How to differentiate between ‘obliged’ and ‘obligated’?

While enhancing your English skills, there is something deep and subjective that you need to focus. If you dissect any of the statement which essentially expresses one’s opinions and thoughts into a series of words, you can see something new. The new thing is nothing but each words having a separate note or meaning and yet dependent on each other to allocate a message in particular. The article is framed exactly for dissecting each word and how you can differentiate between similar kind of words giving a different message altogether taking an example of the words ‘obliged’ and ‘obligated’.

EngConvo, one of the best online spoken English course giving website in India have initiated myriads of way to bring Infront of your knowledge this kind of words or vocabulary and the messages that change slightly with the use of these words.

To differentiate between the two words ‘obliged’ and ‘obligated’ you have to know the difference in meaning each has.

Obligated means morally or legally bound to do something whereas obliged refers to a sense of gratitude which is a result of some previous service or favour.

When someone is compelled by law:  If you are compelled to do something under the pressure of law in most of the cases, might not have any interest to do that because it may not be favouring you in any way so you would likely use the word obligated in this regard.

For example, I am obligated to apply for a visa to travel to Europe.

Or, you are obligated to pay the restaurant bill of five hundred rupees.

When someone wishes to express the moral force:  if you are compelled to or forced to do something morally, still you might not have that interest or thought for that. Under such circumstances, the word obligated is used.

Take an example of, He belongs to a rich family therefore I felt obligated to give him an expensive gift.

Another example can be, The food served in the ceremony was very bad but I was obligated to eat.

When someone wishes to express the gratitude for someone who had been helpful or has rendered service: if you are very pleased with someone’s service or behaviour or maybe received enormous help, you are likely to use the word oblige. Here, your words or message are coming from within describing your inner interest or thought in saying so.

Examples to show this: A) I am obliged at your early completion of the work. It is outstanding.

                                           B)  Your help with my Spoken English preparation obliged me.

Now you can see how two similar words don’t necessarily have identical meaning or message. So you have to take requisite measures to dissect and critical look into the detailed understanding of each word present in English vocabulary and use it accordingly. As suggested by the experts of EngConvo, one of the best online Spoken English site, this is exactly how you will be able to ace at your English skills.

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