outside obligations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outside obligations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to commitments or responsibilities that exist beyond a particular context or organization. Example: "Due to my outside obligations, I will not be able to attend the meeting this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Also, they do not have a lot of outside obligations that take them in and out of work five times a day.

The New York Times

When these outside obligations converge, it can put a strain on veterans in a system tailor made for traditional students who carry few of the same worries.

The New York Times

Responsibility to Protect has garnered wide international attention and serves as a manifesto for a concept of sovereignty that is non-absolute and conditional upon outside obligations.

SEP

Some are inconvenienced by the commute to their training, but this inconvenience is no more odious than the problems faced by other students with outside obligations.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Any outside obligation, whether to God or to other people, would weaken the self-preservative motive on which the contract depends.

The Guardian - Opinion

Saying he had read that Ms. Rice authorized waterboarding, he asked her, "Is waterboarding torture?" She replied: "The president instructed us that nothing we would do would be outside of our obligations, legal obligations, under the Convention Against Torture.

The New York Times

"The president instructed us that nothing we would do would be outside of our obligations, legal obligations under the Convention Against Torture".

Huffington Post

Freed from any obligations outside those in his head, Walker's compositions travel more easily from idea to idea.

The New Yorker

They have too many obligations outside their families and homes, so the demands on them are harder and more intense".

The New York Times

She also criticised Iran for continuing clandestine work on its nuclear program outside its safeguard obligations during Javier Solana's time at the helm of EU foreign policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The seven-member board would be able to approve or reject any outside contracts or obligations, essentially hiring as it saw fit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing time management or prioritization, clearly specify the context from which the "outside obligations" originate to avoid ambiguity. For example, "balancing work with outside obligations related to family care".

Common error

Avoid using "outside obligations" as a vague excuse. Always provide specific examples or clarify the nature of these obligations to maintain transparency and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outside obligations" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English. The phrase identifies responsibilities or duties that exist separately from a central activity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outside obligations" refers to responsibilities and commitments separate from a primary focus, such as work or school. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable in English. The phrase appears across various sources, including news, science, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the nature of these obligations to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "external responsibilities" or "competing priorities" can enhance precision depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

external duties

Replaces "obligations" with "duties", emphasizing the mandatory nature of the responsibilities.

external responsibilities

Substitutes "obligations" with "responsibilities", highlighting the accountability associated with the duties.

outside responsibilities

Omits "obligations" but retains the meaning of duties beyond a specific context.

external commitments

Replaces "obligations" with "commitments", focusing on the promises or agreements that necessitate the duties.

extraneous duties

Uses "extraneous" to highlight that the duties are not inherent or essential but are additional.

additional responsibilities

Highlights that the responsibilities are added onto existing ones.

competing priorities

Focuses on the idea that these obligations compete for time and attention with other important things.

ancillary duties

Refers to duties that provide support to the primary activity.

supplementary duties

Emphasizes the supplemental nature of the obligations.

non-work obligations

Specifically contrasts obligations outside of the work environment.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "outside obligations"?

You can use alternatives like "external duties", "external responsibilities", or "competing priorities" depending on the context.

How do "outside obligations" affect time management?

"Outside obligations" can significantly impact time management by creating competing demands on one's schedule. Balancing these with primary responsibilities requires careful planning and prioritization.

In what contexts is the phrase "outside obligations" commonly used?

The phrase "outside obligations" is often used in discussions about work-life balance, academic commitments, and personal responsibilities. It highlights commitments that extend beyond a central activity or role.

Is it appropriate to use "outside obligations" in formal writing?

Yes, "outside obligations" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure clarity by specifying the nature of these obligations. Using alternatives like "external commitments" or "additional responsibilities" can also enhance precision.