serious obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a commitment or duty that requires significant attention or effort. Example: "As a parent, I feel a serious obligation to provide for my children's education and well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Lamont feels it has a serious obligation to take its work before the community.

The New York Times

Every union steward knows this is a serious obligation, and nonmembers have successfully sued unions when they have not been given the equal (and sometimes very expensive) representation.

The New York Times

Our first vice presidents, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, felt a serious obligation to resolve the ties and tangles of an evenly divided Senate, and they would not have shrunk from such a challenge.

The New York Times

"I agree that they have a very serious obligation to provide the best available evidence, and it is of course concerning that some are taking to social media in order to express a position not backed by science".

The Guardian

But the unstated theme, to the Northern Alliance and others factions, was unmistakable: You've inherited a serious obligation not to let this latest chance at popular government slip away.

The New York Times

In a voluntary document, the "as appropriate" phrase allows even more leeway to governments and organizations to wiggle out of any serious obligation that they might feel impinges on its governance authority or budgetary decisions regardless of the importance of the DRR-related obligations spelled out in SFDRR to protect at-risk people, cultures, and regions in a given country.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Habeas imposes serious obligations to treat prisoners fairly.

The New York Times

Likewise, the blinkered Charters and Caldicott won't let more serious obligations stand in the way of getting back to England to see the test match at Old Trafford.

The Guardian - Film

Leiter asks: "The central puzzle in this book is why the state should have to tolerate exemptions from generally applicable laws when they conflict with religious obligations but not with any other equally serious obligations of conscience".

The New York Times

In an interview last week intended to give Mr. Bloomberg a platform to describe his first 100 days, he expressed frustration with the endless litany of ceremonial duties that he said distracted him from more serious obligations.

The New York Times

20 OBITUARIES 35 NEW YORK/REGION 29-33 Frustrated by the Pomp Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said that he was surprised by the burden of ceremonial duties, which distracted him from more serious obligations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious obligation" when discussing duties arising from professional or legal commitments, underlining the need for diligent adherence.

Common error

Avoid using "serious obligation" in casual or informal settings. It can sound overly formal or dramatic. Opt for simpler terms like "responsibility" or "duty" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious obligation" functions as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "obligation". It typically identifies a significant duty or responsibility. As Ludwig AI shows, this construction is often used in contexts where emphasizing the importance of a duty is paramount.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious obligation" is a noun phrase used to denote a significant and weighty duty or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and identifies its prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While interchangeable with alternatives like "significant duty" or "grave responsibility", it is crucial to avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler terms suffice. Its formal tone emphasizes the importance of commitments, underlining its suitability for professional or ethical discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant duty

Focuses on the importance of the duty.

weighty responsibility

Emphasizes the burden and importance of the responsibility.

grave responsibility

Highlights the seriousness and potential consequences of the responsibility.

solemn duty

Emphasizes the formal or moral character of the duty.

vital commitment

Stresses the essential nature of the commitment.

critical liability

Focuses on the potential legal or ethical consequences.

paramount accountability

Highlights the supreme importance of being accountable.

pressing mandate

Emphasizes the urgency and authority behind the obligation.

stringent requirement

Focuses on the strictness and necessity of the obligation.

critical requirement

Stresses the essential need for something.

FAQs

What does "serious obligation" mean?

A "serious obligation" refers to a significant duty or responsibility that carries considerable weight and importance. It implies a commitment that should not be taken lightly.

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

You might say, "The company has a "serious obligation" to protect its employees' safety," or "Citizens have a "serious obligation" to participate in democratic processes."

What can I say instead of "serious obligation"?

You can use alternatives like "significant duty", "weighty responsibility", or "grave responsibility" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "serious obligation" and "legal obligation"?

"Serious obligation" is broader and can refer to moral or ethical duties, whereas "legal obligation" refers specifically to duties mandated by law. A legal obligation is always a serious one, but a serious obligation isn't always a legal one.