duty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "duty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a moral or legal obligation to perform a task or responsibility. Example: "As a citizen, it is my duty to vote in the elections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The blind man is walking in front of a car and you do not have a duty to stop him absent some relation between you.

The New York Times

In the law of torts, our tradition, our law, has been that you don't have the duty to rescue someone if that person is in danger.

The New York Times

Cutting the Bingo tax and beer duty: To help hardworking people do more of the things they enjoy".

The Guardian

"My contention is if the digital revolution was going to kill papers, it would have already done so, but I think the world is coming to understand the incredible duty that a paper performs in its society.

The Guardian

"Alongside this is the proposed legal duty on all public bodies to implement Prevent".

The Guardian

Yet, far from expressing wonder that an act as extreme and barbaric as the murders is what it takes for the west to show defiance towards a religious duty that is not meaningful to non-Muslims, cultural provocateurs successfully argue that this highly exceptional situation is in fact indicative of a general contempt for Islam.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now the Home Office is once again increasing the number of local authorities involved, alongside controversial plans to place a duty on universities, schools and local authorities to "prevent people from being drawn into terrorism", through an amendment to the counter-terror and security bill, which is at the Lords report stage.

The Guardian

We had to step up to the plate when family loyalty and duty were up for grabs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Laurent, the only waiter on duty, said: "We closed the club several times but people wanted it to come back".

The Guardian

Harper, who was steering an immigration bill through the Commons that warns employers of their duty to check the status of employees, notified David Cameron on Friday, when his resignation was accepted "with regret".

The Guardian

The government and the police have a duty to protect the public and our national security.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing moral or legal "duty", ensure that the context clearly defines the source and scope of the obligation. For instance, specify whether it's a legal duty, a moral duty, or a contractual duty.

Common error

Avoid using "duty" when "right" is more appropriate. "Duty" implies an obligation, while "right" implies an entitlement. For instance, saying "It is my duty to express my opinion" is less accurate than "It is my right to express my opinion" in many contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "duty" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a moral or legal obligation or a period of time spent at work. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in contexts ranging from personal responsibilities to professional obligations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "duty" is a versatile noun that signifies a moral, legal, or ethical obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. While often interchangeable with terms like "responsibility" or "obligation", "duty" often carries a stronger connotation of formal requirement arising from one's position, role, or the law. When using the word "duty", ensure clarity regarding the source and scope of the obligation, and differentiate it from related concepts like "right".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

responsibility

Emphasizes accountability and the burden of carrying out a task.

obligation

Highlights a binding requirement, often legal or moral.

commitment

Suggests a pledge or dedication to a particular course of action.

task

Refers to a specific piece of work that needs to be done.

assignment

Indicates a specific task or piece of work assigned to someone.

role

Describes the function or position someone has in a particular context.

function

Focuses on the purpose or activity assigned to a person or thing.

charge

Implies being entrusted with the care or control of someone or something.

office

Refers to a position of authority or service, often implying responsibilities.

calling

Suggests a strong impulse or feeling of being suited for a particular role or task.

FAQs

How can I use "duty" in a sentence?

You can use "duty" to refer to a moral or legal obligation, such as "It is my "civic duty" to vote." or "The soldier's duty was to protect the country."

What's the difference between "duty" and "responsibility"?

"Duty" often refers to a specific obligation that arises from one's position or role, while "responsibility" is a broader term encompassing accountability and the burden of carrying out a task.

What are some alternatives to using the word "duty"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "obligation", "commitment", or "task" to convey similar meanings to "duty".

Is there a difference between a "duty" and a "responsibility"?

A "duty" is something you are required to do, often by law or morality. A "responsibility" is a broader concept, referring to the state of being accountable for something. You might have a duty without feeling responsible, or vice versa.