duty to

USAGE SUMMARY

"duty to" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
For example, you might say, "We have a duty to protect the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our duty to each other".

The Economist

It is our duty to win.

The New Yorker

You had a "duty to retreat".

The New Yorker

It is our duty to do that.

Independent

Profits trumped the duty to serve investors.

The New York Times

"It was my duty to come.

The New York Times - Travel

It is our duty to save them".

The New York Times

"It's his duty to help people.

The New York Times

I felt a duty to reach out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"She has no duty to me".

The New Yorker

This is your duty to your country.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "duty to", ensure the context clearly defines who holds the duty and to whom or what it is owed. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the communication.

Common error

While "duty to" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Simpler terms like "need to", "should", or "have to" often sound more natural and less formal in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "duty to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, expressing an obligation or responsibility owed by one party to another. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "duty to" is a versatile phrase used to express obligation and responsibility, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and prevalent in various contexts, especially in news, business, and academic writing. While synonyms like "responsibility to" or "obligation to" exist, "duty to" often carries a stronger moral or ethical connotation. When employing "duty to", clarity is key: define the responsible party and the object of the duty to prevent ambiguity. While widely applicable, consider its formality and opt for simpler alternatives in casual conversations. Remember that while Ludwig AI confirms its usability, context dictates the most appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obligation to

Similar meaning, but focuses more on a binding agreement or requirement.

responsibility to

Similar meaning, but highlights accountability for actions.

commitment to

Implies a voluntary dedication or pledge.

moral imperative to

Emphasizes a strong ethical or moral obligation.

legal obligation to

Focuses specifically on obligations required by law.

bound to

Suggests a constraint or requirement, often legal or contractual.

beholden to

Indicates a sense of indebtedness or obligation to someone.

accountable to

Highlights the need to justify actions or decisions to someone.

answerable to

Similar to 'accountable', but can also imply facing consequences.

required to

Highlights a mandatory action, often due to a rule or law.

FAQs

How is "duty to" different from "obligation to"?

"Duty to" often implies a moral or ethical responsibility, while "obligation to" usually refers to a legal or contractual requirement. However, the terms can sometimes be used interchangeably depending on the context.

What are some synonyms for "duty to" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "responsibility to", "commitment to", or "moral imperative to".

How can I use "duty to" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure that the sentence clearly identifies who holds the duty and to whom or what it is owed. For example, "We have a duty to protect the environment" clearly states the responsible party and the object of the duty.

Is "duty to" considered formal or informal language?

"Duty to" is generally considered formal language, suitable for professional, academic, or legal contexts. In more casual settings, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.