feel duty-bound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel duty-bound" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a sense of obligation or responsibility to do something. Example: "I feel duty-bound to help my colleagues whenever they are in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

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

But nuevo Latino restaurants feel duty-bound to put them on the menu.

The New York Times - Food

Alas, having now finally been furnished with the necessary details, I feel duty-bound to express my disappointment.

Independent

For a start, competitive sport being what it is, every manager would feel duty-bound to use up every appeal.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Passersby feel empowered-indeed, they feel duty-bound-to criticize your parking technique, your failure to sort your recycling into brown paper and white, your resource-hogging four-wheel-drive vehicle, your use of a pinch-collar to keep your dog from straining at the leash.

University of California, Berkeley

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel duty-bound" to express a strong sense of moral or ethical obligation, particularly when the duty arises from personal conviction or societal expectations. For example: "As a journalist, I feel duty-bound to report the truth, even when it's unpopular."

Common error

Avoid using "feel duty-bound" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious when a simpler phrase like "feel obliged" or "feel I should" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel duty-bound" functions primarily as a verb phrase followed by an adjective phrase, indicating a subjective feeling of obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. The phrase modifies the subject by expressing their sense of responsibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel duty-bound" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a strong sense of moral or ethical obligation. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase. Predominantly found in News & Media and academic contexts, it expresses a commitment to act based on personal principles or societal expectations. While versatile, it's best suited for formal or serious settings, as overusing it in casual conversations may sound overly formal. Alternatives include "feel obligated" or "feel compelled", but they may not carry the same weight of moral imperative. Remember to use "feel duty-bound" when you want to emphasize a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to a particular course of action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel obligated

Implies a sense of moral or legal compulsion, often less intense than "feel duty-bound".

feel compelled

Suggests a strong internal drive or irresistible urge to act.

consider it my duty

Emphasizes a personal sense of responsibility and commitment.

deem it my responsibility

Highlights the accountability and importance attached to a task.

feel morally obliged

Specifically points to a sense of ethical or moral necessity.

believe it's my obligation

Expresses a personal conviction about one's duty.

take it upon oneself

Implies voluntarily assuming a responsibility or task.

be under an obligation

Highlights the binding nature of the duty.

be beholden to

Suggests a debt of gratitude or loyalty that necessitates action.

be constrained to

Conveys a sense of being forced or restricted by duty.

FAQs

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

Use "feel duty-bound" to express a strong sense of obligation or responsibility. For example, "I feel duty-bound to help those in need" shows a commitment to assist others based on a personal sense of duty.

What are some alternatives to "feel duty-bound"?

You can use alternatives like "feel obligated", "feel compelled", or "consider it my duty" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

"Feel duty-bound" conveys a stronger sense of moral or ethical obligation compared to "feel obligated". The choice depends on the intensity of the feeling and the formality of the context.

When is it best to use the phrase "feel duty-bound"?

The phrase "feel duty-bound" is best used in formal or serious contexts where you want to emphasize a deep sense of responsibility. For example, it is frequently used in professional settings or when discussing ethical dilemmas.