under no obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

"under no obligation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means that someone is not required or expected to do something. One can use this phrase when discussing a situation where someone has no duty or responsibility to do something. For example: "I am under no obligation to attend the meeting since it was not specified in my contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She feels under no obligation to say.

The Economist

They're under no obligation to do so.

The Guardian

You are under no obligation whatever to keep investors informed.

The New York Times

Of course, you are under no obligation to include her.

The New York Times

"He's under no obligation to reveal anything," he said.

The New York Times

Voters are under no obligation to be so gullible.

The Economist

"You're under no obligation to reveal it at all".

The New York Times

But he is under no obligation to do so.

The New York Times

He told me, "We're under no obligation to pass anything".

The New Yorker

I was under no obligation to go any further.

The Guardian - Sport

"We're under no obligation to sell," he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using "not obligated to" as a slightly more formal alternative to "under no obligation".

Common error

Avoid assuming that "under no obligation" implies a lack of any ethical consideration. While a person may not be legally bound, ethical considerations may still apply.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under no obligation" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the absence of any duty or requirement. Ludwig examples show its common use in legal, ethical, and social contexts to clarify one's freedom from coercion or mandated action. It is a common way to politely emphasize that someone has a choice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

18%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under no obligation" is a versatile phrase that clearly indicates the absence of a requirement or duty. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression. Its primary contexts span across news, science, and general writing, suggesting its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the action from which the subject is free. While "under no obligation" is a strong statement, remember that ethical considerations may still apply even in the absence of legal or formal duties. Consider alternatives like "not required to" or "not obligated to" for variety. Always remember: while someone is under no obligation, they are free to choose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not required to

Focuses on the absence of a formal requirement.

not obligated to

A more formal synonym, highlighting the lack of a formal obligation.

not bound to

Emphasizes the lack of a binding agreement or commitment.

not compelled to

Highlights the absence of force or pressure to act.

not duty-bound to

Specifically refers to the absence of a moral or professional duty.

at liberty to decline

Indicates freedom to refuse without consequence.

have no responsibility to

Directly states the absence of a responsibility.

need not

A concise way to express the lack of necessity.

not forced to

Highlights the lack of coercion.

free from any duty to

Explains that there is no pre-existing duty.

FAQs

How to use "under no obligation" in a sentence?

Use "under no obligation" to indicate someone is not required to do something. For example, "You are under no obligation to accept their offer if you find it unsuitable."

What can I say instead of "under no obligation"?

You can use alternatives like "not required to", "not obligated to", or "not bound to depending on the context".

Which is correct, "under no obligation" or "with no obligation"?

"Under no obligation" is the more common and grammatically standard phrasing. "With no obligation" is less frequently used and can sound awkward in some contexts.

What's the difference between "under no obligation" and "no pressure"?

"Under no obligation" implies a lack of formal or legal requirement, whereas "no pressure" suggests the absence of social or emotional pressure. They address different types of constraints.