a clear duty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear duty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific responsibility or obligation that is easily understood or defined. Example: "As a team leader, it is my clear duty to ensure that all members are supported and have the resources they need to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Scientists have a clear duty.

The Economist

The U.S. Supreme Court has a clear duty to resolve the confusion.

The New York Times

"All medical professionals have a clear duty to avoid any involvement in acts of torture and cruel treatment whatsoever.

The Guardian

"Pension funds have a clear duty to take into account the long-term risks in their investments.

The Guardian

Confronted with this threat, the court asserted that it had a clear duty to enforce the rights of low-income citizens under the State Constitution.

The New York Times

His release is a matter of extreme urgency and the governments of the free world have a clear duty in this matter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"There isn't any clear duty by Ford to other motorists, they owe a duty to their customers," said John C. Coffee, a Columbia law professor.

The New York Times

She said the compulsory sex education in place was "at best patchy" and said schools needed to have a clear legal duty to stop sexual harassment or violence.

The Guardian

There is, Hill said, "a clear moral duty" to ensure that children are able to live within their own families wherever it is safely possible.

The Guardian

The boards of directors of British and American firms, for instance, have a clear fiduciary duty towards those shareholders.Japan has none of these advantages, and it will take time and relentless pressure before they take root.

The Economist

"When considering changes to local school transport provision, councils have a clear legislative duty to actively promote access to education and training through the medium of the Welsh language, but no such statutory duty is in place for local transport arrangements for learners attending faith schools".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, ensure that the context makes the specific nature of the duty immediately apparent to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a clear duty" when the responsibility is actually ambiguous or subject to interpretation. Instead, use phrasing that acknowledges the uncertainty. Example: "There may be a duty to investigate, but it's not "a clear duty"."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear duty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates a specific and easily understandable obligation or responsibility. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

14%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear duty" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a specific, easily understandable obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in various writing contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it asserts unambiguous responsibilities. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides sufficient clarity regarding the nature of the duty. Alternatives include "a distinct obligation" or "a definite responsibility". Remember that while impactful, overusing the phrase might diminish its impact; be mindful of phrasing that acknowledges potential ambiguities where necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct obligation

Replaces "duty" with "obligation", emphasizing a binding requirement.

a definite responsibility

Substitutes "duty" with "responsibility", highlighting accountability.

an obvious obligation

Replaces "clear" with "obvious", indicating a readily apparent duty.

a plain responsibility

Uses "plain" instead of "clear", suggesting an easily understood responsibility.

a well-defined duty

Emphasizes the structured and specific nature of the duty.

a specific responsibility

Highlights that the responsibility is targeted and particular.

a moral imperative

Elevates the duty to a higher ethical or moral standard.

a legal obligation

Specifies that the duty is enforced by law.

a professional obligation

Narrows the duty to the context of a specific profession.

an undeniable responsibility

Emphasizes the unquestionable nature of the responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clear duty" to express a specific responsibility or obligation. For instance, "The company has "a clear duty" to its shareholders".

What phrases are similar to "a clear duty"?

Alternatives to "a clear duty" include "a distinct obligation", "a definite responsibility", or "an obvious obligation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a clear duty" or "a moral imperative"?

The choice depends on the context. "A clear duty" emphasizes a defined responsibility, while "a moral imperative" highlights an ethical obligation.

What is the difference between "a duty" and "a clear duty"?

"A duty" implies a general responsibility, whereas "a clear duty" suggests the responsibility is well-defined and easily understood.