Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
preexisting obligations
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"preexisting obligations" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to commitments or responsibilities that were established before a certain point in time. For example: "The contract cannot be altered due to preexisting obligations." Alternative expressions include "prior commitments," "existing responsibilities," and "previous obligations."
✓ Grammatically correct
Academia
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
existing duties
prior commitments
present duties
assigned tasks
routine tasks
customary tasks
regular commitments
existing competencies
existing requirements
existing tasks
existing duty
existing work
existing responsibility
prior involvement
because of prior engagements
unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict
on account of personal matters
precluded by other appointments
due to previous engagements
prevented by prior commitments
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
(v Exception for preexisting obligations (transitional).
Academia
(ii Exception for payments made prior to January 1 , 2017 with respect to preexisting obligations (transitional).
Academia
This paragraph (d) also provides the circumstances in which special documentation rules are permitted with respect to preexisting obligations.
Academia
Paragraph (d) of this section provides documentation requirements applicable to each class of payees, including exceptions for payments made with respect to offshore obligations or preexisting obligations.
Academia
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
In addition, the status of a payment as made with respect to an offshore obligation or as a preexisting obligation will be determined based on such obligation's status in relation to the principal.
Academia
The previous sentence applies with respect to an offshore obligation that is also a preexisting obligation, except, in such case, the requirement to record whether the documentation contained U.S. indicia does not apply.
Academia
As an alternative to applying the rules in paragraphs (d)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section, a withholding agent that makes a payment with respect to a preexisting obligation may treat a payee as a U.S. person if it has a notation in its files that it has previously reviewed a Form W-9 that established that the payee is a U.S. person and has retained the payee's TIN.
Academia
Within three months it had its first new well up and running, fulfilling a preexisting obligation to prevent losing the acreage.
News & Media
(C Exception for preexisting offshore obligations.
Academia
(B Exception for preexisting offshore obligations.
Academia
When TPP membership inevitably becomes an economic imperative for those powers, the United States will have unprecedented leverage to force their compliance with their preexisting trade obligations to the U.S., and with the tougher terms of the TPP, both as conditions of TPP entry.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "preexisting obligations", ensure the context clearly establishes the point in time before which the obligations existed. This helps avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "preexisting obligations" without adequately explaining what these obligations are. Always provide enough context so the reader understands the nature and scope of these responsibilities.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "preexisting obligations" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It refers to duties or commitments that were established before a specific point in time.
Frequent in
Academia
40%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
30%
Less common in
Science
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "preexisting obligations" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that denotes duties or commitments already in place before a particular event or time. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. Though not extremely frequent, it appears across academia, news, and business contexts. When using this phrase, clarity and context are key, ensuring the reader understands the nature of the referred obligations. Consider alternatives like "existing duties" or "prior commitments" for nuanced communication.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Existing duties
Focuses on the present state of the duties, emphasizing their current existence.
Prior commitments
Highlights the chronological order, emphasizing that the commitments came before.
Previous responsibilities
Similar to prior commitments, stressing the aspect of accountability.
Established duties
Emphasizes the formal or recognized nature of the duties.
Outstanding responsibilities
Highlights the fact that responsibilities are not yet completed.
Inherent responsibilities
Suggests that the responsibilities are a natural or essential part of a role or situation.
Incumbent duties
Implies that the duties are currently binding or obligatory.
Existing liabilities
Focuses on the legal or financial aspect of the obligations.
Pre-existing agreements
Highlights the consensual and contractual nature of the obligations.
Past obligations
Emphasizes that the obligations originate in the past.
FAQs
How can I use "preexisting obligations" in a sentence?
You can use "preexisting obligations" to refer to duties or commitments that were in place before a specific event or time. For example, "The merger agreement had to account for the company's "preexisting obligations" to its suppliers."
What's a good alternative to "preexisting obligations"?
Alternatives include "existing duties", "prior commitments", or "previous responsibilities", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Are "preexisting obligations" the same as "future obligations"?
No, "preexisting obligations" refer to duties that already exist, while future obligations are those that will arise later. They are opposite in terms of time frame.
What is the scope of "preexisting obligations" in a legal context?
In a legal context, "preexisting obligations" can refer to contractual duties, legal requirements, or other responsibilities that a party already had before entering into a new agreement or undertaking a new action.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested