duty to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "duty to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is obligated to provide clarification or information about a particular subject or situation. Example: "As a teacher, I have a duty to explain complex concepts to my students in a way that they can understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have a duty to explain these mechanisms to you.

The Guardian

"It is not our duty to explain to reporters. . .

The Washington Post

That's why it's our duty to explain to them the best way we know how.

The New York Times

They also have a duty to explain how they will keep patients safe.

The Guardian

He did not distinguish the duty to explain from the desire to persuade.

The New Yorker

Still, it is necessary and it is Mr Duhalde's duty to explain why.

The Economist

Iran has failed and failed again in its duty to explain behaviour that looks like a race for the bomb.

The Economist

Dr. Witten said he was just doing his duty to explain what dark energy meant to physics.

The New York Times - Science

Sondheim said teachers had a duty to explain to their students that creative licence could be undermined by social conservatism.

The Guardian - Film

Holger Zastrow, deputy chairman of the pro-business Free Democratic party (FDP), which is a junior partner in Merkel's coalition, said Wulff had a "duty to explain himself".

The Guardian

Those who call for staying in Iraq have a duty to explain what victory means and how they plan to achieve it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "duty to explain", ensure the context clearly defines who holds the duty and what they are obligated to explain. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "duty to explain" without specifying the subject matter. Clearly state what needs to be explained to prevent misinterpretation. For example, instead of saying 'They have a duty to explain', specify 'They have a duty to explain the new policy'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "duty to explain" functions as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive, indicating an obligation or responsibility to provide clarification or information. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Opinion

3%

Money

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "duty to explain" signifies a formal or moral obligation to provide clarification or information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in contexts such as news and media, science, and formal business communications. Alternatives include phrases like "responsibility to clarify" and "obligation to elucidate". When employing "duty to explain", it's crucial to specify who holds the duty and what needs to be explained to maintain clarity. The phrase carries a neutral tone and is applicable in diverse scenarios where transparency and accountability are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

responsibility to clarify

Focuses on the responsibility aspect and uses 'clarify' which emphasizes making something easier to understand.

obligation to elucidate

Highlights the binding nature of the obligation, with 'elucidate' suggesting a thorough explanation.

need to explicate

Emphasizes the necessity of providing a detailed explanation.

task of explaining

Frames explaining as a task or assignment.

requirement to detail

Stresses a formal requirement to provide details.

burden of explanation

Highlights the effort or difficulty involved in explaining.

function of clarifying

Presents the explanation as a function or role.

onus to illuminate

Implies a responsibility to shed light on a subject.

job of interpreting

Focuses on the act of interpreting information for others.

accountability for explaining

Highlights the responsibility to answer for or justify something by explaining.

FAQs

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

Use "duty to explain" to indicate an obligation to provide information or clarification. For example: "The teacher has a "duty to explain" the lesson to the students."

What are some alternatives to "duty to explain"?

Alternatives include "responsibility to clarify", "obligation to elucidate", or "need to explicate", depending on the desired level of formality and specificity.

When is it appropriate to use "duty to explain"?

It's appropriate when someone has a formal or moral obligation to provide an explanation. This could be in professional, legal, or educational contexts.

What's the difference between "duty to explain" and "right to know"?

"Duty to explain" implies an obligation on one party to provide information, while "right to know" suggests an entitlement of another party to receive information. The first is about giving, the second is about receiving.