ethical duty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethical duty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing moral obligations or responsibilities that individuals or organizations have towards others or society. Example: "As a healthcare professional, I believe it is my ethical duty to prioritize patient well-being above all else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is there still an ethical duty to assist them?

The New York Times

Physicians have an ethical duty to keep up-to-date with current knowledge.

Revista Portuguesa de Cardiologia (English Edition)

The big publishers have an ethical duty to get these decisions right".

Independent

Which was the higher ethical duty, to save the bird or leave the cat unharmed?

The New York Times - Magazine

"As discoverable material, I have an ethical duty to disclose such material to the defense".

The New Yorker

It may be that Capello felt an ethical duty to punish Terry.

The Guardian - Sport

In which case we wouldn't have an ethical duty towards it.

The Guardian

"Facebook has an ethical duty to protect its users," she said.

The Guardian - Tech

Lastly, I have an ethical duty to practice culturally sensitive care as a licensed clinical psychologist.

Stanford University

This research design contrasts the auditor's ethical duty to exercise "judicial impartiality" toward the client with Certified Public Accountants' ethical duty to be a client advocate in tax contexts.

Research in Accounting Regulation

If asked directly, we would let them know, but do we have an ethical duty to volunteer this information?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing professional conduct, use "ethical duty" to emphasize the moral and principled nature of the required actions.

Common error

Avoid using "ethical duty" interchangeably with "legal obligation". While related, an ethical duty arises from moral principles, whereas a legal obligation is enforced by law. An action can be ethically required without being legally mandated, and vice versa.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethical duty" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use in describing obligations across various professional fields. It often implies a moral imperative guiding behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ethical duty" is a commonly used phrase to denote a moral or professional obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. The phrase frequently appears in news, scientific, and academic writing, indicating its relevance across different fields. While related phrases like "moral obligation" and "ethical responsibility" exist, it's crucial to distinguish "ethical duty" from "legal obligation", which carries a different connotation. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, consider the moral and professional implications of the duty being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical responsibility

A synonym with an emphasis on ethics.

moral obligation

Emphasizes the moral aspect of the duty.

professional obligation

Focuses on duties within a professional context.

ethical commitment

Emphasizes the dedication to ethical principles.

professional responsibility

Highlights the responsibilities associated with a profession.

moral imperative

Stresses the compelling nature of the moral obligation.

duty of care

Focuses on the responsibility to avoid causing harm.

fiduciary duty

Specifically refers to a legal and ethical obligation.

moral accountability

Highlights the responsibility to justify actions morally.

sense of responsibility

Emphasizes the internal feeling of being responsible.

FAQs

How can I use "ethical duty" in a sentence?

You can use "ethical duty" to describe a moral obligation or responsibility. For example, "A doctor has an "ethical duty" to protect patient confidentiality."

What's a good alternative to "ethical duty"?

Alternatives include "moral obligation", "ethical responsibility", or "professional responsibility", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "ethical duty" and "legal duty"?

"Ethical duty" refers to a moral obligation, while "legal duty" is an obligation enforced by law. An ethical duty may not always be a legal one, and vice versa.

When is it appropriate to use the term "ethical duty"?

Use "ethical duty" when discussing situations where moral principles and values dictate a course of action, particularly in professional contexts like medicine, law, or journalism.