mutual obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

"mutual obligation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where two different parties have a shared responsibility, duty or agreement. For example, "The two sides agreed to a mutual obligation to work together to achieve their common goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both aspects of citizenship imply a notion of mutual obligation.

The Guardian

First of all, he was the god of contract and mutual obligation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The word mitra may be translated in either way, because contracts and mutual obligation make friends.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That it was instead your situation that changed doesn't efface your mutual obligation.

The New York Times - Magazine

I liked the sense of citizenship that pervaded his address, the sense of mutual obligation.

The New York Times

Because there will always need to be "mutual obligation" for a contractual relationship to exist.

The Guardian - Money

"I'm happy to have even rhetorical support for our mutual obligation to care for children".

The New York Times

In the past, Labour stood for neighbourhood, mutual obligation, earned respect and common betterment.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is some relationship between them and us, and some mutual obligation".

The Guardian - Opinion

They would also be "required to satisfy mutual obligation requirements in return for welfare payments".

The Guardian

What kind of "national community" built on "mutual obligation" is possible when Americans have so little shared experience?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "mutual obligation", ensure both parties understand and agree upon the specific duties involved to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Do not assume that simply stating there is a "mutual obligation" is enough. Clearly define the specific responsibilities each party holds to prevent misunderstandings and ensure effective cooperation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mutual obligation" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object, describing a situation of shared duties. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mutual obligation" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies shared responsibilities or duties between two or more parties. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It frequently appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources, reflecting its relevance in discussions of contracts, ethics, and social dynamics. When employing the phrase, it's crucial to clearly define the specific responsibilities involved to ensure mutual understanding and effective cooperation. Alternatives like "shared responsibility" or "reciprocal duty" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared responsibility

Focuses on the collaborative aspect of the duty.

reciprocal duty

Highlights the give-and-take nature of the obligation.

common commitment

Emphasizes the joint agreement to a specific task or cause.

joint accountability

Stresses that both parties are answerable for the outcome.

interdependence

Highlights the reliance each party has on the other.

shared burden

Emphasizes the aspect of shared difficulty or effort.

collective responsibility

Focuses on the group's shared duty.

reciprocal agreement

Highlights the agreement aspect of the mutual obligation.

quid pro quo

Emphasizes the exchange or trade involved.

give and take

Focuses on the exchange and compromise involved in mutual obligation.

FAQs

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

You can use "mutual obligation" to describe a situation where two or more parties have reciprocal responsibilities, such as "The contract established a "mutual obligation" between the employer and employee".

What are some synonyms for "mutual obligation"?

Alternatives to "mutual obligation" include "shared responsibility", "reciprocal duty", or "common commitment". The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what contexts is "mutual obligation" typically used?

"Mutual obligation" is often used in legal, contractual, and ethical discussions to emphasize shared duties or responsibilities. It's also commonly used in political and social commentary.

What's the difference between "mutual obligation" and "legal requirement"?

"Mutual obligation" implies a reciprocal agreement or understanding, while "legal requirement" refers to a duty enforced by law. A legal requirement might stem from a mutual obligation, but not always.