obligated to

USAGE SUMMARY

"obligated to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has a requirement or duty to do something. For example, "The parents were obligated to pay for their child's college education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I felt obligated to finish the season.

The New York Times

We are, nonetheless, obligated to try.

The New York Times

Is anyone obligated to defend the region?

Independent

"You're not legally obligated to presume innocence".

The New Yorker

"You are obligated to repay it".

The New York Times

It's legally obligated to do so.

The New York Times

But are you obligated to do this?

The New York Times - Magazine

Am I obligated to pay for everything?

The New York Times

Are we obligated to cancel our trip?

The New York Times

But are you obligated to do so?

The New York Times - Magazine

But is he obligated to do this?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the verb following "obligated to" is in its base form (e.g., "obligated to pay", not "obligated to paying").

Common error

Avoid overstating the degree of obligation. Using "obligated to" implies a firm commitment. If the commitment is weaker, consider alternatives like "expected to" or "encouraged to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obligated to" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of being bound by duty, contract, or other moral or legal force. Ludwig examples show various contexts, from legal obligations to personal feelings of duty. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obligated to" is a versatile phrase used to express a sense of duty or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media sources, as well as Science and Wiki. When using "obligated to", it's important to clarify the source of the obligation and consider the strength of the commitment you wish to convey. Alternatives like "required to" or "bound to" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to communicate. Avoid overstating the degree of obligation to maintain clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under an obligation to

This is a more formal and explicit way of stating the obligation, suitable for legal or official contexts.

required to

This alternative focuses on a formal requirement or rule, similar to being obligated but emphasizes the external rule more.

bound to

This phrase implies a strong commitment or destiny, adding a sense of inevitability beyond a simple obligation.

duty-bound to

This option stresses the moral aspect of the obligation, highlighting a sense of personal responsibility.

compelled to

This phrase suggests being forced or driven to do something, often by an internal feeling or external pressure.

morally responsible for

This shifts the focus to moral accountability, highlighting the ethical dimension of the obligation.

contractually bound to

This emphasizes that the obligation arises from a formal agreement or contract, making it legally enforceable.

expected to

This suggests that the action is anticipated or seen as normal, rather than strictly enforced.

liable to

This indicates a legal or financial responsibility, often in the context of potential negative consequences.

responsible for

This alternative is a more general way of indicating that someone is in charge of or accountable for something.

FAQs

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

Use "obligated to" to express a duty or requirement. For example, "The company is obligated to provide a safe working environment."

What are some alternatives to "obligated to"?

You can use phrases like "required to", "bound to", or "duty-bound to", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "obligated to" and "have to"?

"Obligated to" typically implies a stronger, often formal or moral duty, while "have to" is more general and can refer to any kind of necessity. Someone might feel "obligated to" help a friend in need, but they might simply have to go to work.

What's the difference between "obligated to" and "responsible for"?

"Obligated to" indicates a duty to perform a specific action, whereas "responsible for" suggests accountability for the outcome or overall management of something. You might be "obligated to" file a report, but you are "responsible for" the accuracy of its contents.