only obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a singular duty or responsibility that one has in a particular context. Example: "My only obligation is to ensure the safety of my team during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But otherwise, that is its only obligation.

The New York Times

Our only obligation is making the best product possible".

The New York Times

The only obligation I had was to dine with the other junior fellows on Monday evenings.

The New Yorker

The only obligation, the only "tax" that was due from me, applied to everyone.

The New Yorker

Mr. D'Agata said his only obligation as an essayist "was to try to make great art".

The New York Times

All Souls provided a glorious academic retreat: the only obligation is to dine there regularly.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

That was the model used in the Kyoto protocol of 1997, by which the "historical" emitters such as the European Union and the United States bore the only obligations to make cuts.

The Guardian

The only obligations in the moral life, apart from duties encountered in professional roles and other specific stations of duty, are captured by moral rules that prohibit causing harm or evil.

SEP

The only obligations I feel nowadays are to my family, my close friends and my job.

Huffington Post

The departure of the soul is synonymous with unequivocal death of the person and the only obligations that remain are ritually appropriate corpse disposal.

Critical Care

Imagine a day when your only duty or obligation was to vote.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only obligation" to clearly delineate the singular responsibility when multiple tasks or duties might be present but only one is paramount.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying the exact scope of the "only obligation". For example, instead of saying "Their only obligation is to deliver", specify "Their only obligation is to deliver the product by Friday."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only obligation" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it denotes the single duty or responsibility someone has. For instance, "Our only obligation is to make sure the instrument is correct."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only obligation" is a frequently used phrase to highlight a singular duty or responsibility. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It is used across various contexts, including news, business, and academic writing, to clearly define and emphasize the single most important duty. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about who holds the obligation and to whom or what it is owed to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "sole responsibility" or "single duty" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sole responsibility

Emphasizes the exclusive nature of the responsibility, similar to "only obligation".

single duty

Highlights the singular nature of the duty, akin to having "only obligation".

exclusive requirement

Focuses on the mandatory aspect and its exclusivity, much like "only obligation".

primary responsibility

Indicates the main and possibly only responsibility.

chief duty

Highlights the main duty, suggesting it's the "only obligation".

main requirement

Stresses the principal requirement, similar to the idea of "only obligation".

solemn duty

Underscores the seriousness and singularity of the duty, like "only obligation".

ultimate responsibility

Emphasizes the final and potentially "only obligation".

prime directive

Implies a fundamental and possibly "only obligation", often in a business or formal context.

fundamental duty

Highlights the essential and perhaps "only obligation".

FAQs

How can I use "only obligation" in a sentence?

You can use "only obligation" to specify a single, overriding duty or responsibility. For example, "The company's "only obligation" is to its shareholders" or "My "only obligation" is to ensure the safety of my team."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "only obligation"?

Some alternatives include "sole responsibility", "single duty", "exclusive requirement", and "primary responsibility". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the only obligation that I have is"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "the "only obligation" that I have is". This phrasing emphasizes the singular nature of the obligation.

What's the difference between "only obligation" and "main obligation"?

"Only obligation" implies there is literally just one duty. "Main obligation" suggests there are other duties, but one is of greater importance. Choosing between them depends on whether the responsibility is truly singular or just the most important among several.