solemn obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

'solemn obligation' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when someone is making a serious commitment, such as in a contract or an agreement. For example, "By signing this contract, I am accepting this solemn obligation to uphold all the terms and conditions stated here."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

That is our solemn obligation.

The New York Times

It is our solemn obligation.

The New York Times

It has no more solemn obligation.

The New York Times

We now take that solemn obligation.

The New York Times

They bear a solemn obligation never to abuse this power.

The New York Times

That's a solemn obligation of the federal government.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

They are reluctant to lower their sights, arguing that the goals are akin to human rights, solemn obligations that brook no compromise.

The Economist

A new "principle" — that the solemn obligations of the United States are subject to abrogation without notice by congressional ideologues — has become ever more entrenched.

The New Yorker

That same-sex couples are willing to embrace marriage's solemn obligations of exclusivity, mutual support and commitment to one another is a testament to the enduring place of marriage in our laws and in the human spirit.

The New York Times

The following year Roosevelt added this striking testimonial: "Taking your life as a whole, I think you now occupy the position of being the most respected, and venerated, and useful citizen of our country". In the present emergency it behooves every American citizen to do his duty, and to uphold the hands of the President and the Legislative department in the solemn obligations that confront us.

University of Chicago

Tuning out solemn obligations to the American people is another.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formal documents, prefer "solemn obligation" over more casual synonyms to add a tone of reverence or significance.

Common error

Avoid using "solemn obligation" for everyday tasks or minor commitments. Its gravitas is best reserved for matters of significant importance and ethical weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solemn obligation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or subject complement within a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it denotes a serious commitment or duty, lending gravitas to the statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solemn obligation" is a frequently used noun phrase that denotes a serious and binding duty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for formal contexts, particularly in news, business, and academic settings. When using this phrase, it is crucial to reserve it for situations where the commitment carries significant ethical weight. While various synonyms exist, such as "sacred duty" or "grave responsibility", the choice depends on the precise nuance one wishes to convey. Using "solemn obligation" correctly can enhance the impact of your message by underscoring the gravity and importance of the commitment at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sacred duty

Replaces "obligation" with "duty" and adds the adjective "sacred" to emphasize the moral or religious importance.

Binding commitment

Substitutes "obligation" with "commitment" and uses "binding" to highlight the legally or morally enforced nature of the agreement.

Grave responsibility

Replaces "obligation" with "responsibility" and uses "grave" to stress the seriousness and potential consequences.

Moral imperative

Substitutes "solemn obligation" with a stronger, more decisive expression, framing the duty as a moral necessity.

Unyielding responsibility

Emphasizes the steadfast and unwavering aspect of the responsibility.

Irrevocable pledge

Highlights the commitment aspect and emphasizes its unchangeable nature.

Non-negotiable duty

Implies that the duty is mandatory and not open to discussion or alteration.

Critical task

Shifts the focus from obligation to the importance and necessity of the task itself.

Essential undertaking

Replaces obligation with undertaking to emphasis on the practical aspect, describing the task as essential

Weighty charge

Charge replaces obligation shifting from a legal/ethical imperative to something one is entrusted with and its serious implications

FAQs

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

The phrase "solemn obligation" is used to emphasize the serious and binding nature of a duty. For example, "The president views protecting the nation as his "solemn obligation"."

What are some synonyms for "solemn obligation"?

Alternatives to "solemn obligation" include "sacred duty", "binding commitment", or "grave responsibility". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "solemn obligation" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "solemn obligation" is generally more suitable for formal writing or speeches due to its serious and weighty tone. Informal contexts may benefit from less formal alternatives.

What distinguishes "solemn obligation" from a regular "obligation"?

The word "solemn" adds a layer of gravity, respect, and ethical importance. A "solemn obligation" implies a deep sense of duty and a serious commitment to fulfilling it, compared to a regular obligation which might be more routine or less ethically charged.