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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
non obligatory
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"non obligatory" is correct and usable in written English.
It means that something is optional, not required or not obligatory. For example, "Volunteering is a non obligatory activity, but it allows you to make a positive impact in the community."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
The available data instead supports the hypothesis that L. sp. AEAR is a free-living bacterium able to establish a non obligatory, extracellular association with Caenorhabditis species.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
The deal is reduced by 30% to £1,200pp, and includes three meals a day, daily massages and (non-obligatory) fitness activities, plus return flights from Heathrow with lounge access.
News & Media
Back in the 1980s, her parents stopped her non-obligatory Belarusian language classes at school, and a short university education in the language was not enough to start conversing.
News & Media
So the government is trying to postpone all non-obligatory payments until next year, when debt payments are due to fall sharply.None of this offers relief to a stagnant economy.
News & Media
The banks' being robbed appears to be definitely non-obligatory.
Science
LN includes ALH and LCIS, risk factors and non-obligatory precursors of breast cancer.
Science
However, non-obligatory means to promote and safeguard sustainability have their own limitations.
Consider, for example, theological voluntarism about the status of acts as obligatory or non-obligatory.
Science
It doesn't charge interest, either, but rather invites people to provide it with a non-obligatory tip that they think is fair for the service.
News & Media
LN encompasses atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), which are currently considered risk factors and non-obligatory precursors of breast neoplasia.
Science
The advantage of this approach is that the non-obligatory involvement of these groups of the actors does not limit trade.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing policies or guidelines, use "non obligatory" to clearly communicate that participation or adherence is voluntary.
Common error
While "non obligatory" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "optional" or "voluntary" for improved readability.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "non obligatory" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something is not required or mandatory. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
65%
News & Media
25%
Formal & Business
5%
Less common in
Wiki
2%
Encyclopedias
1%
Reference
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "non obligatory" is a versatile term that indicates something is not required or compulsory. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically sound and broadly applicable, appearing frequently in science, news media, and formal business contexts. While synonyms like ""optional"" or ""voluntary"" can provide nuanced alternatives, "non obligatory" directly communicates the absence of a mandate, and is effective for setting the tone of a voluntary activity. Remember to use it mindfully in formal writing to avoid redundancy.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
not required
Directly states the absence of a requirement or necessity.
not compulsory
Highlights that something is not forced or mandated.
not mandatory
Synonymous, but places more emphasis on the lack of rules.
optional
Focuses on the element of choice; something is available but not demanded.
voluntary
Emphasizes willingness and free choice rather than obligation.
at one's option
Phrases the choice as belonging to the individual.
discretionary
Suggests the action is performed based on one's own judgment.
elective
Indicates a choice from a set of options.
permissive
Implies that something is allowed but not enforced.
non-essential
Implies the element is not necessary to a goal.
FAQs
How can I use "non obligatory" in a sentence?
You can use "non obligatory" to describe something that is not required or compulsory. For example, "Attending the workshop is "non obligatory" but highly recommended".
What is a good alternative to "non obligatory"?
Alternatives to "non obligatory" include "optional", "voluntary", or "discretionary", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
Which is correct, "non obligatory" or "not obligatory"?
Both "non obligatory" and "not obligatory" are grammatically correct. "Non obligatory" is often used as a compound adjective, while "not obligatory" is a more explicit negation.
What's the difference between "non obligatory" and "optional"?
While both terms indicate something is not required, ""optional"" often implies a choice between alternatives, whereas "non obligatory" simply states the absence of a requirement.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested