we are obliged to

USAGE SUMMARY

"we are obliged to" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that you or someone else is duty-bound by an external factor to do something. For example, "We are obliged to follow the traffic laws of the state in which we are driving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are obliged to stay".

The Guardian

We are obliged to accept their wishes".

The Guardian

We are obliged to remain very, very humane".

The New Yorker

In their name, we are obliged to rebuild.

The Economist

I don't feel we are obliged to promote a book".

The New York Times

"We are obliged to start a scandal now".

The New York Times

"We are obliged to follow the law," Ms. Kreisher said.

The New York Times

We are obliged to be against it together".

The Guardian

Before that we are obliged to analyze the solvability of such equations.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

For the umpteenth time, we are obliged to ask what this suggests and whether it matters.

The Washington Post

It's unshakeable, and we are obliged to live with it in this era when television rules.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are obliged to", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the obligation, whether it's a law, contract, moral principle, or social expectation. This adds clarity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

While "we are obliged to" is grammatically sound, avoid using it in overly casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "we have to" or "we need to" often sound more natural and less formal in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are obliged to" functions as a modal expression indicating a sense of duty, necessity, or requirement. It expresses that the subject is bound by an external factor, such as law, morality, or contract, to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are obliged to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys a sense of duty or requirement. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this expression is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports and scientific publications to formal business communications. While direct and effective, it's important to consider the formality of the situation, as simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for casual conversations. Understanding the subtle nuances and implications of its use allows for clearer and more impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are compelled to

Suggests a strong external force or circumstance necessitates the action; carries a slightly stronger sense of imposition.

we are required to

Indicates a formal requirement, often by a rule or law; emphasizes the mandatory aspect.

we are duty-bound to

Highlights the moral or ethical aspect of the obligation; emphasizes a sense of responsibility.

we have a duty to

Focuses on the existence of a responsibility or commitment.

we are bound to

Implies a commitment or agreement that creates the obligation.

we must

Expresses a strong necessity or requirement, often implying urgency or importance.

it is our responsibility to

Highlights the role and accountability in performing the action.

we are under an obligation to

Formally states the existence of a binding requirement.

we are morally obligated to

Emphasizes the ethical dimension of the obligation; focuses on moral principles.

we are expected to

Indicates an anticipation or expectation from others to perform the action.

FAQs

What does "we are obliged to" mean?

The phrase "we are obliged to" means that someone or a group has a duty or responsibility to do something, often due to a law, contract, moral principle, or other binding factor.

What can I say instead of "we are obliged to"?

You can use alternatives like "we are required to", "we must", or "we have a duty to", depending on the context.

Is "we are obligated to" the same as "we are obliged to"?

Yes, "we are obligated to" is a synonym for "we are obliged to". Both phrases express a sense of duty or requirement, and they can often be used interchangeably.

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

Use "we are obliged to" to indicate a sense of duty or requirement, for example: "As citizens, "we are obliged to" follow the law." The phrase introduces the action that must be taken due to an external obligation.