obliged

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'obliged' is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to express gratitude or appreciation after someone has done you a favour. For example, you could say "Thank you for your help. I'm very obliged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They obliged.

The New York Times

Details of the payment emerged in a report by the public spending watchdog published on Wednesday, which revealed that senior managers at the BBC were paid nearly £2m more than they were contractually obliged to over a three-year period.

The Guardian

Because of a time restriction, we were obliged to interview the artists as a pack.When we came to the carpet guy, the correspondent I'd spoken with earlier asked him about his £8,000 fee for a domestic commission.

The Guardian - Opinion

In many ways the American actor has already obliged.

The Guardian - Arts

The institute's chief executive, Ian Tudor, told Guardian Australia the confidentiality of student records was of "paramount importance to the institute, and given the magnitude of the breach of confidentiality we were obliged to report it to the police".

The Guardian

For my more recent visits to perform there I have felt obliged, for a few reasons, to give all profits from the shows to Israeli charities – those concerned with the co-education of young Jews, Christians and Israeli Arabs.

The Guardian - Music

Moreover, given the deadlock and the glacial pace of world trade negotiations, the TTIP will create a template for global trade that the big emerging economies, not least China, might feel obliged to follow.

The Guardian - Business

There are different branches of Uncomms, including the Unapology, for when you're obliged to say sorry for something you don't regret; the Unimpression, by which you can convince people that you are competent and reliable, whatever the reality; and the Unpledge, the promise you have no intention of keeping.

The Guardian

They are obliged to mark all their publications with "foreign agent" and to begin each oral statement with a disclosure that it is being given by a foreign agent.

The Guardian

Parties to the WHO framework convention on tobacco control are obliged to protect their public health policies from interference by the tobacco industry and its allies.

The Guardian - Business

The actual totals for spending on the election will be even higher, but political parties and third-party campaigners are only obliged to register amounts of more than £7,500 with the spending watchdog.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obliged" to express gratitude or a sense of duty, but be mindful of the context. It can sometimes sound formal, so consider whether a more casual expression might be appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "obliged" in very informal settings where it may sound overly formal or unnatural. Opt for simpler expressions like "thanks" or "grateful" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "obliged" is as a past participle of the verb "oblige", often used as an adjective. It denotes a state of being bound by duty, gratitude, or legal requirement. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, from moral obligations to contractual agreements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obliged" is a versatile term primarily used as a past participle and adjective to express a sense of duty, gratitude, or legal necessity. As highlighted by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it's frequently encountered in news and media contexts. While "obliged" is common, consider its formality and whether it fits the specific tone of your writing. For alternative expressions, you can use similar terms such as "duty bound", "indebted", or "required". Remember to choose the alternative which aligns best with your intended meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, making it a reliable term for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legally required

Highlights a legal obligation.

contractually bound

Specifically refers to obligations arising from a formal agreement.

under obligation

Highlights the state of being bound by duty or contract.

required

Stresses a necessity or demand.

duty-bound

Emphasizes a moral or legal requirement to act.

morally obligated

Emphasizes an ethical duty.

indebted

Focuses on the feeling of gratitude for a favor received.

constrained

Indicates being restricted or limited by obligation.

compelled

Indicates being forced or driven to do something.

beholden

Suggests a feeling of owing gratitude or service.

FAQs

How can I use "obliged" in a sentence?

"Obliged" can be used to express gratitude or indicate a sense of duty. For example, "I am "obliged" for your assistance" or "The company is "obliged" to follow the regulations."

What can I say instead of "obliged"?

Alternatives include "grateful", "thankful", "indebted", "required", or "duty bound" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "I am obliged" or "I feel obliged"?

Both are correct, but "I am "obliged"" typically expresses gratitude for something already done. "I feel "obliged"" often indicates a sense of duty to do something in the future.

What's the difference between "obliged" and "obligated"?

"Obliged" often implies a sense of gratitude or being indebted for a favor, while "obligated" typically refers to a legal or contractual requirement. For instance, one might say "I am "obliged" for your help," but "I am "obligated" to pay my taxes."