duty-bound to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "duty-bound to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a moral or legal obligation to do something. Example: "As a public servant, she felt duty-bound to serve her community to the best of her ability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

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

As a diplomat, Kerry is duty-bound to describe raw reality in upholstered platitudes.

The New Yorker

That's what prosecutors are duty-bound to do in the first instance".

The New Yorker

And the western left is surely duty-bound to speak out.

The Guardian - Opinion

Others will feel duty-bound to serve as shadow ministers in spite of their differences.

The Guardian - Opinion

If the FA chairman had solid evidence, he was duty-bound to report it formally.

The Guardian - Sport

As a Zulu man, he said, he was duty-bound to oblige her.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "duty-bound to" when you want to emphasize a strong sense of moral or ethical obligation, going beyond mere requirement.

Common error

Avoid using "duty-bound to" in casual conversation or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or pretentious in such settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "should" or "need to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "duty-bound to" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, followed by an infinitive, indicating a state of being obligated or compelled to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "duty-bound to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys a strong sense of obligation or commitment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, media, and formal writing. While alternatives like "obligated to" or "required to" exist, "duty-bound to" often implies a deeper moral or ethical imperative. When writing, it's best practice to reserve this phrase for situations where a significant sense of duty is involved and to avoid using it in informal settings where it might sound overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obligated to

Focuses more on a formal or legal requirement.

under an obligation to

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing obligation.

required to

Emphasizes a necessity or demand, often by rule or law.

compelled to

Highlights an internal or external force driving the action.

morally obligated to

Specifically stresses the ethical aspect of the obligation.

honor-bound to

Indicates a commitment based on principles of honor and integrity.

incumbent upon

Suggests a responsibility that naturally falls to someone.

responsible for

Highlights accountability and the burden of responsibility.

beholden to

Implies a sense of gratitude or indebtedness alongside the obligation.

answerable to

Emphasizes the need to justify actions to someone.

FAQs

How to use "duty-bound to" in a sentence?

Use "duty-bound to" to express a strong moral or ethical obligation. For example, "As a doctor, I am "duty-bound to" protect my patients' health."

What can I say instead of "duty-bound to"?

You can use alternatives like "obligated to", "required to", or "compelled to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "duty-bound to" or "duty-bound to be"?

"Duty-bound to" is the correct and more common form. The addition of "be" is usually unnecessary and grammatically awkward.

What's the difference between "duty-bound to" and "morally obligated to"?

"Duty-bound to" implies a broader sense of obligation, which can be based on ethics, law, or tradition, while "morally obligated to" specifically emphasizes an ethical imperative.