feel duty bound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel duty bound" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a sense of obligation or responsibility to act in a certain way. Example: "As a citizen, I feel duty bound to vote in every election to ensure my voice is heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

But I feel duty bound to declare an interest.

The New Yorker

I feel duty bound to provide you with some of my closing thoughts...

The Washington Post

Iran's leadership may now feel duty bound to pick up the gauntlet.

The Guardian

However, as your correspondent, I feel duty bound to report that we are the exception rather than the rule.

The Times

We feel duty bound to take advice from those living at the sharp end inside the occupied territories.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the normal course of things children should feel duty bound to do better than their parents.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Mr. Dobbs said he did not feel duty- bound to disclose that Arthur Andersen was an auditor for Space Holdings, the private concern that runs the Space.com Web portal Mr. Dobbs founded.

The New York Times

Many people feel duty-bound to stick to champagne for the toast at least, but you don't have to: why not an English or Welsh fizz, especially if you have a producer nearby?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

The Economist

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

The Guardian - Opinion

They are Americans who feel duty-bound by Islam to obey American laws.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "feel duty bound" with synonyms like "feel obligated" or "feel compelled" to diversify your writing.

Common error

While "feel duty bound" is a valid expression, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "I should" or "I need to" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel duty bound" functions as a verb phrase indicating a sense of moral or ethical obligation. It expresses a subjective feeling of being compelled to act in a certain way. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel duty bound" expresses a strong sense of moral or ethical obligation to act in a specific way. It's grammatically correct and most commonly found in News & Media and Academia contexts. While Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, remember to consider synonyms like "feel obligated" or "feel compelled" for variety. Use it judiciously, recognizing that it might sound overly formal in casual settings. As such, it is essential to ensure it is appropriate within the context of the writing in question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel obligated

This alternative is a more direct synonym, replacing "duty bound" with "obligated".

am duty-bound

This alternative is a more succinct version, using a passive voice.

feel compelled

This alternative emphasizes an internal pressure or urging to act.

feel obliged

This alternative is similar to "feel obligated" but can also carry a sense of social obligation.

am compelled

A shorter alternative with the same meaning of "feel compelled".

consider it my duty

This alternative frames the action as a personal responsibility.

believe it's my obligation

This alternative emphasizes a belief in the necessity of the action.

deem it my responsibility

This alternative uses a more formal tone, highlighting a sense of accountability.

recognize a responsibility

This alternative shifts the focus to acknowledging the responsibility.

hold myself accountable

This alternative focuses on the personal accountability for the action.

FAQs

What does it mean to "feel duty bound"?

To "feel duty bound" means to feel a strong sense of moral or ethical obligation to do something. It suggests that you believe it is your responsibility to act in a certain way.

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

You can use "feel duty bound" to express your commitment to fulfilling a particular responsibility. For example, "As a journalist, I feel duty bound to report the truth, even when it's unpopular."

What can I say instead of "feel duty bound"?

You can use alternatives like "feel obligated", "feel compelled", or "feel obliged" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more common to say "feel duty bound" or "feel duty-bound"?

Both "feel duty bound" and "feel duty-bound" are acceptable. The hyphenated version, "feel duty-bound", is often used as a compound adjective, but the non-hyphenated version is also commonly used.