bound to serve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bound to serve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of obligation or duty to serve someone or something. Example: "As a loyal employee, I am bound to serve the interests of the company at all times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Hamilton received nothing, and was bound to serve as an apprentice.

The Guardian

Prosecutors theorized at trial that Enron employees were bound to serve honestly and not put their interests ahead of the company's.

The New York Times

All officials and people in positions of power are duty bound to serve the interests of the nation as a whole and not those of [particular] political parties or individuals".

The Guardian

Concept descriptions, preparatory drawings and a video by Matthew Cohen that documents the installation were not in place when I visited, but they are bound to serve as valuable interpretive adjuncts to this complex and fascinating venture.

The New York Times

Perhaps the writer felt bound to serve not just because of his medical training but also because his own father, Pavel, started life as a serf, winning his freedom only at age 16.

The New York Times

About halfway through the show, Ariel, the spirit bound to serve the magician Prospero, the play's protagonist, approaches the audience and beckons them toward the other side of the slope, seamlessly creating the effect that the audience too is careening around an island.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Others will feel duty-bound to serve as shadow ministers in spite of their differences.

The Guardian - Opinion

Confucianism argues that rulers should be chosen on the basis of merit, not entitlement, and that the governing class is not above the law, but rather, honor-bound to serve not their own but the people's interests.

Huffington Post

Even through my hallucinatory nausea, I could see the dilemma etched on his brow: As a doctor he was duty-bound to properly diagnose and fix sick people; but as a Kazakh, he was hospitality-bound to serve his guests a very specific meal and not to poison them while doing so.

Vice

The judiciary serves as the last place of redress for Americans whose rights have been violated by legislators or executives (or both) who have betrayed the trust of those whom they are duty-bound to serve, and serves as a bulwark against executive or legislative overreach.

Huffington Post

Examining the way present-day manifestations of anti-blackness are inextricably bound to history serves the crucial function of helping Americans –– Asian or otherwise –– begin to understand, and perhaps overcome, colorblindness.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bound to serve", ensure the context clearly establishes the source or nature of the obligation. This adds clarity and authority to your statement.

Common error

Avoid overusing "bound to serve" in contexts where the obligation is weak or merely a suggestion. Use stronger phrasing for definite duties and weaker phrasing for simple recommendations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound to serve" functions as a verb phrase expressing an obligation or duty to perform a specific action. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from legal obligations to moral duties. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bound to serve" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express a sense of duty or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and while not extremely common, it appears frequently enough in reputable sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times to be considered an acceptable and understandable expression. It commonly appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the source of the obligation is clear. Consider alternatives like "obligated to serve" or "duty-bound to serve" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obligated to serve

Replaces "bound" with "obligated", emphasizing a sense of legal or moral duty.

duty-bound to serve

Adds emphasis to the obligation by explicitly stating it's a matter of duty.

required to serve

Indicates a formal requirement or rule necessitating the service.

destined to serve

Shifts the focus to fate or predetermination rather than obligation.

committed to serve

Highlights dedication and a voluntary promise to provide service.

liable to serve

Implies a legal or contractual responsibility to serve.

under an obligation to serve

Expresses the concept of duty with a slightly more formal tone.

expected to serve

Indicates an anticipation or expectation of service from someone.

contractually obligated to serve

Specifies that the obligation is based on a contract.

legally compelled to serve

Emphasizes that the service is enforced by law.

FAQs

How can I use "bound to serve" in a sentence?

You can use "bound to serve" to indicate a duty or obligation, as in "As an elected official, I am bound to serve my constituents."

What phrases are similar to "bound to serve"?

Similar phrases include "obligated to serve", "duty-bound to serve", or "required to serve".

Is it appropriate to use "bound to serve" in formal writing?

Yes, "bound to serve" is appropriate for formal writing as it clearly conveys a sense of duty or obligation. It is frequently found in professional and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "bound to serve" and "likely to serve"?

"Bound to serve" implies an obligation or duty, while "likely to serve" simply indicates a high probability. For example, "He is bound to serve on the jury" suggests he has no choice, whereas "He is likely to serve on the jury" means it's probable but not certain.