foreign duty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foreign duty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to responsibilities or obligations that are related to or required by a foreign country or international context. Example: "As a diplomat, she was often called to fulfill her foreign duty in various countries around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

As a result, the sort of people being sent abroad, their pay, benefits and the duration of their tours of foreign duty are changing.

The Economist

In one, elected officials and Navy families gathered at a waterfront park for the long-planned dedication of a new statue, "The Homecoming," which by a somber coincidence with the tragedy of the destroyer Cole, depicts a joyous sailor safely reuniting with his family after a tour of foreign duty.

The New York Times

Foreign duty as operations officer with the 4th Marines in Shanghai, China from 1937 to 1939, enabled him to observe closely Japanese military operations.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Foreign policy duties will be concentrated in a single new representative.

The New York Times

While the State Department has long provided information about foreign officials' duties to the Central Intelligence Agency to help build biographical profiles, the more intrusive personal information diplomats are now being asked to gather could be used by the National Security Agency for data mining and surveillance operations.

The New York Times

The lawsuit calls the losses legit and says they came from an investment in foreign-airport duty-free stores "that experienced significant losses as a result of the establishment of the European Union".

Forbes

To qualify for relief from import duty, foreign carmakers had to build a factory with a capacity of more than 25,000 vehicles a year and invest at least $100m.

The Economist

The territory Israel is vacating has become a curious hybrid, a place where the resentments that its presence engenders have been offset by advantages: superior roads and other public services, like water and power, stores richly stocked with foreign goods imported duty free through Israel, and -- at least for S.L.A. officers and their families -- prosperity unrivaled elsewhere in rural Lebanon.

The New York Times

The United States military has a legacy of imperialism and colonization which makes love of nation and call of duty foreign concepts that don't align with my politics, empathy or awareness.

Huffington Post

It should scrap all of its scanners and return to the common-sense metal detectors already used as a primary screening method for pilots, flight attendants, elite-level frequent fliers, foreign diplomats, active duty military and airport workers.

Huffington Post

Under a trade deal with the European Union called GSP-plus, Sri Lanka's garment exports (its second-largest source of foreign exchange) enjoy duty-free access to the EU.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "foreign duty", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. For military contexts, it often implies active service, while in business, it may refer to international assignments.

Common error

Avoid using "foreign duty" interchangeably with simple travel or tourism. The phrase implies a formal obligation or responsibility, not just a casual visit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foreign duty" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a preposition or verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is often used to describe responsibilities or obligations related to international contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foreign duty" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote responsibilities or obligations undertaken in a country other than one's own. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable and correct. While categorized as rare in frequency, it appears across diverse authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Economist. The phrase carries a neutral register and is often used in military, diplomatic, and business contexts. When using "foreign duty", remember that it implies a formal obligation, distinct from casual travel. Consider alternatives like "overseas assignment" or "international posting" to refine the meaning as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tour of duty overseas

Specifies a defined period of service in a foreign location.

assignment in a foreign country

Focuses on the designated task or job within a foreign country.

overseas assignment

Focuses on the task or mission being carried out.

duty in a foreign land

Adds an element of location and potential unfamiliarity.

international posting

Highlights the location and duration of the assignment.

foreign mission

Implies a specific objective or purpose while working abroad.

service abroad

Emphasizes the act of serving in a foreign country.

international service

Broader term encompassing various forms of service on a global scale.

international commitment

Emphasizes the obligation or dedication to a cause or responsibility.

work abroad

A simpler term for employment or labor conducted in a foreign country.

FAQs

What does "foreign duty" mean?

The phrase "foreign duty" refers to a job, task, or service that someone performs in a country other than their own. It often implies a formal obligation, such as a military deployment or an international business assignment.

What are some alternatives to "foreign duty"?

You can use alternatives like "overseas assignment", "international posting", or "service abroad" depending on the context.

Is "foreign duty" formal or informal?

The phrase "foreign duty" is generally considered neutral in formality. While it can appear in news reports or formal documents, it's also understandable in more informal contexts.

How does "foreign duty" differ from "international travel"?

"Foreign duty" implies a specific responsibility or obligation being carried out in a foreign country. In contrast, "international travel" refers more broadly to any travel to a foreign country, without necessarily implying a specific duty or purpose.