obligations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obligations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to duties or responsibilities that someone is required to fulfill. Example: "As a member of the committee, I have certain obligations to attend meetings and contribute to discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But there seems to be growing irritation towards how international obligations operate.

The Guardian

It's incoherent, it's a bit anarchic, it breaches our international legal obligations.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.12am ET16 12 Obama mentions a few budget items, including "the long-term obligations we have around things like Medicare and Social Security".

The Guardian

If the party of which I'm a member makes an announcement which has the potential to breach the law and those obligations then I will argue against it … It would be very unsatisfactory".

The Guardian

If it wishes to sustain public service broadcasting there needs to be certain things that help sustain it, that you trade for those [PSB] obligations and one of those things historically has been EPG prominence," he added.

The Guardian

Refugee advocates said the substandard conditions in PNG's Manus Island detention centre, the very high crime rates in the country and "daily pervasive human rights abuses" were evidence the new arrangements contravened Australia's basic obligations to help refugees who come here.

The Guardian

"All parliamentarians carry the people's proxy in terms of fulfilling their obligations to properly represent their constituents.

The Guardian

The World Heritage provisions of Australia's federal environmental laws provide these protections, ensure the national interest is pursued in decision-making, and make sure the national government is able to meet its obligations under the World Heritage Convention," Henry wrote on the day the Queensland and federal governments signed the MOU.

The Guardian

But both said all action taken by the Australian government was consistent with its international obligations, a claim fervently contested by human rights groups and opposition politicians.

The Guardian

The ISC says it agrees and recommends that the new surveillance law should list each intrusive capability available to MI5, MI6 and GCHQ and the human rights obligations that constrain their use.

The Guardian

"We will hold our prices as long as we can," he told the MPs, adding that his company faced the same pressures as the other firms, with rises in wholesale and network costs, as well as the social and environmental obligations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "obligations", clarify whether they are legal, moral, or contractual to provide a precise understanding of their nature and scope.

Common error

Avoid using "obligations" too broadly; instead, specify the exact nature of the duties involved, such as 'financial obligations' or 'legal obligations', to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The word "obligations" functions primarily as a noun, typically plural, referring to duties, commitments, or requirements that one is bound to fulfill. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showcasing its use in legal, ethical, and financial contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obligations" refers to duties, responsibilities, or commitments and is grammatically correct for use in written English, according to Ludwig AI. It functions primarily as a plural noun, often in formal contexts like news, business, and law. The phrase is very common and denotes duties that are binding. When using "obligations", ensure you specify the type (legal, moral, contractual) for clarity. Synonyms include "responsibilities", "duties", and "commitments". Best practice suggests clarifying their specific nature, while avoiding overgeneralization. This analysis, combined with real-world examples from Ludwig, offers a thorough understanding of how to effectively use "obligations" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

responsibilities

Focuses on the state of being accountable or in charge, slightly broader than specific duties.

duties

Emphasizes moral or legal requirements, often stricter and more formal than general responsibilities.

commitments

Highlights the act of pledging oneself to a course of action, stressing intent and dedication.

accountabilities

Stresses the need to answer for results and outcomes, underlining responsibility and potential consequences.

liabilities

Implies financial or legal burdens, narrower in scope and more specific to formal contexts.

engagements

Underscores prior arrangements or agreements, focusing on scheduled duties and activities.

moral imperatives

Specifically denotes duties arising from ethical or moral principles, highlighting inherent worthiness.

burdens

Focuses on the onerous or difficult aspects of responsibilities, adding an emotional dimension.

necessities

Emphasizes what must be done or attended to, suggesting unavoidable demands.

compulsions

Highlights the force or coercion behind certain actions, suggesting less freedom of choice.

FAQs

How can I use "obligations" in a sentence?

You can use "obligations" to refer to duties or responsibilities. For example: 'Companies have legal and ethical "obligations" to protect consumer data'.

What is a synonym for "obligations"?

Synonyms for "obligations" include "responsibilities", "duties", and "commitments". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What are some common types of "obligations"?

Common types of "obligations" include contractual "obligations", financial "obligations", legal "obligations", and moral "obligations".

How do "obligations" differ from "responsibilities"?

"Obligations" often imply a formal or binding agreement, while "responsibilities" can be more general duties or expectations. You might have an "obligation" to pay rent, but a "responsibility" to keep your home tidy.