Cool MateObligation vs We have a responsibility
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Obligation
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
We have a responsibility
Top 2,000 (common)
| Obligation | We have a responsibility | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɒblɪˈɡeɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɑːblɪˈɡeɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //wiː hæv ə rɪˌspɒnsɪˈbɪləti//🇺🇸 //wi hæv ə rɪˌspɑnsəˈbɪlɪti// |
| Meaning | Something you must do; a duty or responsibility. | It is our duty to do something. |
| Example | She felt a strong obligation to help her friends in need. | As citizens, we have a responsibility to vote. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | contractual, legal, statutory, carry out, discharge, fulfil/fulfill, arise from something, under an obligation, without obligation, obligation of, contractual, legal, statutory, carry out, discharge, fulfil/fulfill, arise from something, under an obligation, without obligation, obligation of | have a duty, take responsibility, share responsibility |
| Antonyms | freedom, option, choice | irresponsibility, carelessness |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'obligated' — remember 'obligation' is the noun., Using 'obligation' with incorrect prepositions — typically used with 'to' (e.g., obligation to pay)., Overusing in casual speech — more common in formal contexts. | Using 'responsibilities' in place of 'responsibility' when referring to a single obligation., Misplacing emphasis, leading to misunderstanding of the duty., Using 'have' incorrectly, e.g., 'we are responsibility' instead of 'we have a responsibility'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'obligation' in both formal and informal contexts when discussing responsibilities or duties. It's appropriate in legal, academic, or personal situations but less common in casual conversations. | This phrase is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts when discussing duties or obligations. Avoid slang contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Obligation vs We have a responsibility
What's the difference between Obligation and We have a responsibility?
Obligation: Something you must do; a duty or responsibility. We have a responsibility: It is our duty to do something.
Can you show an example of each?
Obligation: She felt a strong obligation to help her friends in need. We have a responsibility: As citizens, we have a responsibility to vote.
Can I use Obligation and We have a responsibility interchangeably?
Not always. Obligation and We have a responsibility are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.