obliging person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obliging person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is willing to help or be accommodating to others. Example: "She is known as an obliging person, always ready to lend a hand to those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The serious endeavour of realizing God's presence in human beings obliges a person to promote the welfare of both individuals and society.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The future Children's Act [ 14] in section 150 will oblige any person to identify children in need of care and protection (e.g. living in a child headed household, required to perform child labour, being maltreated, abused, or exploited) and to refer these to a social worker.

BMC Medical Ethics

The year before, a ZANU-PF-dominated Parliament had passed the Citizenship Amendment Act, which obliged all persons wishing to retain Zimbabwean citizenship to renounce their foreign citizenship.

The New York Times

The amendment before us introduces a new element, namely a right of information of the user which is not covered in any way by the substance of the directive and which would seem to suggest if interpreted a contrario, that Member States may actually be allowed to oblige legal persons to appear in the public directory.

EU Parlament

A person obliged to testify before Congress could never be prosecuted for anything related to his testimony, the court ruled.

The New York Times

Alternatively, if you're not a clergy person obliged to be honest at all times, give them the perfectly decent Aldi one and save this for yourself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fate obliged in the person of Louis XIV, a child so physically precocious that he was born with two teeth (quite an inconvenience, Fraser speculates, for his wet-nurses).

The New York Times - Books

If the person obliged was insolvent, the owner would have an action instead.

Wikipedia

This was only true so long as the person obliged was solvent – that is, under a real risk of losing out by a theft.

Wikipedia

"As a political precept," they write, "tolerance has unimpeachably anti-democratic credentials, dividing society into persons entitled to claim respect as a right and persons obliged to beg tolerance as a favor".

Huffington Post

In January 2001, Al-Kateb applied for a protection visa, on the grounds that the United Nations 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons obliged Australia to protect him.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing the phrase with synonyms like "helpful person" or "accommodating individual" in contexts where a more common or straightforward expression is preferred. This can improve clarity and avoid sounding overly formal.

Common error

While "obliging person" is grammatically correct, it can sound somewhat formal or old-fashioned in casual conversation. Avoid using it in informal contexts where simpler, more direct alternatives like "helpful" or "accommodating" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obliging person" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a person characterized by their willingness to help or accommodate others. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and understandable, even if not extremely common.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obliging person" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone who is willing to help or accommodate others. Ludwig indicates it's correct, but its frequency is quite low. Alternatives such as "helpful person" or "accommodating individual" may be more common in contemporary usage. When using "obliging person", be mindful of the context, as it can sound slightly formal. Consider synonyms if a more casual tone is desired. The phrase primarily functions to highlight a positive attribute, praising someone's willingness to assist and is best suited for contexts where you want to emphasize someone’s proactive helpfulness. Despite its correctness, it's valuable to be aware of its relative rarity and to consider alternatives for greater impact or clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accommodating individual

Replaces the adjective and noun with synonyms, focusing on their willingness to adjust to needs.

helpful person

A more direct and common way to describe someone who provides assistance.

cooperative person

Emphasizes their willingness to work with others.

agreeable person

Highlights their pleasant and amenable nature.

considerate person

Emphasizes their thoughtfulness and concern for others.

amiable individual

Suggests a friendly and approachable demeanor.

kindly sort

An informal way to indicate a benevolent nature.

good-natured person

Focuses on their generally positive and easygoing attitude.

personable individual

Highlights their pleasant and engaging personality.

well-disposed person

Suggests a favorable or friendly attitude towards others.

FAQs

What does "obliging person" mean?

An "obliging person" is someone who is willing to help or do favors for others; they are accommodating and eager to please.

How can I use "obliging person" in a sentence?

You might say, "The clerk was an "accommodating individual", quickly processing my return."

What are some alternatives to "obliging person"?

Alternatives include "helpful person", "cooperative person", or "accommodating individual".

Is "obliging person" formal or informal?

"Obliging person" is slightly more formal than alternatives like "helpful person", but it is generally acceptable in most contexts.