity or urgency.

mitigated demands

Highlights the lessening of requirements or expectations.

FAQs

What does "less obligation" mean?

The phrase "less obligation" indicates a reduction in duty, responsibility, or commitment. It implies that some responsibilities remain, but they are diminished in scope or intensity.

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

You can use "less obligation" to describe situations where someone has fewer duties or responsibilities than before. For example, "After retiring, she felt "reduced responsibility" and enjoyed her newfound freedom."

What are some alternatives to "less obligation"?

Alternatives to "less obligation" include "fewer commitments", "reduced duty", and "minimal accountability". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less obligation"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "less obligation". Ludwig confirms its validity and provides examples from reliable sources.