duty-bound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "duty-bound" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who feels obligated to fulfill a responsibility or obligation. Example: "As a public servant, she felt duty-bound to serve her community to the best of her ability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Most journalists are duty-bound to appear in embarrassing photographs.

The Guardian

(He is duty-bound not to disclose the title).

The New York Times - Books

The government was duty-bound to sanction it.

The New Yorker

I felt duty-bound to cook them well.

The New Yorker

Many feel duty-bound to donate money for its upkeep.

The Economist

He was duty-bound to pass them on.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Kind people are duty bound to oppose it.

Huffington Post

But I feel duty bound to declare an interest.

The New Yorker

I'm also duty bound because I'm in a unique position.

The Guardian

"I think we're duty bound to provide support," Bush said.

The Guardian

Any professor suspecting plagiarism is duty bound to report it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "duty-bound" when you want to emphasize a strong sense of obligation, whether moral, ethical, or formal. It adds a layer of seriousness and commitment to the action being described.

Common error

Avoid using "duty-bound" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a certain weight and formality, making it sound out of place in relaxed settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "obliged" or "responsible" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "duty-bound" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe someone or something that is compelled by a sense of duty or obligation. Ludwig examples show its use in describing individuals in professional or ethical roles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "duty-bound" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective that describes someone who feels a strong sense of obligation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it often implies a moral or ethical imperative, making it suitable for formal contexts like news reports or encyclopedic entries. While synonyms like "obligated" and "compelled" exist, "duty-bound" carries a heavier weight, emphasizing a profound commitment. When writing, consider the context and choose the phrase that best reflects the strength and nature of the obligation being described. Overusing it in informal settings can sound unnatural, but in appropriate situations, it effectively conveys a serious sense of responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under an obligation

A more general way of expressing a sense of duty.

honor-bound

Indicates an obligation based on personal honor or a code of conduct.

bound by a promise

Indicates the obligation stems from a specific commitment.

morally obligated

Focuses on moral imperative rather than formal duty.

required by responsibility

Focuses on the responsibility that creates the duty.

ethically compelled

Emphasizes an ethical obligation driving the action.

compelled by conscience

Highlights the internal moral pressure to act.

legally obliged

Highlights a legal requirement to perform an action.

contractually obligated

Specifies that the obligation arises from a contract.

sworn to

Implies a formal oath or promise creating the obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "duty-bound" in a sentence?

You can use "duty-bound" to describe someone who feels compelled to fulfill a responsibility. For example: "As a doctor, she felt "duty-bound" to help her patients."

What is a synonym for "duty-bound"?

Synonyms for "duty-bound" include "obligated", "compelled", "morally obligated", and "honor-bound". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "duty-bound" or "obligated"?

Both "duty-bound" and "obligated" express a sense of responsibility, but "duty-bound" implies a stronger, often moral or ethical, imperative. "Obligated" is a more general term.

When is it appropriate to use "duty-bound"?

"Duty-bound" is most appropriate when describing a situation where someone feels a profound sense of obligation, often due to ethical considerations or a formal commitment. Avoid in casual contexts where "responsible" or "obliged" would suffice.