Used and loved by millions
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
obligates us to
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "obligates us to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing responsibilities or commitments that require action or adherence to certain rules or agreements. Example: "The new policy obligates us to follow stricter safety protocols in the workplace."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(6)
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
14 human-written examples
That freedom of choice is what Mr. Mason believes obligates us to be more humane about our eating habits.
News & Media
"It obligates us to great responsibility and forces us to deeply recognise on what a... precipice the world stood at that time, what monstrous consequences violence and moral intolerance, genocide and persecution of others, could lead to".
News & Media
A system which obligates us to bring about A, but doesn't permit us to do so, puts us in an inescapable bind.
Science
"Leaving something" obligates us to become informed about climate change.
News & Media
"I think we really did what the law obligates us to do".
News & Media
Contrary to Christianity, which advocates turning the other cheek to belligerence and loving the wicked, Judaism obligates us to despise and resist evil at every turn.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
45 human-written examples
To present one view does not obligate us to present another, especially when the science is so wrong".
News & Media
The Supreme Court held that the treaties obligating us to listen to the International Court of Justice were not binding law.
News & Media
Even in the new, post-cold-war order, many Americans resist even the appearance of sacrificing sovereignty to an international authority, and tend to support international human rights efforts only as long as they do not obligate us to alter our own practices.
News & Media
Assigning human culpability to the status of a duty to humans not involved is problematic, so it cannot obligate us to clone mammoths.
The founders did not obligate us to tolerate arms in the hands of lunatics, arms designed for maximal carnage.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "obligates us to", ensure the subject clearly defines who is being obligated and the context of the obligation is well-defined.
Common error
Avoid using "obligates us to" in contexts where the obligation is vague or unenforceable. Be specific about the source and extent of the obligation to maintain clarity and avoid misinterpretations.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "obligates us to" functions as a verb phrase indicating duty or compulsion. It connects a subject (often a law, contract, or principle) with an action that the subject is required to perform. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Science
30%
Encyclopedias
10%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "obligates us to" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to show responsibilities. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is most frequently found in News & Media and Science. The phrase conveys a sense of duty or necessity. For alternative phrasings, consider options like "requires us to" or "compels us to" to fine-tune the intended nuance. When using "obligates us to", ensure the subject and the context of the obligation are explicitly defined.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
requires us to
Emphasizes a necessity or condition that must be met.
compels us to
Suggests a stronger, often irresistible force or influence.
binds us to
Implies a formal or legal agreement creating an obligation.
forces us to
Highlights a lack of choice and external pressure.
makes it our duty to
Explicitly states the obligation as a moral or ethical responsibility.
necessitates that we
Presents the action as an unavoidable consequence.
demands that we
Conveys a strong requirement or expectation.
enjoins us to
Formal and somewhat archaic, suggesting a legal or authoritative command.
behooves us to
Suggests that something is fitting or appropriate, and therefore should be done.
we are duty-bound to
Directly states the presence of a pre-existing duty or obligation.
FAQs
How can I use "obligates us to" in a sentence?
You can use "obligates us to" to indicate a duty or requirement. For example, "The contract "obligates us to" complete the project by the end of the year".
What are some alternatives to "obligates us to"?
Alternatives include "requires us to", "compels us to", or "binds us to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it more formal to say "obligates us to" or "requires us to"?
"Obligates us to" is generally considered slightly more formal than "requires us to". The choice depends on the context and your desired tone.
What does "obligates us to" mean?
"Obligates us to" means that we are bound by a legal, moral, or ethical duty to do something. It implies a responsibility that cannot be easily avoided.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested