obligation towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obligation towards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing responsibilities or duties one has in relation to someone or something. Example: "We have a moral obligation towards our community to support local initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The following may explain this discrepancy, 1. Culturally defined norms [ 51, 52] oblige the family members to accept the care responsibilities as filial obligation towards older people [ 16].

BMC Health Services Research

"That way I won't feel any obligation towards them".

The New York Times - Style

It ensures that states have a reciprocal obligation towards people fleeing a well-founded fear of persecution.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is the first a time a court has determined that states have an independent legal obligation towards their citizens.

The Guardian

The manager, Kurt Wachtveitl, who has been there 30 years, has overseen the modernisation but acknowledges an "obligation towards history and culture and tradition".

The Economist

The old Europeans – rightly – felt an obligation towards the countries that had languished, through no fault of their own, on the "wrong" side of the divide after 1945.

Independent

"Some of the difficulties the contractors have is to visualise the standard [we want]," he said, adding that there was a moral obligation towards workers.

The Guardian

This may be the result of a strong sense of social obligation towards friends and family.Elsewhere, too, culture and history may help determine whether people talk in public or take a call.

The Economist

Only then will observers be able to assess just how Palestinians are made to live, and to assess the world's moral obligation towards a people who surely deserve a chance of a dignified and peaceful life.

The Guardian - Opinion

They did not have owners concerned to promote their competitiveness and long‑term value: they were chips in the portfolios of global asset managers who had no constitutional, legal or cultural obligation towards them.

The Guardian - Business

For us, more Europe means a European Germany," he said, adding that Germans had a very specific relationship with and sense of obligation towards Europe precisely because of their past.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obligation towards", ensure the context clearly defines who or what is the recipient of the obligation. Clarity is key in conveying the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "obligation towards" interchangeably with "obligation to" without considering the nuance. While similar, "towards" suggests a directional responsibility, whereas "to" implies a direct responsibility. Choose the preposition that best reflects the nature of the duty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obligation towards" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically following a noun or verb to specify the direction or target of the obligation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obligation towards" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression denoting a duty or responsibility directed at someone or something. As Ludwig confirms, it's frequently found in scientific, news, and business contexts. While similar to "responsibility to", it suggests a directional rather than a direct accountability. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the recipient of the obligation and be mindful of the subtle nuances in meaning. Remember to consider alternative expressions like "responsibility to" or "duty to", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

responsibility towards

Uses a synonym for obligation while keeping the preposition "towards".

responsibility to

Replaces "towards" with "to", focusing on the direct recipient of the obligation.

duty to

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

commitment to

Replaces "obligation" with "commitment", highlighting a voluntary dedication.

accountability to

Shifts the focus to being answerable or liable to someone or something.

sense of duty regarding

Highlights the internal feeling of obligation rather than an external requirement.

moral imperative regarding

Emphasizes the ethical nature of the obligation with more formal language.

loyalty to

Implies a sense of faithfulness and dedication, suggesting a strong bond.

legal liability for

Specifies that the obligation is legally binding and enforceable.

bounden duty to

Uses more archaic and emphatic language to convey a strong sense of obligation.

FAQs

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

You can use "obligation towards" to indicate a duty or responsibility directed at someone or something. For example: "We have a moral "obligation towards" the environment."

What's the difference between "obligation towards" and "responsibility to"?

While both phrases convey a sense of duty, "obligation towards" implies a directional responsibility, while "responsibility to" suggests a more direct accountability.

What are some alternatives to using "obligation towards" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "duty to", "commitment to", or "responsibility towards".

Is "obligation towards" formal or informal language?

"Obligation towards" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is often found in more serious or official discussions. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing between it and a more casual alternative.