underlying obligation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underlying obligation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing a fundamental duty or responsibility that exists beneath the surface of a situation or agreement. Example: "The contract outlines the terms, but the underlying obligation to act in good faith remains paramount."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In this context, it can be argued that the underlying obligation to work, as an expression of fairness in social cooperation, does not in fact hold for those citizens who suffer unfair disadvantage (Shelby 2007, develops this argument in a discussion of the obligations and duties of the ghetto poor in the United States).

SEP

The person holding only the deed of trust will never experience default because only the holder of the note is entitled to payment of the underlying obligation.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Although there are worries about underlying obligations that are not counted, such as unfunded public-service pensions, these do not enjoy the same degree of formal government backing as gilts.As for the notion that Britain is a bigger Iceland, whose currency crashed along with its banks, this misses several points.

The Economist

But if such psychological connections are supposed to underlie obligations to take special care of those to whom I bear such connections, then it follows that my strongest special obligations are to myself, and so I am morally obligated to give special weight to my own interests.

SEP

Crucially, the Treasury determined the dates of the cycle, which proved conveniently elastic pushing its starting-point back to encompass more of the good years as the public finances got worse.But if the golden rule could be fudged for a while, a breach in the debt rule proved more difficult to disguise, even though Mr Brown did his best to keep underlying public obligations off the books.

The Economist

Scanlon's theory is taxonomically interesting, in that while he adopts an expectational theory of promissory obligation, his underlying normative theory is straightforwardly contractualist.

SEP

There is also the option of physical, rather than cash, trade settlement, in which the underlying bond or reference obligation actually changes hands, from buyer of protection to seller of protection.

Forbes

But in 2007, Goldman began to mark down the value of the supersenior collateralized debt obligations that were underlying credit-default swap agreements with A.I.G.

The New York Times

Warner Bros. did not like the script because of the similar underlying themes with Bruce Wayne's obligations of heroism found in Batman Forever.

Wikipedia

For, unlike the method of paraphrase, the philosopher is under no obligation to provide the underlying truths in order to acquit herself of the prima facie commitments.

SEP

The above survey divides theories of promissory obligation along the lines of the underlying moral theory, and this is a useful taxonomical approach given that promissory obligations are to be explained as a type of moral obligation.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "underlying obligation", ensure the context clearly establishes what this obligation stems from. For example, specify the contract, ethical principle, or social norm that creates the duty.

Common error

Avoid using "underlying obligation" without making clear what specifically the obligation is. Vague references can confuse the reader; be precise about the source and nature of the duty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying obligation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a fundamental duty or responsibility that may not be immediately obvious but is crucial to a situation or agreement. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

34%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underlying obligation" refers to a fundamental, often unspoken, duty or responsibility. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage, though it appears infrequently. It is most commonly found in science, news media and business contexts, and it’s important to make clear what specifically that obligation is. Related phrases include "fundamental duty" and "basic responsibility". The phrase is generally neutral in tone, making it suitable for various forms of communication. To ensure clarity, be specific about the source of the obligation to prevent confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental duty

Focuses on the core, essential nature of the obligation.

basic responsibility

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the responsibility.

primary commitment

Highlights the importance and priority of the obligation.

essential task

Shifts the focus to a necessary action or duty.

core requirement

Stresses the indispensable nature of the obligation.

implicit duty

Suggests that the duty is understood but not explicitly stated.

inherent responsibility

Indicates that the responsibility is naturally or intrinsically part of something.

foundational commitment

Highlights the basis upon which other commitments are built.

root liability

Emphasizes the origin of the obligation in terms of liability.

deep-seated responsibility

Indicates a long-standing and firmly established responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "underlying obligation" to refer to a fundamental duty or responsibility that exists implicitly within a situation. For example: "Despite the explicit terms, the "underlying obligation" to act in good faith remains paramount."

What phrases are similar to "underlying obligation"?

Similar phrases include "fundamental duty", "basic responsibility", or "primary commitment". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "underlying obligation" and "implied obligation"?

"Underlying obligation" refers to a fundamental duty that supports a system or agreement. "Implied obligation" refers to a duty suggested by the circumstances but not explicitly stated. They are similar but "underlying obligation" is usually more fundamental.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state the "underlying obligation"?

While not always necessary, it's often helpful to clarify the source and nature of the "underlying obligation", especially in formal contexts, to avoid ambiguity and ensure shared understanding.