potential obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "potential obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a responsibility or duty that may arise in the future, depending on certain conditions. Example: "The contract outlines a potential obligation for the company to provide additional support if the project exceeds its initial timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Every young man — regrettably, only men — shared a potential obligation to his country.

The New York Times

Together, the carriers would have a maximum potential obligation to refund $120 million to consumers.

Columbia University

He may buy a controlling interest and relieve General Motors of its potential obligation to acquire the 80percentt stake in the iconic but troubled Italian automaker that it doesn't already own.

The New York Times

Iraq's total potential obligation -- from war-related compensation claims, foreign debt and pending contracts -- is $383 billion, according to Frederick D. Barton and Bathsheba N. Crocker of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

The New York Times

"A potential obligation is not an independent basis for saving documents," said Mercer Bullard, who runs Fund Democracy, a mutual fund advocacy group at the School of Law at the University of Mississippi.

The New York Times

Ray, Jr. benefitted by discharging the contingent rights of a wife for whom he no longer cared and Ray, Sr. benefitted by being released from a potential obligation to make monthly payments to the plaintiff.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Of these potential obligations, over $200 billion is war reparations, mostly arising from the invasion of Kuwait in 1990.

The Economist

Several said they disliked the plan because it was legally binding, might subject them to lawsuits and included some ill-defined potential obligations.

The New York Times

"You may wish to advise your client," the letter said, "to consider the effect of such potential obligations for budgeting and planning purposes".

The New York Times

The United States has $6.7 trillion in debt and forty trillion in potential obligations to the elderly or soon-to-be-elderly, and we're sticking future workers with the bill.

The New Yorker

If a bailout were to occur, it would most likely make it more expensive for the United States government to borrow money in the future, since the government's potential obligations, which currently stand at about $9 trillion, would rise by an additional $5 trillion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "potential obligation" when you want to highlight that a duty or responsibility is not yet certain, but could arise in the future. Clearly state the conditions under which the obligation would become real to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "potential obligation" when referring to definite or already existing duties. This phrase specifically indicates a possibility, not a certainty. If the obligation is already in effect, use terms like "current obligation" or "existing duty" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potential obligation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a duty or responsibility that is not yet certain but may arise in the future. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "potential obligation" is a grammatically correct noun phrase indicating a duty or responsibility that may arise in the future, as supported by Ludwig. It finds its use in news, academic and scientific domains. The phrase is not overly formal, making it suitable for many contexts. Alternatives like "possible liability" or "contingent duty" can be used to fine-tune the meaning. When using "potential obligation", clarity is key; explicitly state the conditions that would trigger the obligation. Avoid using it to describe obligations that are already in effect. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is a useful tool for discussing future responsibilities with appropriate nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Possible liability

Focuses on legal or financial responsibility that may arise.

Uncertain liability

Highlights that the liability may not necessarily come to pass.

Possible accountability

Refers to the chance of needing to answer for actions in the future.

Contingent duty

Emphasizes the dependence of the duty on a future event.

Conditional requirement

Highlights the dependency of the obligation on certain conditions.

Future responsibility

Highlights the aspect of time and when the responsibility will occur.

Emerging imperative

Describes a need or duty that is just beginning to arise.

Expected commitment

Suggests an anticipated promise or engagement.

Imminent task

Suggests a task that is about to become a responsibility.

Prospective burden

Implies a future weight or difficulty to be carried.

FAQs

How is "potential obligation" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "potential obligation" refers to a duty that may arise depending on future events or conditions, such as pending litigation or contract clauses. It's crucial to assess these "potential obligations" when evaluating risk.

What are some alternatives to "potential obligation"?

You can use alternatives like "possible liability", "contingent duty", or "future responsibility", depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

When should I use "potential obligation" instead of "obligation"?

Use "potential obligation" when the duty or responsibility is not yet definite and depends on something else occurring. If the duty is already in effect, simply use "obligation".

Is "potential obligation" a formal phrase?

Yes, "potential obligation" is a relatively formal phrase suitable for legal, business, and academic writing. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferred.