oblige

USAGE SUMMARY

'oblige' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb meaning to do something someone has asked you to do or to do something that is expected of you. For example, "The manager obliged the request and gave the staff the day off on Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The two supreme court justices thought likely to cast the deciding votes, Anthony Kennedy and the chief justice, John Roberts, appeared deeply sceptical of the government's contention that healthcare regulation is a special case that gives Congress the power to oblige individuals to obtain insurance.

The Guardian

By the end of March, countries will have to show their hands in terms of what greenhouse gas cuts they're planning, even if the Lima text doesn't oblige them to go into details about baseline years and annual targets as some countries had asked for.

The Guardian

But even if Jeanetta had wanted the police to kill at that moment, he added, "doesn't mean they had to oblige".

The Guardian

The decision could oblige police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to destroy hundreds of thousands of DNA profiles taken from people who have been arrested by police and then released without charge or found not guilty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sparked by the Justice for LB campaign that followed Sparrowhawk's death (his nickname was Laughing Boy), the disabled people (community inclusion) bill 2015 – also known as the LB bill – would oblige local authorities and NHS bodies to get court permission before moving someone if they decide they cannot live at home.

The Guardian

A young woman is happy to oblige and they play a few shots, both potting balls.

The Guardian

Essentially, Miliband is saying that the rules allowing the government to block takeovers on public interest grounds should be expanded and that this would oblige the government to carry out a proper assessment as to whether the takeover was in the national interest.

The Guardian

The trouble is that they are not exactly keen to oblige.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such newspapers usefully oblige politicians to tailor messages for an audience not made up of single-issue types or partisans.

The Economist

As long as some wealthy people want to wear something original there will always be talented designers keen to oblige in the hope that it makes their name.

The Economist

My point is Brazil's handover has not been completed yet, and the second round on October 31st may oblige you to run a cover of who most Brazilians have chosen, not necessarily who the current president would choose.René Mendes São PauloYemeni habits* SIR – Your article on qat chewing in Yemen ("You can't easily qat it out", October 2nd) stated that 30 years ago it was an occasional pastime.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "oblige", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to fulfilling a duty or acceding to a request. This avoids ambiguity and clarifies your intention.

Common error

Avoid using "oblige" in passive constructions where the agent performing the action is unclear or missing. For example, instead of saying "They were obliged", specify who or what compelled them to act.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "oblige" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It signifies compelling someone to do something or fulfilling a request or duty. As Ludwig AI explains, the verb generally aligns with standard grammatical practices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "oblige" is a versatile term that signifies fulfilling a request, duty, or legal requirement. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. It's particularly prevalent in news media and formal business communications. Usage of "oblige" indicates a neutral to formal tone, suitable for professional settings. As demonstrated by examples from authoritative sources such as The Economist and The Guardian, "oblige" conveys both compulsion and willingness, depending on the context. Mastering its usage enhances precision in expressing duties and commitments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oblige by

This means to do what someone asks in order to please them.

accommodate

Focuses on making adjustments or providing assistance to fulfill a need or request.

comply

Highlights adherence to rules, laws, or requests, emphasizing obedience and conformity.

accede

Implies agreeing or consenting to a demand or request, often after some initial reluctance.

consent

Underscores giving permission or agreement for something to happen, often involving a formal process.

yield

Suggests giving way to pressure or persuasion, resulting in fulfilling a demand or request.

defer

Involves submitting to another's judgment or wishes, implying respect or acknowledgment of authority.

serve

Emphasizes providing assistance or performing a duty, often with a sense of dedication or commitment.

aid

Highlights the act of providing help or support, often in a practical or tangible way.

lend a hand

Indicates offering assistance or support in a friendly and informal manner.

FAQs

How can I use "oblige" in a sentence?

You can use "oblige" to indicate fulfilling a request or duty, such as "The company is obliged to follow safety regulations" or "I am happy to "accommodate" your request".

What's the difference between "oblige" and "obligate"?

"Oblige" often implies a willingness or social duty to fulfill a request, while "obligate" suggests a legal or moral requirement. For instance, you might be obliged to help a friend, but you are obligated to pay your taxes.

Is it correct to say "I'm obliged"?

Yes, saying "I'm obliged" is a polite way to express gratitude, similar to saying "I'm grateful". However, ensure the context is appropriate for formal or semi-formal communication.

What can I say instead of "oblige" when accepting a request?

Alternatives include "accommodate", "comply", or simply stating "I am happy to help", depending on the specific context and level of formality.