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I felt obliged vs I feel obliged

The phrases are both acceptable, but they would be used in dissimilar contexts. 'I felt obliged' is used when referring to a past situation where you felt obligated to do something. 'I feel obliged' is used when expressing a current feeling of obligation or gratitude.
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Explained by Gregg
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Last updated: March 27, 2025 • 5365 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a past situation where you felt obligated to do something.

"I felt obliged"

This phrase is used to express a feeling of obligation in the past. It indicates that at a specific moment in the past, you felt compelled to do something.

Examples:

  • I felt obliged to help her when she was in need.
  • He felt obliged to apologize for his mistake.
  • Definitions. to feel obligated to do ⇒ It was raining, so I felt obliged to invite him into the house. See obliged (sense 1). Comments. Log in to comment on this ...
  • He looked at me so blankly that I felt obliged to explain. Be Careful! You do not use oblige in impersonal structures. You do not say, for example, 'He looked at ...
  • I felt obliged to give the best of myself · I would be obliged if you · I'm much obliged! legally obliged · morally obliged · much obliged if you could reply quickly
  • I am trying to say. I felt obliged to give the best of myself to bennifit other people in french...(contexte : talking about group work) je me suis senti obligé de donner ...

Alternatives:

  • I was obliged
  • I had to
  • I was compelled

This phrase is correct and commonly used when expressing a current feeling of obligation or gratitude.

"I feel obliged"

This phrase is used to express a feeling of obligation or gratitude in the present. It indicates that you currently feel compelled to do something or grateful for something.

Examples:

  • I feel obliged to return the favor.
  • She feels obliged to help out her family.
  • ... who versus whom, and other (no doubt better) examples.'' "I feel obliged to disagree, but by no means obligated, as I clearly have a free choice to abstain." ...
  • Apr 8, 2008 ... So does that mean I can't say "I feel obliged to do ...." Is "I am obliged" a kind of obligation imposed on me and "I am obligated" a kind of inner ...
  • 1 being under obligation for a favor or gift <my new neighbor gave me a Christmas present, and now I feel obliged to reciprocate> Synonyms bounden [ archaic], ...
  • Jan 14, 2016 ... The sentence I feel obliged to tell you means the person feels forced or feels like they must tell you something. Obliged in the sentence ...

Alternatives:

  • I am obliged
  • I have to
  • I am compelled

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