we are morally obliged to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are morally obliged to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ethical responsibilities or duties that one feels compelled to fulfill. Example: "In situations of injustice, we are morally obliged to speak out and advocate for those who cannot defend themselves."

✓ Grammatically correct

Global Health Action

The Guardian

Huffington Post

The New York Times

The Economist

Encyclopedia Britannica

Genome Medicine

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Thus, his basic principle for global health ethics (although not termed 'global health ethics') states that: if we can prevent something bad without having to sacrifice something of equal moral importance, then we are morally obliged to act.

Global Health Action

"We are morally obliged to use this information we have to make sure we maximise outcomes for these students," he says, adding that once students paying thousands of pounds in fees realise the possibilities for their learning, they will start demanding it.

The Guardian

"This is a complex issue with no simple answer but the case for doing it is so strong and the benefits are so big that we are morally obliged to do something about it". Of course there is always the route suggested by Robert Platt, one of the animal rights protesters at the event: go vegan.

The Guardian

That climate change constitutes a crisis we are morally obliged to deal with responsibly is something that growing numbers of people -- including a small majority of Republicans (according to a recent national poll) -- acknowledge.

Huffington Post

Shabbir Motorwala, R.Ph.,C.Ph, secretary, of UHI medical clinic says, "As Muslims, we are morally obliged to come to the aid of the families who are deprived of health coverage, and we have, at the same time, to work toward reforming the system so that health coverage is extended to all those who require it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

We were morally obliged to give the institutions of the Spanish state an opportunity to engage with Catalonia's wishes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Until a sustainable peace is forged in the nation our government invaded, American citizens are morally obliged to fix our eyes, hearts and intellects on an unspeakable violence in which we, too, are enmeshed.

The New York Times

Regional politicians agree they are morally obliged to resupply the boats, and to rescue those whose vessels have capsized.

The Economist

"From the apostles to the present, the magisterium of the church has insisted that those in power are morally obliged to preference the needs of the poor.

The New York Times

Mr. Hoffman is motivated by a sense that people are morally obliged to participate in civic society, said Peter Thiel, the Silicon Valley investor and a founder of the digital payments company PayPal.

The New York Times - Tech

Regarding question (2)—Who should constitute the dēmos?—Locke believed, along with almost everyone else who had expressed an opinion on the issue, that children should not enjoy the full rights of citizenship, though he maintained that parents are morally obliged to respect their children's rights as human beings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "we are morally obliged to". It implies a significant level of commitment, so ensure it aligns with the scale of the issue or action being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "we are morally obliged to" for minor or trivial matters. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your arguments seem disproportionate to the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are morally obliged to" functions as a deontic modal expression, indicating a strong sense of moral duty or necessity. It asserts that an action is not merely recommended but ethically required. Ludwig AI examples support this interpretation, showing the phrase in contexts where actions are presented as ethical imperatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are morally obliged to" is a powerful expression used to convey a strong ethical duty or responsibility. Ludwig AI, based on its analysis of numerous sources, confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, particularly in discussions related to social issues, ethics, and advocacy. While the phrase is effective in emphasizing moral imperatives, it is important to use it judiciously and avoid overstating its significance in trivial matters. Alternatives like "we have a moral duty to" or "we are ethically bound to" can offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have a moral duty to

Replaces "are obliged" with "have a duty", emphasizing the existence of a moral imperative.

we are under a moral obligation to

Adds "under" to emphasize being subject to the moral obligation.

we are ethically bound to

Substitutes "morally" with "ethically" and "obliged" with "bound", focusing on ethical principles.

we are morally required to

Replaces "obliged" with "required", suggesting a rule-based obligation.

we are compelled by conscience to

Highlights the internal, conscience-driven nature of the obligation.

we feel it our moral responsibility to

Emphasizes the sense of responsibility in addition to obligation.

it is our ethical responsibility to

Combines ethics and responsibility, framing it as a matter of professional or personal conduct.

it is our moral imperative to

Uses "imperative" to convey a stronger sense of urgency and necessity.

morality dictates that we must

Shifts the focus to morality itself as the driving force.

we are morally responsible for

Shifts the focus to accountability and the consequences of inaction.

FAQs

How can I use "we are morally obliged to" in a sentence?

This phrase introduces actions that are considered morally necessary. For example, "We are morally obliged to assist those in need" indicates a strong ethical duty to provide help.

What's a good alternative to "we are morally obliged to"?

Alternatives include "we have a moral duty to", "we are ethically bound to", or "it is our moral imperative to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "we are morally obliged to" and "we should"?

"We are morally obliged to" implies a stronger sense of duty than "we should". The former suggests a binding ethical requirement, while the latter is a general recommendation.

When is it appropriate to use "we are morally obliged to" in writing?

Use this phrase when discussing issues of significant ethical weight, such as social justice, human rights, or environmental stewardship, where a clear moral imperative exists.