own obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "own obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a responsibility or duty that one has personally, often in a legal or formal context. Example: "Each party must fulfill their own obligation as outlined in the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

While she was covering for her former colleagues, she says, she sometimes sacrificed her own obligation to take care of her ailing grandparents.

The New York Times

"It's my own obligation to take responsibility for improving the weather for New York City," said Dick Zigun, the parade organizer.

The New York Times

Congress cannot shy away from its own obligation to ensure that no presidential election is ever decided in such a manner again.

The New York Times

From it he gained some notion of an indescribable effort through time, and a notion of his own obligation to press himself, with similar effort, beyond the limits of his nature and experience.

The New Yorker

They said they had been picked up, like Eddie, and questioned about the recent shooting, and they laughed about their experiences at the station house, taking for granted their relationship with the law — the obligation of the police to hunt them down and their own obligation not to coöperate in any way.

The New Yorker

And if Israel honours its own obligation to freeze settlement in the territories, this may persuade some of the Palestinians who have good reason to doubt it that there will still be room one day for a state of their own.Plan B, in short, is probably better than nothing.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This gives Stet an almost skittish charm, as if free of its own obligations.

The Guardian - Books

A large mirror turns toward the audience, implying our own obligations to history.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Lapid said the Palestinians needed to fulfill their own obligations, not just make demands.

The New York Times

Mr. Corzine has denied knowing that the firm was tapping customer accounts to meet its own obligations.

The New York Times

As MF Global began to spiral downward, the firm raided client funds to meet its own obligations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "own obligation" to emphasize a personal or specific responsibility, distinguishing it from shared or delegated duties.

Common error

Avoid using "own obligation" excessively in formal writing where more precise terms like "responsibility", "duty", or "liability" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "own obligation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a duty or responsibility belonging to a specific individual or entity. As Ludwig AI explains, it is considered grammatically correct and can be used effectively in writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "own obligation" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize a specific or personal duty. As per Ludwig AI analysis, while "own obligation" is not incorrect, it is relatively uncommon and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying whose obligation is being referenced. In more formal settings, consider stronger terms like "responsibility" or "duty" for enhanced precision. Related phrases include "personal responsibility", "individual duty", or "legal obligation" depending on the nuance you would like to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal responsibility

Emphasizes the individual's accountability for a specific task or duty, often implying a moral dimension.

individual duty

Highlights the specific obligation of a single person, often within a larger system of responsibilities.

legal obligation

Refers specifically to duties mandated by law, carrying potential legal consequences for non-compliance.

moral imperative

Highlights the moral dimension of the obligation, suggesting a strong ethical reason to act.

contractual duty

Specifies an obligation arising from a formal agreement or contract between parties.

incumbent responsibility

Implies that the responsibility is a direct consequence of a particular role or position.

self-imposed duty

Highlights that the obligation was voluntarily undertaken by the individual.

voluntary obligation

Indicates that the obligation was freely chosen and is not legally or morally required.

private liability

Focuses on financial responsibilities that rest on an individual.

civic duty

Refers to the responsibilities of a citizen within their community or nation.

FAQs

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

You can use "own obligation" to emphasize a personal responsibility. For example, "It's my "own obligation" to ensure this project succeeds."

What's a good alternative to "own obligation"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "personal responsibility", "individual duty", or "legal obligation" might be more appropriate. Consider the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I have my own obligation"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, it might be more concise to say "I have my obligation" or "It's my "responsibility"".

What's the difference between "own obligation" and "personal responsibility"?

"Own obligation" emphasizes the duty itself, while "personal responsibility" highlights the individual's accountability for fulfilling that duty. They are often interchangeable but carry slightly different connotations.