obligation to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obligation to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a duty or responsibility that someone has towards something or someone else. Example: "Employees have an obligation to adhere to the company's code of conduct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And no obligation to stop.

Independent

We have no obligation to make art.

The New Yorker

Mr Obama had no obligation to act.

The Economist

We have no obligation to make history.

The Economist

Chefs' obligation to help save the planet?

The New York Times - Food

It has an obligation to wider society".

Independent

She feels under no obligation to say.

The Economist

There is no obligation to eat.

The New York Times - Food

"It had an obligation to monitor him".

The New York Times

There's an obligation to consistency".

The Guardian - Arts

There's no ethical obligation to undercut people.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obligation to", ensure that the source or basis of the obligation is clear to the reader. Specifying the origin of the obligation (e.g., legal, moral, contractual) adds clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "obligation to" without specifying to whom or what the obligation is owed. For example, instead of saying "There is an obligation to act", specify "There is an obligation to act responsibly towards the environment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obligation to" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a prepositional complement. It is typically used to express a duty, responsibility, or requirement that someone has towards something or someone else. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obligation to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a duty or responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in various contexts, including news, business, and scientific writing. When using "obligation to", it's important to clearly specify to whom or what the obligation is owed, enhancing clarity and precision. Alternatives such as "duty to" or "responsibility to" can be used depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

duty to

Replaces "obligation" with "duty", emphasizing a moral or legal imperative.

responsibility to

Substitutes "obligation" with "responsibility", highlighting accountability for certain actions or outcomes.

bound to

Indicates a state of being required or compelled to do something, similar to having an obligation.

required to

Focuses on the necessity or requirement to perform a specific action.

morally bound to

Adds a moral dimension to the obligation, emphasizing ethical considerations.

beholden to

Implies a sense of indebtedness or owing something to someone, which creates an obligation.

accountable to

Emphasizes the responsibility to explain and justify actions to a particular party.

contractually obligated to

Specifies that the obligation arises from a contractual agreement.

answerable to

Highlights the need to justify actions or decisions to someone, implying an obligation of accountability.

indebted to

Suggests a feeling of gratitude and a consequent obligation to reciprocate.

FAQs

What is the difference between "obligation to" and "duty to"?

While both "obligation to" and "duty to" imply a responsibility, "duty to" often suggests a moral or ethical imperative, while "obligation to" can encompass legal, contractual, or moral responsibilities. The choice depends on the specific context and the source of the responsibility.

What are some alternatives to "obligation to" in legal writing?

In legal contexts, you can use alternatives like "responsibility to", "required to", or "bound to" to express a legal requirement or duty. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use "obligation to" to indicate a duty or responsibility that someone has towards something or someone else. For example, "Employees have an obligation to adhere to the company's code of conduct".

Is it more formal to use "obligation to" or "responsibility to"?

Both "obligation to" and "responsibility to" are generally considered formal. However, "obligation to" might carry a slightly stronger sense of legal or contractual duty, while "responsibility to" can be broader, encompassing moral and ethical duties.