a defined duty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a defined duty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific responsibility or task that has been clearly outlined or assigned. Example: "Each team member has a defined duty to ensure the project is completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Giving yourself a well defined duty when you divorce is smart.

Forbes

If a doctor or a lawyer did that, they'd be kicked to the curb, because they have a legally defined duty to protect privileged data.

TechCrunch

Conservatives faulted Mr. Blair for assigning many of the lord chancellor's responsibilities to a new Ministry of Constitutional Affairs with vaguely defined duties and then for installing at its head one of his oldest friends, Lord Falconer, a roommate of his when they were starting their legal careers in London in the 1970's.

The New York Times

Now that he is a free agent, though, the pitcher wants to find a team that will give him more defined duties.

The New York Times - Sports

No longer would the king be the most powerful man in the country, solely holding the prerogative of judgement, feudal tribute and warfare, but they would have defined duties to the realm underpinned by a sophisticated justice system.

Wikipedia

While the commissioners say there is annual pay of more than $400,000 for shop stewards who have no clearly defined duties, Mr. Daggett testified to the contrary.

The New York Times

In Escoffier's time, the duties and responsibilities of each functionary were sharply defined, but in modern times, rising labour costs and the need for faster service have broken down such rigidly defined duties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These directors serve three year terms and have certain defined duties, including sitting on the companies' audit committee and signing off on any conflicted transactions with management or controlling shareholders.

The New York Times

During the course of an emerging period of hazard unrest, the relevant duty holders may change as defined duties are transferred from one duty holder to another - sometimes as a result of changing hazard or risk characterisations.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

It's got no defined duties and the House has voted to abolish it.

Huffington Post

Elected leaders often derive their power from whatever defined duties they are supposed to have, but occasionally the ambitious and crafty politician figures out how to make their office even more powerful.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing roles in a team or organization, use "a defined duty" to clearly articulate individual responsibilities and expectations. This ensures accountability and minimizes overlap.

Common error

Avoid using "a defined duty" when referring to broad or vague responsibilities. This phrase implies a specific, clearly outlined task, not a general area of accountability. If a role encompasses multiple duties, consider listing them individually or using a more general term like "responsibilities".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defined duty" functions as a noun phrase, where "defined" acts as an adjective specifying the nature of the duty. It indicates that the duty is not vague but has clear boundaries and expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a defined duty" is a phrase used to describe a specific and clearly outlined responsibility or task. While grammatically correct and usable as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is relatively rare, mainly appearing in news, scientific, and business contexts. To ensure clarity and accountability in your writing, use this phrase when you want to emphasize that a particular duty has clear boundaries and expectations. Be mindful of the context and consider alternatives such as "a specific responsibility" or "a clear obligation" depending on the nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific responsibility

Focuses on the particular nature of the responsibility.

a clear obligation

Emphasizes the binding nature of the duty.

an assigned task

Highlights the act of assigning the duty.

a designated role

Pertains to the function or position associated with the duty.

a prescribed function

Focuses on the formally laid-out task.

a set responsibility

Highlights that the responsibility is established and fixed.

a mandated task

Presents the duty as required by law or regulation.

a stipulated obligation

Emphasizes the agreed-upon nature of the obligation.

a chartered responsibility

Implies the responsibility is part of the foundational documents or charter.

a detailed duty

Conveys the intricate and elaborate elements of the duty.

FAQs

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

You can use "a defined duty" to specify a particular responsibility assigned to someone, such as, "Each team member has "a defined duty" to ensure the project is completed on time".

What are some alternatives to "a defined duty"?

Alternatives to "a defined duty" include "a specific responsibility", "a clear obligation", or "an assigned task" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a well-defined duty" instead of "a defined duty"?

Yes, "a well-defined duty" is also correct and emphasizes that the duty is clearly and thoroughly outlined. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a duty" and "a defined duty"?

"A duty" refers to a general obligation, while "a defined duty" indicates a specific, clearly outlined responsibility. For example, citizenship implies a duty to vote, but "a defined duty" in a specific role might be to manage the budget.