smaller obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smaller obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a duty or responsibility that is less significant or demanding compared to another obligation. Example: "In this project, I have a smaller obligation compared to my colleagues, allowing me to focus on other tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The changes result from allowing some additional lofts and cavity walls in low-income areas to become eligible for the new, smaller, obligation scheme called Eco (energy company obligation).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But while Olive was willing to be defined by whoever claimed to love her, Ronnie was a five-star con man endowed with the unfortunate gift of awakening love in men and women equally without feeling the smallest obligation to return it.

The New Yorker

After all, as Lord Clyde observed, in a 1929 British tax case: "No man in the country is under the smallest obligation, moral or other, so to arrange his legal relations to his business or property as to enable the Inland Revenue to put the largest possible shovel in his stores".

The New York Times

He has no small obligation to me, but being called in some of the foolish printed papers 'the famous Captain Benbow', I suppose has put him a little out of himself, and has made him play the fool, as I guess, in some of his letters.

Wikipedia

Taken alone, each item on your to-do list may not be a big source of stress, but the compilation of a lot of small obligations can end up being an anxiety-inducing burden.

WikiHow

Along the way, we can expect state governments to threaten and bluff their way toward a smaller Medicaid obligation.

The New York Times

To call men of smaller official obligations, carried out in the face of intimidation, heroes is, perhaps, to change the meaning of what we mean by heroism.

The New Yorker

By 2005, however, the trust's assets were smaller than its obligations.

The New York Times

It seems a shame he doesn't feel the same small sense of obligation.

The Guardian - Opinion

You don't want to own a very, very small, local, general obligation credit where you may have an overconcentration in one taxpayer.

Forbes

In these cases, Countrywide makes the exact opposite argument: because the loans were made fraudulently, the smaller companies have an obligation to buy them back.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "smaller obligation", ensure the context clearly defines what the larger or original obligation is for comparison. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "smaller obligation" without specifying the area or duty to which it applies. Being specific makes your writing more precise and prevents misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller obligation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "smaller" modifies the noun "obligation". This indicates a duty or responsibility that is reduced in scope or significance. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smaller obligation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a duty or responsibility that is less significant in scope, size, or importance than another. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is appropriate for use in written English. It is frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, indicating its versatility across various registers. When using this phrase, it's important to provide clear context to define the larger or original obligation for effective comparison and to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "lesser responsibility" or "reduced commitment" can be considered for semantic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lesser responsibility

Emphasizes the reduced level of duty involved.

reduced commitment

Focuses on the decreased level of engagement required.

minor duty

Highlights the insignificance of the task.

limited liability

Stresses the restricted scope of responsibility.

lighter burden

Implies that the task is less demanding.

minimal requirement

Indicates the least amount needed to fulfill a task.

easier commitment

Underlines the simplicity or reduced effort needed.

downsized responsibility

Suggests that the obligation has been made smaller.

relaxed expectation

Emphasizes less stringent demands.

attenuated duty

Focuses on the reduced intensity of the obligation.

FAQs

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

You can use "smaller obligation" to describe a duty or responsibility that is less significant compared to another. For example: "In this project, I have a smaller obligation compared to my colleagues, allowing me to focus on other tasks."

What are some alternatives to "smaller obligation"?

Some alternatives include "lesser responsibility", "reduced commitment", or "minor duty", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "smaller obligation"?

Yes, "smaller obligation" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a duty or responsibility that is less significant than another.

What's the difference between "smaller obligation" and "lesser obligation"?

While both phrases are similar, "smaller obligation" often implies a reduced size or scope of the duty, whereas "lesser obligation" might suggest a lower level of importance or significance.