much obliged to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "much obliged to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express gratitude or appreciation towards someone for their help or kindness. Example: "I am much obliged to you for your assistance with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Much obliged to you guv'nor, I'm sure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Pell replied, "Well, do tell Mr. McAn that I am much obliged to him".

The New York Times

One interesting thing about mayors is that they are pretty much obliged to have to care about diversity.

The Guardian

Draper is only one of dozens of historians and many thousands of students of the past 20 years who are very much obliged to Francis Jennings.

The New York Times - Books

You're pretty much obliged to use the hotel's driver; trips are 10 euros, $13.60 at $1.26 to the euro, during the day and 14 euros at night.

The New York Times - Travel

Ms. Tymoshenko said, "I am very much obliged to Vladimir Vladimirovich and his team for finding the opportunity to grant special terms for Ukraine".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Katrina, an accountant, says it has been hard to get used to using someone else's things after time in her own home, and that she feels much more obliged to wash up quickly and be tidy.

The Guardian - Money

Given the Fed's record after the financial turbulence of 1998 and 2001, it is easy to see why the Fed wants to reassure the markets about inflation and why it might not be believed.Not long ago, central banks felt much less obliged to explain themselves.

The Economist

But it is still fighting with Britain over how much it is obliged to pay — and how much it can afford to pay — to compensate customers with accounts in Icesave, Landsbanki's British branch.

The New York Times

The trick is damage limitation: to ensure you don't end up with something you hate so much you feel obliged to have it removed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The second is how much they were legally obliged to disclose.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing gratitude, follow "much obliged to" with a specific explanation of what you are thankful for. For example, "I am much obliged to you for your invaluable assistance with this project."

Common error

Avoid using "much obliged to" in very casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or even sarcastic if used inappropriately with close friends or family. Simple "thanks" or "I appreciate it" are often more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much obliged to" functions primarily as an expression of gratitude or acknowledgement of obligation. As indicated by Ludwig, it conveys thankfulness for a service or favor received. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, from expressing thanks to public servants to acknowledging contributions in academic research.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "much obliged to" is a phrase used to express gratitude, typically in formal or semi-formal contexts. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most often found in news media, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives exist, such as "deeply grateful to" or "highly indebted to", "much obliged to" offers a specific tone of polite acknowledgement. When using this phrase, ensure the context is appropriate to avoid sounding overly formal or sarcastic. Consider following Ludwig's advice and be specific of what are you thankful for. Overall, the phrase remains a valid way to express genuine appreciation, as confirmed by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obliged to you

Slightly more concise version of the original phrase.

very thankful to

A more straightforward expression of gratitude.

grateful for your assistance

Specifically acknowledges the help provided.

deeply grateful to

Emphasizes a more profound sense of thankfulness.

appreciative of

Focuses on the appreciation for the action or assistance received.

highly indebted to

Highlights the feeling of being in debt or owing someone a favor.

beholden to

Implies a sense of obligation or dependence.

in your debt

Expresses indebtedness in a more personal manner.

thank you kindly

A polite and somewhat formal expression of thanks.

I owe you one

An informal way of expressing gratitude and a promise to reciprocate.

FAQs

How can I use "much obliged to" in a sentence?

Use "much obliged to" to express gratitude, typically in formal or semi-formal settings. For example, "I am much obliged to you for your assistance."

What's the difference between "much obliged to" and "thank you"?

"Much obliged to" is a more formal and somewhat old-fashioned way of saying "thank you". It's suitable for formal occasions or when expressing deep gratitude.

What can I say instead of "much obliged to"?

You can use alternatives like "deeply grateful to", "highly indebted to", or "very thankful to" depending on the context.

Is "much obliged to" still commonly used?

Yes, "much obliged to" is still used, although it's more common in formal settings or to add a touch of old-fashioned politeness. It expresses genuine gratitude.