oblige someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "oblige someone" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to express doing a favor or accommodating someone's request. Example: "I was happy to oblige her request for assistance." Alternative expressions include "do someone a favor" and "accommodate someone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We are trying to fight that feeling, but I can't oblige someone to stay.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nothing obliges someone who believes that the tobacco industry is evil to work in that industry.

The Economist

Mr Gallois may also be obliged to find someone to fill another tricky job at Airbus.

The Economist

No one is obliged to help someone else to die if their conscience, or their religion, forbids it.

The Guardian - Opinion

For someone obliged by occupation to be perceptive about what makes people tick, during the composition of that manuscript I'd been shockingly ignorant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A smart woman who had been obliged to be someone's idea of a wife, she had been at that table with the dumb little dictator: "The most insignificant of men, the man who can obtain influence or consideration nowhere else, finds one place where he is chief and head.

The New Yorker

It is looking into how people influence their own feelings and those of other people, from parents with their children to the way couples interact, to the effects on someone obliged constantly to wish customers "have a nice day" when they don't really mean it.

The Guardian

Use quotes that illustrate the point you are trying to make, not just because you feel obliged to quote someone.

Forbes

"They [the sellers] feel obliged to bring someone in who will fit in and continue their legacy to the neighborhood.

Los Angeles Times

Then I explained that we were not allowed to give anyone a lethal injection just like that, only that you are obliged to, if someone can't breath or is in a lot of pain and God or Allah says that too, because you are not allowed to let anyone suffer unnecessarily.

BMC Palliative Care

You are not obliged to give someone all your rares just because they asked for.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "oblige someone", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are willingly doing something to fulfill a request or need. This conveys a sense of helpfulness and cooperation.

Common error

Avoid using "oblige someone" when the action is actually mandatory or legally required, as it implies a voluntary act. Use it only when you have a choice in fulfilling the request.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "oblige someone" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of willingly doing something for another person. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is used to express a willingness to comply with a request or need. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "oblige someone" is a verb phrase used to express a willingness to do something for another person. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. To ensure correct usage, remember that the action should be voluntary and not a mandatory obligation. Consider alternatives like ""accommodate someone"" or ""do someone a favor"" depending on the specific context and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accommodate someone

Emphasizes making adjustments to meet someone's needs or requests.

do someone a favor

Focuses on performing a helpful act for someone.

grant someone's request

Highlights the act of fulfilling a specific request.

be of service to someone

Implies a formal willingness to assist someone.

meet someone's needs

Stresses fulfilling essential requirements for someone.

cater to someone

Suggests providing specific services or items that someone desires.

be helpful to someone

Highlights the act of providing assistance.

do one's bidding

Implies following someone's orders or requests dutifully.

indulge someone

Focuses on allowing someone to have something desired, often something extra.

yield to someone's wishes

Emphasizes giving in to someone's desires.

FAQs

How can I use "oblige someone" in a sentence?

You can use "oblige someone" when you want to express willingly doing something to fulfill a request or need. For example: "I was happy to "oblige someone" with a ride home".

What are some alternatives to "oblige someone"?

Alternatives include "accommodate someone", "do someone a favor", or "grant someone's request". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "oblige someone" or "do someone a favor"?

"Oblige someone" tends to be slightly more formal than ""do someone a favor"". The choice depends on the context and your desired level of formality.

When is it inappropriate to use "oblige someone"?

It's inappropriate to use "oblige someone" if the action is not voluntary or if there is a legal or ethical obligation. It should be used when you are willingly fulfilling a request.