obliged to pay

USAGE SUMMARY

"obliged to pay" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where someone is required or compelled to make a payment. Example: "She felt obliged to pay the bill after the generous dinner." Alternative expressions include "required to pay" and "bound to pay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are we obliged to pay her remaining debt?

The New York Times - Magazine

To date neither side has felt obliged to pay up.

The New York Times - Science

The budget was carried nonetheless and Britain is obliged to pay up.

The Economist

Microsoft was obliged to pay five million dollars for the rights.

The New Yorker

Even where PLAs are not in force, federal contractors are obliged to pay "prevailing" wages.

The Economist

Nor are peers obliged to pay tax in Britain (though moves are afoot to change that).

The Economist

The money is completely accounted for, and the government is obliged to pay the promised benefits.

The New York Times

Husbands are obliged to pay this sum to wives when they divorce.

The New York Times

Growers would be obliged to pay royalties on both the tree and its fruit.

The New Yorker

It is obliged to pay for any direct "natural resource damages" resulting from the spill.

The New York Times

That would begin to make programmes worth the money theatregoers are obliged to pay.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obliged to pay", ensure the context clearly establishes the basis of the obligation, whether it's legal, contractual, or moral. For instance, specify the document or agreement that creates the obligation.

Common error

Avoid using "obliged to pay" when a payment is merely a suggestion or a possibility. Reserve it for situations where a clear duty or requirement exists. Instead, consider weaker alternatives like "expected to pay" or "may need to pay".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obliged to pay" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a legal, moral, or contractual duty to make a payment. It signifies a binding responsibility. Ludwig examples confirm its use in contexts where payment is not optional but required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obliged to pay" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote a legal, contractual, or moral duty to make a payment. Ludwig examples show it appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, indicating its versatile use in expressing mandatory financial responsibilities. Alternative phrases, like "required to pay" or "duty bound to pay", can be used depending on the specific nuances you want to convey. Always ensure the context clearly supports the assertion of a binding obligation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

required to pay

Indicates a necessity or compulsion to make a payment due to a rule, law, or agreement.

duty bound to pay

Emphasizes a moral or ethical obligation to fulfill a financial commitment.

contractually obligated to pay

Highlights that the payment obligation arises from a legally binding agreement.

legally bound to pay

Specifies that the obligation to pay is enforced by law.

liable to pay

Indicates a legal responsibility or accountability for the payment.

compelled to pay

Suggests being forced or strongly persuaded to make a payment.

bound to pay

Implies a commitment or agreement that necessitates payment.

have to pay

A more informal way of expressing the necessity to make a payment.

responsible for payment

Focuses on the role or accountability of a person or entity in ensuring payment.

expected to pay

Suggests an anticipation or expectation that a payment will be made.

FAQs

What does "obliged to pay" mean?

The phrase "obliged to pay" means that someone is under a legal, contractual, or moral duty to make a payment. It signifies a binding responsibility to fulfill a financial commitment.

How can I use "obliged to pay" in a sentence?

You can use "obliged to pay" in sentences like: "The company is contractually "required to pay" damages." or "As a citizen, you are "legally bound to pay" taxes."

What are some alternatives to "obliged to pay"?

Some alternatives to "obliged to pay" include "required to pay", "duty bound to pay", "legally bound to pay", or "contractually obligated to pay". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nature of the obligation.

Is "obliged to pay" the same as "obligated to pay"?

"Obliged to pay" and "obligated to pay" are largely interchangeable, both signifying a duty or requirement to make a payment. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.