recurring obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recurring obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a duty or responsibility that happens repeatedly over time. Example: "As part of the contract, there is a recurring obligation to submit monthly reports."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As the Briton recently recalled, he began by asking Holst, "What the fuck were you thinking?" Zoo directors in the United States and Europe have a recurring obligation, largely unknown to people who run art galleries and amusement parks, to explain to the public that their institutions deserve to exist, and aren't sad, and will still exist in thirty years.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Federal debt is high despite the limit because lawmakers repeatedly enter into expensive and recurring obligations without a plan to pay for them — in recent years that includes two wars, the George W. Bush-era tax cuts and the Medicare drug benefit.

The New York Times

Lawmakers from both parties said they would pay close attention to the cost of new federal subsidies for health coverage because these subsidies — unlike the one-time bailouts for banks and other financial institutions — would be recurring federal obligations for years to come.

The New York Times

One consequence of its recurring need to defend its existence and its citizens is a near-universal obligation of military service.

Huffington Post

"Our recurring losses from operations, stockholders' deficit and inability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our obligations and sustain our operations raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern," G.M. said in its filing.

The New York Times

"Our recurring losses from operations, stockholders' deficit and inability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our obligations and sustain our operations raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern," G.M. said in the filing.

The New York Times

Deloitte & Touche attributed its warning to recurring losses from operations, stockholders' deficit and an inability to generate enough cash to meet its obligations.

Forbes

Deloitte & Touche attributed its warning to General Motors on to recurring losses from operations, stockholders' deficit and an inability to generate enough cash to meet its obligations.

Forbes

While the report did not come as a surprise, auditors attributed the warning to GM’s recurring losses from operations, stockholders' deficit and an inability to generate enough cash to meet its obligations.

Forbes

The recurring theme?

The Guardian - Sport

c) Recurring motifs.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing business or legal contracts, use "recurring obligation" to clearly state ongoing responsibilities, ensuring all parties understand their long-term commitments.

Common error

Avoid using "recurring obligation" when referring to a single, isolated task. This phrase indicates a duty that occurs repeatedly, not a one-off event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recurring obligation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a duty or responsibility that is not a one-time event but occurs repeatedly, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recurring obligation" refers to a duty or responsibility that occurs repeatedly over time. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts such as business, legal, or academic settings. While not a very common phrase, understanding its meaning and appropriate usage ensures clarity when defining continuous responsibilities. Alternatives include "ongoing responsibility" or "regular commitment", depending on the specific emphasis needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ongoing responsibility

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the responsibility, shifting focus from the recurrence to the sustained commitment.

repeated duty

Highlights the repetitive aspect of the duty, using a more direct and simple term.

regular commitment

Focuses on the commitment aspect, indicating a consistent and scheduled dedication.

periodic requirement

Emphasizes the scheduled or timed nature of the requirement.

standing order

Implies a more formal and established arrangement, often used in business contexts.

continuing liability

Suggests a legal or financial responsibility that persists over time.

perpetual task

Highlights the never-ending or indefinite nature of the task.

habitual practice

Suggests a routine or custom that is regularly performed, less formal than "obligation".

consistent demand

Focuses on the constant need or expectation, rather than a formal duty.

successive burden

Emphasizes the weight or difficulty of the obligation as it repeats.

FAQs

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

You can use "recurring obligation" to describe a duty or responsibility that happens repeatedly over time. For example: "Submitting monthly reports is a "recurring obligation" for this role".

What are some alternatives to saying "recurring obligation"?

Alternatives include "ongoing responsibility", "repeated duty", or "regular commitment", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the continuous duty.

Is there a difference between "recurring obligation" and "standing order"?

"Recurring obligation" generally refers to any duty or responsibility that must be performed repeatedly, while "standing order" often implies a more formalized or established arrangement, particularly in business or organizational settings.

When is it appropriate to use the term "recurring obligation"?

Use "recurring obligation" when you want to clearly emphasize that a duty or responsibility is not a one-time event, but rather something that is expected to be performed regularly and consistently. Consider using "ongoing responsibility" when looking for something more conversational.