substantive obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

'substantive obligation' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a binding or meaningful obligation, one that carries a certain weight and importance. For example, "The substantive obligation to pay taxes is a requirement for all citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A new French law creates a substantive obligation for some French companies to monitor subsidiaries and suppliers to prevent grave violations of human rights and basic liberties.

Columbia University

"You don't have to name a solicitor". The trouble is that the forms are 14 pages long, and include questions like: "Please describe why you consider there is an arguable breach of substantive obligation".

The Guardian

Contractual good faith, by contrast, expressly announces no substantive obligation additional to the terms of a contractual promise but instead articulates respect for the terms of this promise.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The EU Parliament clearly meant for mutagenetic organisms to be GMOs, the court reasoned, because it then exempted some of them from the substantive obligations of the Directive.

Cornell University

The examples reach from industry self-regulation, via the growing number of financial and non-financial disclosure laws, to mandatory, substantive obligations.

Columbia University

Speaking at the Law Society, Justice Albie Sachs of the South African supreme court reminded us that incorporated socioeconomic rights do not impose immediate substantive obligations but instead require progressive realisation – year on year securing higher standards for more and more people.

The Guardian - Opinion

An example of public regulation that includes substantive obligations is the 2013 India CSR law, which mandates corporate donations of 2percentt of profits to a defined list of causes designated as CSR.

Columbia University

The judges ruled that Georgia and Russia "did not engage in negotiations with respect to the latter's compliance with its substantive obligations under CERD".

BBC

The recent demise of "sue and settle"—the practice of federal agencies readily settling activists' citizen suits in such a manner that imposes substantive legal obligations on regulated entities has been a positive victory for administrative accountability and the rule of law.

Forbes

Entities will need to expend considerable resources to determine which rules cover their operations and to ensure compliance with the substantive and reporting obligations.

Harvard University

The guidelines selected include the most comprehensive documents on the substantive rights and obligations to protect the child patient's vulnerability.

BMC Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantive obligation", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific area or domain to which the obligation applies. For instance, specify whether it relates to legal, ethical, or contractual duties.

Common error

Avoid using "substantive obligation" when a simpler term like "duty" or "requirement" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound pretentious or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantive obligation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant duty or responsibility. It combines the adjective "substantive", indicating importance, with the noun "obligation", denoting a binding requirement. Ludwig AI suggests this term is used to describe mandates that must be seriously considered.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantive obligation" is a grammatically correct phrase that signifies a significant duty or responsibility. While less frequent in general usage, it appears predominantly in academic, news, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context underscores the weight and importance of the obligation, and avoid overusing it in informal settings. Consider alternatives like "material duty" or "significant responsibility" to achieve different nuances. Despite its correct usage, be aware of the potential for overstating the importance, and prefer simpler terms when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

material duty

Replaces "obligation" with "duty", implying a moral or ethical imperative.

significant responsibility

Substitutes "obligation" with "responsibility", focusing on accountability.

considerable onus

Uses "onus" to emphasize the burden or weight of the obligation.

noteworthy commitment

Replaces both words, highlighting the importance and dedication involved.

meaningful requirement

Emphasizes the importance of the requirement, instead of the obligation.

core responsibility

Indicates the obligation is central or essential.

key duty

Highlights the importance of the duty in question.

critical undertaking

Implies a task or project that must be done.

primary burden

Focuses on the weight and importance of the obligation as a load to bear.

real accountability

Highlights the genuine and tangible nature of the responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantive obligation" to describe a significant duty or requirement. For example: "The company has a "substantive obligation" to protect its employees' data."

What is the difference between "substantive obligation" and "legal obligation"?

"Substantive obligation" refers to a significant or meaningful duty, while "legal obligation" specifically refers to a duty enforced by law. A substantive obligation might not always be legally binding, but it carries significant weight.

What are some alternatives to "substantive obligation"?

Alternatives include "material duty", "significant responsibility", or "considerable onus". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "substantive obligation" in formal writing?

Yes, "substantive obligation" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in legal, academic, or business contexts where precision and weight are important. However, ensure that the term is justified and not overly formal for the situation.