take obligations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take obligations" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where someone is accepting or assuming responsibilities or duties, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "In order to move forward with the project, we must take obligations seriously and ensure everyone is accountable."

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But now we are outside the system, and we are expected by America and Europe to take obligations without any rights.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Even so, people in society often take their obligations seriously.

The New York Times

They also take their obligations of confidentiality most seriously.

The Guardian

Developing countries refused to take on obligations, saying the north should step first.

The New York Times - Science

Unions, cities and school districts would take on obligations the state now covers.

The Washington Post

"We work hard to ensure that any promotions we make are clear and take our obligations to consumers very seriously.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Obama pushed back — gently — saying that "all the parties involved have to take seriously obligations they have previously agreed to".

The New York Times

That provision clearly limits its ability to borrow, guarantee or take on obligations of more than $30 billion.

The New York Times

I must emphasise that that does not mean that we will take those obligations any less seriously.

The Guardian

"Members take their obligations not to sell to under-age purchasers very seriously," said Mr Munro.

BBC

Trusting citizens are more willing to follow the law, pay taxes and take on obligations like fighting during wars.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take obligations", ensure the context clearly indicates an active acceptance or assumption of duties. Consider stronger alternatives like "assume responsibilities" for greater clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "take obligations" repeatedly can make your writing sound unnatural. Vary your vocabulary by using alternatives such as "assume responsibilities" or "accept duties" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take obligations" functions as a verb phrase where "take" acts as a transitive verb and "obligations" serves as its direct object. This structure indicates the act of assuming or accepting duties. Ludwig AI notes that it might sound awkward in some contexts and suggests stronger alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take obligations" refers to the act of assuming duties or responsibilities. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI suggests that it's not always the most natural phrasing and that alternatives like "assume responsibilities" might be preferable. It appears most frequently in news, formal business writing and legal content, indicating a more formal or professional register. When writing, consider whether a stronger, more common alternative might better convey your intended meaning. Though infrequent, the phrase is acceptable, use it when appropriate and when other options do not fit your use case. Be mindful and consider the source to ensure your writing style suits the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume responsibilities

Emphasizes the act of accepting duties and being accountable.

accept responsibilities

Highlights the act of willingly receiving duties.

assume duties

Focuses on the act of taking on specific responsibilities.

shoulder responsibilities

Suggests bearing the weight of duties.

fulfil duties

Stresses the completion of assigned tasks and responsibilities.

undertake commitments

Focuses on engaging in specific promises or agreements.

discharge responsibilities

Focuses on carrying out duties effectively and completely.

embrace duties

Implies a welcoming and enthusiastic acceptance of responsibilities.

honour commitments

Emphasizes fulfilling promises and agreements.

bear burdens

Highlights the challenging aspect of taking on difficult obligations.

FAQs

How can I use "take obligations" in a sentence?

You can use "take obligations" to describe accepting duties or responsibilities. For example: "The company must take obligations to ensure ethical practices are followed."

What's a more common way to say "take obligations"?

More common alternatives include "assume responsibilities", "accept duties", or "shoulder responsibilities" depending on the context.

Is "take obligations" formal or informal?

"Take obligations" is relatively neutral, but leaning toward the more formal side. For a more informal phrase, you might say "step up" or "handle responsibilities".

What's the difference between "take obligations" and "take responsibility"?

"Take obligations" usually refers to specific duties or commitments, whereas "take responsibility" implies accepting accountability for actions or outcomes.