perpetual obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perpetual obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a duty or responsibility that is ongoing and never-ending. Example: "The contract includes a perpetual obligation to maintain the property in good condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Educated at Edinburgh University, Renwick joined (c. 1681) the group of Covenanters known as the Cameronians (those who adhered to the perpetual obligation of the covenants of 1638 and 1643) and soon became prominent among them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More awkward are the bits that stress a government's accountability to its people, and its perpetual obligation to earn the right to rule through its own ethical conduct.Neo-Maoist websites are crowing about the abrupt removal of the "witch doctor" statue.

The Economist

Cameronian, any of the Scottish Covenanters who followed Richard Cameron in adhering to the perpetual obligation of the two Scottish covenants of 1638 and 1643 as set out in the Queensferry Paper (1680), pledging maintenance of the chosen form of church government and worship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Perpetual daylight.

The New York Times

Perpetual luxuries.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Perpetual travellers?

The Guardian - Travel

Louisiana and Illinois were perpetual leaders.

The New York Times

Perpetual Groove, jamband.

The New York Times

Nothing is truly perpetual.

The New Yorker

It is perpetual day".

Independent

War turns perpetual.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "perpetual obligation", ensure the context clearly establishes the duty or responsibility is indeed intended to be ongoing indefinitely. Consider whether a less absolute term might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "perpetual obligation" when the intended duration is merely long-term or indefinite, rather than truly without end. Overstating the permanence of a duty can lead to misunderstandings or legal challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perpetual obligation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes a duty or responsibility that is ongoing and never-ending. It is used to describe a binding agreement that lasts indefinitely.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

33%

News & Media

67%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perpetual obligation" denotes a never-ending duty or responsibility, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare and confined to formal contexts such as legal agreements and ethical frameworks. It is important to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring the context truly intends an obligation without any endpoint. Related phrases like "ongoing duty" or "continuous responsibility" may be more appropriate if the intent is not strictly unending. Remember that overstating the permanence can lead to misunderstanding. Use this expression wisely and where it is fit!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unceasing obligation

Highlights the continuous and non-stopping nature of the obligation.

ongoing duty

Focuses on the continuing nature of the duty, omitting the legal or moral weight of "obligation".

permanent responsibility

Stresses the unchanging nature of the responsibility.

continuous responsibility

Highlights the uninterrupted nature of the responsibility, without necessarily implying a binding agreement.

unending responsibility

Focuses on the fact that there's no limit in time for the responsibility.

never-ending commitment

Emphasizes the unending aspect of the commitment, but could apply to less formal agreements.

everlasting duty

Emphasizes the eternity of the duty.

lasting responsibility

Implies a long-term responsibility, though it might not be strictly "perpetual".

enduring duty

Highlights the lasting character of the duty, potentially spanning a long period.

eternal commitment

Implies an agreement that lasts forever.

FAQs

What does "perpetual obligation" mean?

"Perpetual obligation" refers to a duty or responsibility that is intended to last forever, or indefinitely without any fixed end point.

How to use "perpetual obligation" in a sentence?

You can use "perpetual obligation" in sentences like: "The contract included a "perpetual obligation" to maintain the property" or "The company has a "perpetual obligation" to ensure the safety of its employees".

What are some synonyms for "perpetual obligation"?

Some synonyms for "perpetual obligation" include "ongoing duty", "continuous responsibility", and "never-ending commitment".

Is "perpetual obligation" the same as "long-term responsibility"?

No, "perpetual obligation" implies an unending duty, while "long-term responsibility" suggests a duty that lasts for a significant duration but is not necessarily without end. It's important to use "long-term responsibility" if you don't want to convey the meaning of something that lasts forever.