noble obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

"noble obligation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is primarily used to describe a duty that a person has to fulfill out of a sense of honor or responsibility. For example, "John took on the noble obligation of providing for his ailing parents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The dialectic of purity and pollution led him to the "noble obligation" of martyrdom.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Or maybe he just has a contractual obligation. Nobler art has been made for less noble reasons).

The New York Times - Arts

While the upper bourgeoisie was exempted from military service, the nobles were under a moral obligation, which the king repeatedly emphasized, to serve in the officers' corps.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These obligations— not to mention earlier obligations they had towards noble leaders or kings— consumed a large portion of peasants' production.

Human Ecology

For if men and women were perfect, mentally, physically, morally, spiritually, why would they need art at all? Certainly Rembrandt van Rijn did not feel an obligation to make his human subjects noble, let alone perfect.

The Guardian - Arts

Not much here about the noble goals constantly proclaimed – or for that matter the obligation under the non-proliferation treaty to make "good faith" efforts to eliminate this scourge of the earth.

The Guardian - Opinion

It fiercely protected its trade obligations (Vira Bananjudharma or law of the noble merchants) and its members often recorded their achievements in inscriptions (Prasasti).

Wikipedia

Unlike a lot of other "dad" games, being a father isn't beautiful, or noble, in BioShock 2. It's a kind of grubby obligation.

Vice

Serving as administrators and political leaders, the local nobles and educated bourgeois for the first time felt an obligation to govern and defend their country together.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Moreover, arguably his noble cause corruption is morally justified by virtue of the moral obligations he has to provide for the basic needs of his family.

SEP

After all, who is going to call us out for doing such a noble thing as sacrificing the time we need to spend on our company to fulfill some family obligation?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "noble obligation" to describe duties undertaken from a sense of honor or high moral purpose. It's more impactful than a simple "duty" or "responsibility".

Common error

Avoid using "noble obligation" for mundane tasks or routine duties. It diminishes the phrase's impact. Reserve it for truly significant commitments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "noble obligation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "noble" modifies the noun "obligation". It characterizes the obligation as being morally admirable and stemming from a high sense of duty, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "noble obligation" is a phrase used to describe a duty that is undertaken due to strong moral or ethical beliefs. While grammatically correct, its use should be reserved for situations where the obligation genuinely reflects high principles to avoid diluting its impact. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting its appearance in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. Although relatively rare, the phrase carries significant weight when used appropriately, emphasizing a commitment driven by honor and integrity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral imperative

Emphasizes the ethical and compelling nature of the duty.

ethical responsibility

Highlights the moral dimension of the obligation.

sacred duty

Suggests a duty that is deeply revered and important.

binding commitment

Focuses on the firm and inescapable nature of the obligation.

imperative duty

Stresses the unavoidable and urgent nature of the obligation.

high-minded responsibility

Highlights the principled and elevated nature of the obligation.

conscientious duty

Highlights performing the obligation with care and precision.

solemn responsibility

Emphasizes the serious and sincere nature of the obligation.

upright commitment

Highlights honesty as the motivation behind the commitment.

honorable undertaking

Underlines the reputable and distinguished nature of the obligation.

FAQs

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

You can use "noble obligation" to describe a duty that someone feels compelled to fulfill due to moral or ethical reasons. For example, "He felt a "noble obligation" to defend the defenseless."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "noble obligation"?

Similar phrases include "moral imperative", "ethical responsibility", or "sacred duty". These all emphasize a strong sense of duty based on ethical or moral principles.

Is it appropriate to use "noble obligation" in business writing?

While "noble obligation" isn't inherently inappropriate for business writing, it's crucial to consider the context. Use it sparingly and only when describing commitments or duties that genuinely reflect high moral or ethical standards. It could be seen as overly dramatic.

What's the difference between "noble obligation" and "legal obligation"?

"Noble obligation" refers to a duty driven by moral principles, while "legal obligation" is a duty enforced by law. A "legal obligation" carries potential legal consequences for non-compliance, whereas a "noble obligation" relies on one's sense of honor.