do their duty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do their duty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to someone fulfilling their responsibilities or obligations. For example: "The soldiers were eager to do their duty and serve their country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet he knew the men would do their duty.

The New York Times

They must grit their teeth and do their duty".

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I believe the jury tried to do their duty.

The New York Times

There were men like Churchill who had the guts to do their duty.

Independent

Restraint means abdication by judges who fail to do their duty.

The New York Times

My first appeal was to Godhra, to let the police do their duty.

The New York Times

The firefighters who declined to do their duty need, at a minimum, to examine their consciences.

The New York Times

When they were called to do their duty, they stood up and were counted".

The New York Times

These true Americans, naturally, do their duty, which means following their orders uncritically.

The Guardian - Opinion

They tried to do their duty for as long as they could.

The Guardian - Books

"Let the disciplinary committee do their duty and wait until they have their decision.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do their duty" when you want to emphasize the moral or ethical obligation someone has to perform a specific action, especially in contexts involving service, loyalty, or commitment.

Common error

While "do their duty" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider alternatives like "do their job" or "fulfill their responsibilities" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do their duty" functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence, typically acting as the predicate. It describes the action of fulfilling one's obligations or responsibilities, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do their duty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies fulfilling obligations or responsibilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, though overuse in very informal settings should be avoided. The phrase appears often in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, emphasizing its broad applicability and neutral register. While alternatives like "fulfill their obligations" and "discharge their responsibilities" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fulfill their obligations

A more formal and direct synonym for performing one's responsibilities.

discharge their responsibilities

Implies a completion of duties or tasks.

carry out their duties

Focuses on the execution of assigned tasks.

meet their obligations

Emphasizes satisfying requirements or commitments.

do what is expected of them

A more general way of expressing the idea of fulfilling expectations.

perform their role

Highlights the function someone is expected to fulfill.

uphold their end of the bargain

Implies a reciprocal agreement where each party has duties.

be true to their word

Focuses on fulfilling a promise or commitment.

act responsibly

A broader term encompassing responsible behavior and fulfilling duties.

step up to the plate

An idiomatic expression indicating readiness to take on responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "do their duty" in a sentence?

You can use "do their duty" to describe someone fulfilling their obligations or responsibilities. For example, "The firefighters were determined to "do their duty" and save the building".

What are some alternatives to "do their duty"?

Alternatives include "fulfill their obligations", "discharge their responsibilities", or "carry out their duties", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "doing their duty" instead of "do their duty"?

Yes, "doing their duty" is a correct and commonly used variation, often used in progressive tenses. For example, "They are "doing their duty" by volunteering at the shelter".

What's the difference between "do their duty" and "do their job"?

"Do their duty" often implies a moral or ethical obligation, while "do their job" is more straightforward and refers to fulfilling assigned tasks or professional responsibilities. A soldier "does their duty", while an employee "does their job".