my obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'my obligation' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an obligation or responsibility that the speaker or writer has. For example: "I understand my obligation to pay taxes each year".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It wasn't my obligation.

The New York Times

It is my obligation".

The Guardian

What is my obligation?

The New York Times - Magazine

What is my obligation as a foreigner?

The New York Times - Magazine

That's my right and my obligation".

The New York Times

You would say that I'm making progress amortizing my obligation.

The New York Times

"It was my obligation, I felt, to keep playing".

The New York Times - Sports

The bottom line is, my obligation is to the shareholders.

The New York Times - Magazine

They did that, and that was my obligation.

The Washington Post

I feel like I've met my obligation to them.

The Washington Post

But basically my obligation has remained the same.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and choose "my obligation" or a more nuanced alternative, depending on the specific nuance you would like to express.

Common error

Avoid using "my obligation" interchangeably with "my desire". "My obligation" implies a duty that must be fulfilled, while "my desire" expresses a wish or preference. Use each in its appropriate context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my obligation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a duty, commitment, or responsibility that belongs to the speaker or writer. It is used to express the idea that someone is bound to do something, often due to a moral, legal, or contractual requirement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "my obligation" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to express a sense of duty or responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is readily usable in written English. The phrase frequently appears in news media, scientific publications, and business contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. When choosing to use "my obligation", consider the specific nuance you want to convey, and be mindful of potential alternatives such as "my duty" or "my responsibility" to achieve the desired emphasis. Overall, using the phrase effectively contributes to clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my duty

Replaces "obligation" with "duty", implying a moral or legal imperative.

my responsibility

Substitutes "obligation" with "responsibility", focusing on accountability.

my commitment

Replaces "obligation" with "commitment", emphasizing dedication and promise.

my undertaking

Replaces "obligation" with "undertaking", highlighting an agreement to perform a task.

what I'm bound to do

Expresses obligation through the concept of being bound or required.

what I must do

Emphasizes the necessity of an action, similar to having an obligation.

my pledge

Substitutes "obligation" with "pledge", which conveys a solemn promise or agreement.

my word

Highlights one's personal honor and promise to fulfill an obligation.

my debt

Implies fulfilling an obligation is akin to repaying a debt or duty.

my burden

Suggests that fulfilling an obligation might be challenging or demanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "my obligation" to express a duty or responsibility you have, for example: "It is "my obligation" to ensure the project is completed on time".

What phrases can I use instead of "my obligation"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "my duty", "my responsibility", or "my commitment".

Is it correct to say "I feel it is my obligation"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Saying "I feel it is "my obligation"" expresses a sense of duty or responsibility that you personally feel.

What's the difference between "my obligation" and "my responsibility"?

While similar, ""my obligation"" often implies a formal or moral duty, whereas ""my responsibility"" usually indicates a task or duty assigned to you.