oblige him to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "oblige him to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is being compelled or required to do something. Example: "The contract will oblige him to complete the project by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

– that oblige him to retire.

The Guardian

The summit will oblige him to begin to clarify where he stands on India and Kashmir.

The Economist

After that, the LDP's rules would oblige him to step down as the party's leader.

The Economist

The furore only grew, however, and eventually was enough to oblige him to resign his post.

Independent

In this way we oblige him to transform his repetition into a memory".

The New Yorker

Or will Brown oblige him to carry on as if nothing much had happened?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The Constitution now obliges him to leave office.

The New York Times

The agreement putting him in the post obliges him to observe an "equitable geographical balance".

The Economist

A new law obliges him to inform the police whenever he wants to hold a rally.

The Economist

That listen — this is her own decision and obliges him to nothing.

The New Yorker

"I have some biscuits," she said, obliging him to let her in.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "oblige him to" when you want to express a formal or legal requirement. For example, "The contract will "oblige him to" complete the project by the end of the month."

Common error

Avoid using "oblige" when you mean "obligate". While similar, "oblige" often implies a sense of duty or willingness, whereas "obligate" suggests a more formal or legal compulsion. Always consider context to choose the right word.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "oblige him to" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a duty or requirement imposed upon someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that someone is compelled or required to do something. Examples in the provided data illustrate its use in contexts ranging from legal obligations to social expectations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "oblige him to" is a verbal phrase used to indicate that someone is required or compelled to do something. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English, particularly in news, encyclopedias and formal documents. While synonyms like "require him to" or "force him to" exist, "oblige him to" often carries a slightly more formal tone. When using the phrase, ensure clarity of context and avoid confusion with similar words like "obligate". Therefore, use "oblige him to" confidently when precision is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

require him to

Replaces "oblige" with a more direct synonym, maintaining the sense of necessity.

compel him to

Emphasizes the force or pressure exerted, making it slightly stronger than "oblige".

force him to

Indicates a stronger degree of coercion, suggesting a lack of choice.

necessitate him to

Focuses on the situation creating the need, rather than a direct command.

make it necessary for him to

Adds length and formality, highlighting the unavoidable nature of the action.

leave him no choice but to

Highlights the lack of alternatives, emphasizing the constraint.

put him under the obligation to

Introduces a formal sense of duty or commitment.

be incumbent on him to

More formal and less common, suggesting a moral or legal duty.

be bound to

Implies a pre-existing agreement or condition creating the obligation.

have a duty to

Suggests a moral or ethical responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "oblige him to" in a sentence?

You can use "oblige him to" to indicate a requirement or duty. For example, "The new regulations "require him to" submit the necessary documents on time."

What's a less formal way to say "oblige him to"?

A less formal alternative could be "force him to" or "make him do it", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "oblige him to" and "obligate him to"?

"Oblige" can imply a sense of moral or social duty, while "obligate" suggests a stronger legal or contractual requirement. Both phrases are valid, but their connotations differ slightly.

What are some synonyms for "oblige him to" that maintain a formal tone?

Formal synonyms include ""require him to"", "compel him to", or "necessitate him to". These alternatives emphasize the mandatory nature of the action.