A simple duty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A simple duty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a task or responsibility that is straightforward and uncomplicated. Example: "Completing the report is just a simple duty that everyone on the team is expected to fulfill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They do not see it as a holy war so much as a simple duty.

The New York Times

Commutes to Northern California three days a week may seem excessive to the average Glendale resident, but for Robert Issai it's a simple duty.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The first justification for the brutally legible pictures of a field of dead soldiers was the simple duty to record. "The camera is the eye of history," Brady is supposed to have said.

The New Yorker

But their recent designs, while arresting, do not perform the simple duty of most women's clothing — to make the wearer look either pretty or sexy.

The New Yorker

Through the proper system design and development of the PEMFC shunting locomotive, utilization of hydrogen fuel cell in the rail environment with the characteristics of relatively simple duty cycle condition has proven technically feasible.

Journal of Modern Transportation

So, when the great trial came, she was prepared; and what seems to us Divine unselfishness appeared to her but simple duty".

Wikipedia

The "girl" is a macaque monkey who worked as a waitress in a real Tokyo restaurant, handing out towels and performing other simple duties for the amusement of the clientele.

The Guardian - Arts

Homer is given simple duties but he still neglects his duties as a safety inspector, simply typing "yes" every time the system prompts him.

Wikipedia

Single column tariff: A simple schedule of duties in which the rate applies to imports from all countries on the same basis.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The outside world has two simple duties towards the civil wars of others.

The Guardian - Opinion

He called me and my coworkers his "team" and referred to our simple duties as "the mission".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a simple duty", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the duty is considered simple, whether due to its straightforward nature or minimal effort required.

Common error

Avoid using "a simple duty" when the task or responsibility actually involves significant complexity or effort. This can lead to misunderstandings or a perception of downplaying the actual work involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple duty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, indicating that it adheres to standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a simple duty" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a straightforward and uncomplicated task or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While its frequency is rare, it appears across various contexts, including news and media, science, and wiki sources. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the simplicity of the duty is accurately represented and not overstated. Alternatives like "a basic obligation" or "a straightforward task" may be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A basic obligation

Changes the descriptor from 'simple' to 'basic', emphasizing the fundamental nature of the duty.

A straightforward task

Replaces 'duty' with 'task', focusing on the action-oriented aspect.

A fundamental responsibility

Highlights the core or essential nature of the responsibility.

An easy responsibility

Focuses on the ease or lack of difficulty associated with the duty.

A mere formality

Emphasizes the perfunctory or routine aspect of the duty.

A clear cut obligation

Highlights the unambiguous nature of the responsibility

A routine task

Replaces 'duty' with 'task', focusing on the action-oriented aspect and highlighting its routine nature.

Just a matter of course

Suggests that the duty is a standard or expected procedure.

A moral imperative

Emphasizes the ethical or moral necessity of the duty.

A civic responsibility

Highlights duty relating to citizens.

FAQs

How can I use "a simple duty" in a sentence?

You can use "a simple duty" to describe a task or responsibility that is straightforward and uncomplicated. For example, "Completing the form is "a simple duty" that everyone must fulfill".

What phrases are similar to "a simple duty"?

Alternatives include "a basic obligation", "a straightforward task", or "a fundamental responsibility".

Is it appropriate to describe a complex task as "a simple duty"?

No, describing a complex task as ""a simple duty"" can be misleading and may downplay the effort involved. It's best to reserve this phrase for genuinely uncomplicated responsibilities.

What is the difference between "a simple duty" and "a moral imperative"?

"A simple duty" refers to a task that is easy to perform, while "a moral imperative" describes an action that is morally required or obligatory, regardless of its simplicity.