obligated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obligated by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that is required or expected of someone, usually due to a law or social convention. For example: "We are obligated by law to pay our taxes on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We're obligated by the Cable Act of 1984 to put on these programs.

The New York Times

I'm simply wearing a veil that is obligated by my faith".

The New York Times

Scores of others quit, accepting severance payments obligated by Mexican law.

The New York Times

Some, like California, are obligated by state statute to work with an in-state laboratory.

The Guardian - Sport

In an interview, Ms. Louloudes said she was "happy to testify" and did not feel obligated by the mayor's donations.

The New York Times

"The Forest Service is obligated by law to ensure the natural resources of the forest are protected".

The Guardian

But the Neers are obligated by an agreement with their landlord to trim the herd to two.

The New York Times

Park service officials say they are obligated by federal law to protect natural resources for future generations.

The New York Times

The Super Bowl teams are not obligated by the N.F.L. to deliver their first injury report until Wednesday.

The New York Times - Sports

When Nazi Germany invaded Denmark in 1940, Britain occupied Iceland, which Denmark was obligated by treaty to protect.

The New York Times

These businesses are obligated by the law's employer mandate to provide both individual and dependent coverage to full-time employees or else pay a penalty, starting in 2015.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obligated by", clearly state the source of the obligation (e.g., law, contract, duty). This provides context and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "obligated by" excessively in passive constructions, which can make your writing sound weak. When possible, rephrase to use active voice for a more direct and engaging tone. For example, instead of "The company is obligated by law to report," consider "The law requires the company to report."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obligated by" functions as a passive voice construction, typically used to indicate that a subject is under a duty or requirement imposed by an external force such as law, contract, or moral principle. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obligated by" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression indicating a duty or requirement imposed on someone by an external force. As Ludwig AI points out, it is considered correct and readily usable. Its widespread use across various sources, especially news and media, scientific publications, and legal documents, underscores its importance in conveying responsibilities and constraints. When employing "obligated by", ensure clarity by specifying the source of the obligation and consider using the active voice for a more direct writing style. Alternative phrases, such as "required by", or "bound by", can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

required by

This alternative focuses on the necessity imposed by an external factor, similar to being obligated.

bound by

This phrase emphasizes the feeling of being restricted or committed due to a duty or agreement.

compelled by

Highlights the force or pressure that leads to fulfilling an obligation.

constrained by

Suggests a limitation or restriction that creates the obligation.

duty-bound by

Emphasizes the moral aspect of the obligation.

under an obligation to

This alternative explicitly states the existence of an obligation.

contractually bound to

Specifies that the obligation arises from a contractual agreement.

legally required to

Highlights that the obligation is enforced by law.

morally bound to

This phrase specifies a moral or ethical obligation.

answerable to

Stresses the responsibility and accountability associated with the obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "obligated by" in a sentence?

You can use "obligated by" to indicate a duty or requirement imposed by law, contract, or moral code. For example: "The company is "obligated by" the contract to provide support." or "Citizens are "obligated by" law to pay taxes."

What are some alternatives to "obligated by"?

Some alternatives include "required by", "bound by", or "compelled by". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nature of the obligation.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "obligated by"?

While "obligated by" is a passive construction, it's often appropriate when emphasizing the external force creating the obligation. However, using the active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "The agreement obligated them", a good alternative is "The agreement required them".

What's the difference between "obligated by law" and "morally obligated"?

"Obligated by law" refers to a duty enforced by legal statutes, while "morally obligated" refers to a duty based on ethical or moral principles. One has legal consequences for non-compliance, and the other relates to personal or societal ethics.