Tour of duty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Tour of duty" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a period of time spent in military service or a specific assignment, often in a combat zone or a particular role. Example: "After completing his tour of duty overseas, he returned home to his family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gaskill's second tour of duty.

The New York Times

Maybe this tour of duty is life.

The New York Times

"He's had a great tour of duty and financial performance".

The New York Times - Tech

He was a month from completing his tour of duty.

The New York Times

His last tour of duty was Sept. 11.

The New York Times

One Man's Tour of Duty Inside the I.R.S.

The New York Times - Books

TOUR OF DUTY: John Kerry and the Vietnam War.

The New York Times - Books

You have endured tour after tour after tour of duty.

The Guardian

Ms. Hernandez's tour of duty ends early in August.

The New York Times

When his first tour of duty was up he reenlisted for a second.

The New Yorker

Now, she is five months from the end of her first tour of duty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to multiple deployments or assignments, use the phrase "tour after tour of duty" to emphasize the repeated nature of the service.

Common error

While phrases like "shift" or "spell" can denote a period of work, they lack the gravitas and specific connotation of military or official service inherent in "tour of duty". Reserve "tour of duty" for contexts where the assignment carries a significant level of responsibility or risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Tour of duty" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or within a prepositional phrase to indicate a specific period of assigned service or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Tour of duty" is a common noun phrase referring to a specific period of assigned service or responsibility, most often in a military or governmental context. Ludwig AI identifies its usage as grammatically correct. The phrase carries a neutral to professional tone and is most frequently found in news and media sources. While alternatives exist, they may lack the specific connotations of commitment and defined duration inherent in "tour of duty". When using the phrase, it's important to maintain a level of seriousness and avoid overly informal substitutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Term of service

Focuses on the length of time someone is required to serve.

Assigned term

Highlights the assigned nature of the period.

Period of enlistment

Emphasizes the enlistment aspect of the service.

Stint of service

Indicates a specific, often limited, period of service.

Term in office

Refers to a period of time someone holds a particular position, often in politics.

Deployment period

Specifically refers to the time frame of a military deployment.

Service period

General term for a defined time of service.

Hitch in the military

An informal term for a period of military service.

Time on assignment

Highlights the duration of a specific task or mission.

Duty cycle

Refers to a recurring period of work or responsibility.

FAQs

What does the expression "Tour of duty" mean?

The expression "Tour of duty" refers to a period of time someone spends on a specific job, task, or assignment, especially within military service or government roles. It often implies a set timeframe with particular responsibilities.

What are some synonyms for "Tour of duty"?

Alternatives to "Tour of duty" include "term of service", "assigned term", "deployment period" or "service period", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is "Tour of duty" only used in a military context?

While "Tour of duty" is most commonly associated with military service, it can also describe a specific period of work or responsibility in other fields, such as government, diplomacy, or even long-term volunteer work. It suggests a dedicated commitment for a defined duration.

How do I use "Tour of duty" in a sentence?

You might say, "He completed his "tour of duty" in Afghanistan" or "Her "tour of duty" as ambassador ended last year". It indicates the period of time served in a particular role or location.