clerical duties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clerical duties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to administrative tasks or responsibilities typically associated with office work, such as filing, data entry, and managing correspondence. Example: "The job description includes various clerical duties, such as answering phones and organizing files."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The Vatican refused to accept his resignation and considers him only suspended from his clerical duties.

The New York Times

The bank collects fees for holding stocks and bonds for clients and handling clerical duties.

The New York Times

Today she has essentially entry-level clerical duties and no one reports directly to her, the document says.

The New York Times

Born in Ivory Coast, Mr. Konaté came to the United States in 1991, dreaming not of clerical duties but of an Ivy League degree.

The New York Times

This work involves some fairly clerical duties — keeping "lunch" off the trending topics during the lunch hour, for instance — but at times editorial judgment is involved.

The New Yorker

Mr. Ayed, 44, was reassigned in May to clerical duties at the office of the superintendent for Manhattan high schools pending the results of Mr. Stancik's investigation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The vicar of Danby from 1850 to 1900 reckoned he walked 70,000 miles "in the prosecution of his clerical duty".

The Guardian - Books

Staying nailed to the chair for any longer out of some sense of clerical duty is pointless, as nothing good will come of it.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Suozzi plans to save money and ease the impact of force reductions on public safety by moving officers now on desk and clerical duty into street patrols, replacing them with civilians who earn less.

The New York Times

To speed along his formal request to the Vatican for laicization, he was advised to declare either that his original decision to become a priest had been rash and insincere or that he was now suffering from psychological problems that made him unfit for clerical duty.

The New Yorker

Along with clerical and financial duties, it also looks after IT.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing job responsibilities, use "clerical duties" to clearly indicate administrative and supportive tasks within an office setting.

Common error

Avoid assigning strategic responsibilities to positions primarily focused on "clerical duties". Clearly differentiate between tasks that support operations and those that drive strategic initiatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clerical duties" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to routine, non-specialized tasks performed in an office setting. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

24%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clerical duties" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe routine administrative tasks in an office environment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and our analysis reveals it's most frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While alternatives like "administrative tasks" and "office tasks" exist, "clerical duties" specifically highlights the non-specialized, supportive nature of the work. Remember to use the phrase accurately when defining job roles or describing workplace responsibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

administrative tasks

Focuses on the administrative aspect, emphasizing organizational and managerial responsibilities.

office tasks

A broader term encompassing any task performed in an office environment, not necessarily limited to administrative functions.

secretarial responsibilities

Highlights the secretarial role, which includes tasks like scheduling, correspondence, and record-keeping.

paperwork duties

Specifically refers to tasks involving documents, forms, and other written materials.

record-keeping tasks

Emphasizes the maintenance and organization of records and information.

data entry tasks

Focuses on the input and management of data in digital systems.

filing duties

Highlights the task of organizing and maintaining physical or digital files.

office administration

A broader term encompassing the overall management and support of an office environment.

general office support

Highlights the supportive role in maintaining a functional office environment.

routine office tasks

Emphasizes the repetitive and regular nature of typical office duties.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "clerical duties" in a sentence?

Use "clerical duties" to describe tasks related to office administration and support. For example, "The job involves various "administrative tasks", including filing and data entry."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "clerical duties"?

Alternatives include "administrative tasks", "office tasks", or "secretarial responsibilities", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "clerical duties" and "administrative duties"?

"Clerical duties" typically refer to routine office tasks, whereas "administrative duties" may encompass a broader range of organizational and managerial responsibilities.

What skills are typically required for positions involving "clerical duties"?

Skills often include proficiency in data entry, filing, record-keeping, and basic computer applications. Strong organizational and communication skills are also beneficial.