personal obligations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal obligations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to responsibilities or duties that a person has to meet, either to themselves or to others. For example, "Joe was overwhelmed by all his personal obligations leading up to his wedding day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The biggest reasons to opt for an online course are the personal obligations a person face in his life.

WikiHow

A further 5.5m say that family or personal obligations make part-time work desirable.

The Economist

Two days must be devoted to personal obligations, and two to religious duties.

The New Yorker

Mr. Brown, the owner, said personal obligations and the extensive amount of damage to the building held up its completion.

The New York Times

That idea sounds horrifying to Greeks, who assume their personal obligations, for food and clothes and housing costs, will not also be cut.

The New York Times

"I feel I have to be more responsible, whether it is politics or my social and personal obligations," he told me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

As opposed to the previous situation, people feel highly personally implicated in situations in which they feel it is their personal obligation to intervene.

Crime Science

I feel a personal obligation".

The New York Times - Magazine

The reason was "an inescapable personal obligation," they said.

The New York Times - Arts

Regardless, for me, I feel a personal obligation and a social responsibility".

Independent

With Cameron, there's a further personal obligation, something that is a bit more flesh-and-blood".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing work-life balance, use "personal obligations" to acknowledge the responsibilities individuals have outside of their professional lives. For instance, 'Employees should have flexible schedules to manage their "personal obligations" effectively.'

Common error

Avoid using "personal obligations" when you mean to express individual choices or desires. "Personal obligations" denote duties or responsibilities, whereas preferences relate to subjective tastes. Don't say, 'Attending the concert was a "personal obligation"' if you simply wanted to go; instead, specify if it was a requirement for a job or another commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal obligations" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the duties, responsibilities, or commitments that an individual has, often in relation to their family, personal life, or other non-professional aspects. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

26%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "personal obligations" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to an individual's duties and responsibilities outside of their professional life. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects duties rather than mere preferences. Alternatives include "personal responsibilities" or "individual commitments". By understanding its proper context, writers can effectively communicate an individual's need to balance life's diverse demands.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal responsibilities

Emphasizes the accountability aspect of obligations.

individual commitments

Focuses on the voluntary nature of the duties.

life responsibilities

Broadly refers to responsibilities in one's life.

private liabilities

Highlights the burdensome aspect of obligations.

individual requirements

Stresses the necessary aspect of these obligations.

family duties

Specifically refers to obligations related to family.

personal constraints

Highlights the limitations imposed by obligations.

private undertakings

Emphasizes the personal nature of the commitments.

own affairs

Focuses on managing one's own duties and tasks.

domestic duties

Specifically refers to obligations within the home.

FAQs

How can I use "personal obligations" in a sentence?

"Personal obligations" refer to duties or responsibilities an individual has, often outside of work. For example, 'She couldn't attend the meeting due to pressing "personal obligations"'.

What are some phrases similar to "personal obligations"?

Alternatives include "personal responsibilities", "individual commitments", or "private liabilities", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "personal obligations" or "professional obligations"?

The best choice depends on the context. "Personal obligations" refer to duties outside of work, while "professional obligations" are work-related duties. Use the term that accurately reflects the type of duty being discussed.

How do "personal obligations" differ from "social responsibilities"?

"Personal obligations" are individual duties, while "social responsibilities" are broader duties to society. An example of a "social responsibility" is voting, whereas taking care of a sick child is a "personal obligation".