take on obligations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take on obligations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone assuming responsibilities that they are not currently bound to. For example, "He was willing to take on obligations to his community despite already being busy with his personal life".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

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

Forbes

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

The New York Times - Science

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

The New York Times

Ms. Schapiro, in a speech to stock traders in New York this week, said the commission was considering requiring the so-called high frequency traders to take on obligations not unlike those that specialists used to have.

The New York Times

He deems it part of the normal etiology of joint activities that the participants create mutual expectations and take on obligations to fulfill them (cf. also Alonso 2009, who elaborates a similar point using the concept of 'reliance'reliance

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"The federal government has taken on obligations that it cannot possibly handle, and it knows it," Williams says.

Forbes

All the States surveyed have taken on obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child CRCC) to ensure that all the rights within it are respected for all children in their jurisdiction "without discrimination of any kind".

Unicef

It should assure that borrowers are not taking on obligations in excess of one's reasonable ability to pay and result in a strong probability that the debt will be paid off in accordance with its terms and should advise each consumer as to his or her foreclosure risk based on an applicant's risk profile.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has definitely taken on obligations of others... whether it's financial or other kinds of obligations at the expense of himself, Nadene and the boys".

Independent

The National Housing Act of 1934 required FHA to assure that borrowers were not taking on obligations in "excess of his reasonable ability to pay".

The Guardian - Opinion

Later, she took the lead in pushing for consumer protection as an integral part of financial reform, arguing that many debt problems were created when lenders pushed borrowers into taking on obligations they didn't understand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take on obligations", ensure the context clearly defines what specific duties or responsibilities are being assumed. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "take on obligations" when describing actions that are already part of someone's inherent role or job description. Instead, reserve it for new or additional duties accepted beyond the usual scope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take on obligations" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of assuming responsibilities or duties. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used when someone accepts new responsibilities they weren't previously bound to.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take on obligations" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the acceptance of new duties or responsibilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for describing the assumption of responsibilities not previously held. It finds frequent use in news, business, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the nature of the obligations being assumed and avoid using it for tasks already within someone's existing role. Consider alternatives like "assume responsibilities" or "undertake duties" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume responsibilities

Focuses on the act of accepting duties or tasks.

undertake duties

Implies a formal acceptance and commencement of tasks.

shoulder responsibilities

Emphasizes bearing the weight of duties or burdens.

accept commitments

Highlights the agreement to fulfill certain promises or arrangements.

embrace duties

Suggests willingly accepting and welcoming responsibilities.

bear the onus

Implies carrying the burden or responsibility.

contract obligations

Focuses on legally binding agreements to perform duties.

incur liabilities

Highlights the acceptance of potential debts or legal responsibilities.

adopt responsibilities

Emphasizes choosing and integrating duties into one's role.

tackle obligations

Suggests addressing and dealing with duties proactively.

FAQs

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

You can use "take on obligations" to describe accepting new responsibilities. For example, "The company decided to "take on obligations" to reduce its carbon footprint."

What is a good alternative to "take on obligations"?

Alternatives include "assume responsibilities", "undertake duties", or "accept commitments", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to "take on obligations"?

To "take on obligations" means to accept and commit to fulfilling certain responsibilities or duties, whether they are legal, moral, or practical.

Is there a difference between "take on responsibilities" and "take on obligations"?

While similar, "take on responsibilities" is a broader term. "Take on obligations" often implies a more formal or binding commitment, whereas "take on responsibilities" can refer to more general duties.