obliged me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obliged me" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that someone has done something for you out of a sense of duty or gratitude. Example: "She obliged me by helping with the project when I was overwhelmed with work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

He obliged me at least on this point.

The New York Times - Magazine

He obliged me with a smile, albeit the smile of a shark.

Independent

I had to think about it for quite a while — or, rather, he obliged me to think about it.

The New Yorker

Look at this guy …' I wouldn't say he obliged me to watch it but pretty much.

The Guardian - Sport

Right?" Her remark obliged me to examine my "affect", or feeling-tone.

The Guardian - Books

This obliged me to stay very close to these guys the whole time.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Taking the aforementioned time capsule approach permitted me--even conveniently obliged me--to run all 129 strips, each of which I have come to love for various reasons, and any of which is as likely as another to become my latest current favorite.

Huffington Post

The tunnel ceiling had been dropping, obliging me to crouch.

The New Yorker

He had to go and scream!" My mother herself was better able to oblige me.

The New Yorker

Nothing in my personal or professional life obliges me to do so.

The New Yorker

We should all have such doctors, I venture, and Davis obliges me with a big laugh.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obliged me" to express gratitude when someone has fulfilled a request or done something helpful, especially when they were not necessarily required to do so. For instance, "She "obliged me" by proofreading my essay at the last minute."

Common error

Avoid using "obliged me" in very casual contexts where simpler phrases like "helped me out" or "did me a favor" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sound overly formal or even slightly archaic in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obliged me" functions as a verb phrase, where "obliged" is the verb and "me" is the direct object. It indicates that someone performed an action that was helpful or dutiful towards the speaker. Ludwig AI shows various examples where this phrase is used to express gratitude or acknowledge assistance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obliged me" is a verb phrase used to express gratitude or acknowledgment when someone has fulfilled a request or provided assistance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. While versatile, it is generally considered to maintain a certain degree of formality, so it's best to avoid it in very casual settings where simpler expressions are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did me a favor

Focuses on the act of kindness or assistance provided.

accommodated me

Highlights the act of adjusting to someone's needs or requests.

complied with my request

Emphasizes adherence to a specific request.

granted my wish

Implies fulfilling a desire or hope.

yielded to my request

Suggests a concession or agreement to something asked.

did as I asked

A more direct and less formal way of saying someone followed instructions.

served my purpose

Focuses on the achievement of a goal through someone else's action.

followed my lead

Suggests someone acted according to my direction or guidance.

bowed to my wishes

Indicates submission or deference to someone's desires.

gave in to my desire

Implies reluctance or resistance overcome before fulfilling a wish.

FAQs

What does "obliged me" mean?

"Obliged me" means someone has done something helpful or has fulfilled a request, often implying a sense of gratitude or duty. It suggests the person went beyond what was strictly necessary.

How can I use "obliged me" in a sentence?

You can use "obliged me" to express gratitude when someone has done something for you. For example: "He "obliged me" by driving me to the airport early in the morning." or "The librarian "obliged me" by finding the rare book I needed."

What are some alternatives to "obliged me"?

Alternatives include "did me a favor", "helped me out", "accommodated me", or "complied with my request". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

Is "obliged me" formal or informal?

"Obliged me" leans towards the formal side. In very casual situations, phrases like "did me a solid" or "helped me out" might be more suitable.