we are obligated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we are obligated' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a certain duty or responsibility that you are required to fulfill. For example, "As a responsible citizen, we are obligated to follow the laws of our country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On this view, our agent-relative obligations and permissions have as their content certain kinds of actions: we are obligated not to kill innocents for example.

SEP

"We are obligated to confront crime.

The New York Times - Magazine

We are obligated to treat them with no other distinction.

Stanford University

There's something not happening in Bridgeport, which we are obligated not to ignore".

The New York Times

As prosecutors, we are obligated to uphold justice long after we obtain a conviction.

The New York Times

"Once charges of this nature have been raised, we are obligated to review the matter".

The New York Times - Sports

"They are asking for more than we are obligated to deliver," he said.

The New York Times

We are obligated to tell people not just where to go, but what to order".

The New York Times - Food

It needs a lot more study, but we are obligated to pursue this".

The New York Times - Sports

When we are asked to talk, we are obligated to do it, pushing aside doubts.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If the facts require us to initiate removing the president, we are obligated to do it.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are obligated", clearly state the source of the obligation, whether it's a legal requirement, a moral principle, or a contractual agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "we are obligated" when expressing a preference or suggestion, as it implies a stronger sense of duty than intended. Instead, use phrases like "we should consider" or "it would be beneficial to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are obligated" functions as a declarative statement expressing a sense of duty, responsibility, or legal requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used to indicate that an action is not merely optional, but required. Examples provided by Ludwig show it used in legal, ethical, and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are obligated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a strong sense of duty or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It's essential to use this phrase when you want to convey a sense of necessity rooted in legal, ethical, or contractual commitments. While versatile, remember that "we are obligated" is generally Neutral to Formal. Ensure your writing clearly identifies the source of the obligation to avoid ambiguity. While the phrase is very common across various sources, its usage is most prominent in news media, scientific publications and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are under an obligation to

Expands the original phrase to explicitly state being "under an obligation".

we have a duty to

Replaces "are obligated" with "have a duty", focusing on the sense of moral or ethical imperative.

we are required to

Substitutes "obligated" with "required", highlighting a formal or legal necessity.

we are bound to

Uses "bound" instead of "obligated", suggesting a contractual or unavoidable commitment.

it is our responsibility to

Rephrases as a "responsibility", emphasizing accountability and ownership.

we must

A shorter, more direct way of expressing obligation or necessity.

we are compelled to

Replaces "obligated" with "compelled", suggesting an external force or pressure.

we are morally bound to

Adds "morally" to specify the ethical nature of the obligation.

we are duty-bound to

Combines "duty" and "bound" for a stronger emphasis on commitment.

it is incumbent upon us to

A more formal way of expressing responsibility or duty.

FAQs

How can I use "we are obligated" in a sentence?

Use "we are obligated" to express a strong sense of duty or requirement. For example, "As citizens, "we are obligated" to follow the laws of the land".

What are some alternatives to "we are obligated"?

Alternatives include "we are required to", "we have a duty to", or "we must", depending on the context and the strength of the obligation.

Is it correct to say "we are obligated to"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "we are obligated to" is widely used to indicate a duty or responsibility to perform a specific action.

What's the difference between "we are obligated to" and "we should"?

"We are obligated to" implies a stronger, often legally or morally binding duty, while "we should" suggests a recommendation or suggestion. The first indicates a requirement, while the second indicates advisability.