out of obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

"out of obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an action that is done out of duty or to fulfill an expectation. For example: "I agreed to help clean up the party even though I didn't really want to because I felt it was out of obligation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It acknowledged masterpieces, but not reflexively or out of obligation.

The New York Times - Arts

With some whispering, "Look who's here," Democrats noticed State Senator Joseph Coniglio, from Bergen County, as if he were an uncle who had been invited out of obligation, but whose presence was not exactly embraced.

The New York Times

If you are giving out of obligation you may be infusing stress or even resentment into the exchange.

Huffington Post

I saw the distinct difference of enjoyment between a gift giver giving from his heart, and a gift giver giving out of obligation.

Huffington Post

This means that the couple can truly handpick their guests and avoid strangers and acquaintances at their wedding - people such as parents' neighbors, co-workers and old family friends, invited out of obligation.

Huffington Post

People need to feel privileged to be invited, not pondering whether or not they were invited out of obligation or pity.

WikiHow

"I never write something out of obligation".

The New York Times - Books

I read that material, more out of obligation than enjoyment.

The New York Times

I was still surprised that more people were not involved out of obligation to their fathers.

The New York Times

They invariably sound as though they're doing it out of obligation.

Independent

And then, because he'd sacrificed so much out of obligation, he'd later deserved to do what he wanted without paying any attention to the costs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "out of obligation", ensure that the context clearly indicates the source of the obligation, whether it is a social norm, a professional expectation, or a personal commitment. This adds clarity and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "out of obligation" when the action is actually driven by genuine desire or personal interest. Using it incorrectly can misrepresent your intentions and create a negative impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of obligation" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the reason or motivation behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English. Examples show it clarifying why something was done, not necessarily because the person wanted to, but because they felt compelled.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "out of obligation" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe actions performed due to a sense of duty or expectation, as indicated by Ludwig AI. It's most frequently used in news and media, and to a lesser extent in Wiki and science-related contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it accurately, ensuring the action was genuinely driven by a sense of duty rather than personal desire. Alternatives like "due to a sense of duty" or "because of a commitment" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

due to a sense of duty

Focuses on the feeling of responsibility that prompts the action.

because of a commitment

Highlights the prior agreement or promise that necessitates the action.

as a matter of responsibility

Emphasizes the seriousness and importance of the duty being fulfilled.

from a sense of duty

Similar to "due to a sense of duty" but puts more emphasis on the source of the action.

compelled by duty

Indicates a strong internal force driving the action.

required by responsibility

Highlights that the action is not optional but necessitated by a duty.

bound by duty

Suggests a feeling of being constrained or tied to the obligation.

because it's expected

Focuses on external expectations as the reason for the action.

as a social nicety

Points out that the action is a polite or customary thing to do.

under compulsion

Indicates that the action is performed due to strong external or internal pressure.

FAQs

How can I use "out of obligation" in a sentence?

You can use "out of obligation" to describe actions done because of a sense of duty or expectation. For example, "I attended the party "out of obligation" to my friend, even though I was tired."

What are some alternatives to saying "out of obligation"?

Alternatives include "due to a sense of duty", "because of a commitment", or "as a matter of responsibility". These phrases offer similar meanings but can subtly shift the emphasis in your sentence. See more at "due to a sense of duty".

Is it better to act out of obligation or out of genuine desire?

While acting "out of obligation" can fulfill duties and maintain relationships, actions driven by genuine desire are often more fulfilling and authentic. Consider the motivations behind your actions and strive for a balance between obligation and personal interest.

What's the difference between "out of obligation" and "out of necessity"?

"Out of obligation" implies a sense of duty or expectation, while "out of necessity" indicates that the action is required to achieve a goal or avoid a negative outcome. You might attend a meeting "out of obligation" to your boss, but work overtime "out of necessity" to meet a deadline.