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Prepositions with nouns

Obligation with prepositions

The noun obligation most naturally appears with under and to-related structures such as obligation to do something. Other prepositions may express condition or manner.

Quick answer

Which prepositions go with obligation?

Under obligation and obligation to are the most common patterns. By obligation is uncommon in standard English. With, without, and of usually introduce additional information rather than fixed combinations.

I am under obligation to report the issue.
They have an obligation to pay on time.
She acted without obligation to continue the project.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
under obligation to + verb

Showing duty or requirement

Under obligation means required or morally bound to do something.

Employees are under obligation to follow safety rules.
2
obligation to + verb

Showing responsibility

Obligation to introduces a duty or responsibility.

Parents have an obligation to protect their children.
3
without obligation

Showing absence of duty

Without obligation means no duty or commitment exists.

You may cancel without obligation during the trial period.
4
obligation of + person/group

Showing whose duty it is

Of can identify the person or group connected to the duty.

It is the obligation of the tenant to maintain the garden.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
under obligation
We are under obligation to disclose the data.
required or bound to act
obligation of
The obligation of employers is clearly stated.
shows whose duty it is
without obligation
Customers can request advice without obligation.
with no commitment required
by obligation
He acted by obligation rather than enthusiasm.
possible but uncommon; more natural choices are out of obligation or under obligation

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using by obligation as the main pattern

This wording is uncommon in standard English.

✕ She stayed by obligation. ✓ She stayed out of obligation.

Missing to after obligation

Use obligation to before a verb.

✕ They have an obligation pay taxes. ✓ They have an obligation to pay taxes.

Confusing under obligation and with obligation

Under obligation is the standard fixed phrase.

✕ I am with obligation to respond. ✓ I am under obligation to respond.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The company is under obligation ___ provide accurate records.
2. You can leave the meeting without ___.
3. It is the obligation ___ every driver to obey traffic laws.

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Frequently asked questions

Can obligation be followed by to?

Yes. Obligation to plus a verb is very common.

Is under obligation formal?

It is slightly formal but common in legal, business, and official contexts.

Is by obligation natural English?

It is uncommon. Speakers usually say out of obligation or under obligation.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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