fundamental duties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental duties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing responsibilities or obligations that are considered essential or basic, often in legal or civic contexts. Example: "Citizens should be aware of their fundamental duties to uphold the law and contribute to society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But park advocates worry that the new role for park managers alters their fundamental duties as caretakers of the park system.

The Washington Post

She later told a congressional subcommittee: The most fundamental duties of a director — the duties of deliberation and candor — rely entirely upon the absolute trust that each director must have in one another's confi-dentiality.

The New Yorker

It is about asking what the content of these fundamental duties will be in the 21st century governance environment – and about ensuring directors are in position to discharge them.

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't think it's unreasonable to conclude that as some journalists ascend professionally, they become enchanted by the powerful people they cover, losing sight of their fundamental duties to their employers and their readers.

The New York Times

She later told a congressional subcommittee: The most fundamental duties of a director — the duties of deliberation and candor — rely entirely upon the absolute trust that each director must have in one another's confidentiality.

The New Yorker

In its ruling on the Andrews case, the court of special appeals noted that "such an extensive prohibition on the disclosure of information to the court … prevents the court from exercising its fundamental duties under the constitution".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

It is their most fundamental duty to us.

The Guardian

Making contact with electors and listening to their concerns is a fundamental duty for Labour.

The Guardian

Protecting one's child from harm must be the fundamental duty of every parent.

The Guardian

He had looked appropriately anachronistic in an era when covering receivers is a fundamental duty for a linebacker.

The New York Times - Sports

"Ernst & Young and its partners on the Bally engagement violated their fundamental duty to function as public watchdogs," he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional contexts, clarify which specific actions or behaviors are included within the scope of the "fundamental duties" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental duties" too broadly. Ensure that the duties you are referring to are genuinely essential and not merely desirable practices. For example, focus on specifying them instead of referring to all duties as fundamental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental duties" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to essential responsibilities or obligations that are considered foundational or basic. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fundamental duties" denotes essential obligations or responsibilities. Ludwig confirms it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains like news, academia, and legal settings. When writing, use "fundamental duties" to emphasize core, non-negotiable responsibilities, but avoid overgeneralization by clearly specifying the actions or behaviors encompassed within those duties. Alternative phrases such as ""core responsibilities"" or ""essential obligations"" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core responsibilities

Emphasizes the central and indispensable nature of the responsibilities.

essential obligations

Highlights the necessary and crucial nature of the obligations.

basic responsibilities

Focuses on the foundational and elementary aspect of the responsibilities.

primary obligations

Stresses the foremost and principal character of the obligations.

key duties

Highlights the significance and importance of the duties.

main responsibilities

Underlines the principal and chief nature of the responsibilities.

vital obligations

Emphasizes the critical and indispensable nature of the obligations.

necessary duties

Highlights the required and essential character of the duties.

requisite obligations

Focuses on the indispensable and needed nature of the obligations.

indispensable responsibilities

Emphasizes the absolutely essential nature of the responsibilities.

FAQs

How are "fundamental duties" typically defined?

"Fundamental duties" refer to the most basic and essential responsibilities or obligations that individuals or entities have, often in a legal, ethical, or professional context. They are the core duties that must be fulfilled.

What's the difference between "fundamental duties" and general responsibilities?

"Fundamental duties" are the most critical and indispensable obligations, whereas general responsibilities may include a broader range of tasks or actions that are not necessarily essential. Consider "essential obligations" as a synonym.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "fundamental duties"?

The term "fundamental duties" is appropriate in legal documents, ethical discussions, professional codes of conduct, and any situation where you need to emphasize the core responsibilities that must be upheld.

What are some examples of "fundamental duties" in a professional setting?

Examples of "fundamental duties" in a professional setting might include maintaining confidentiality, acting with integrity, providing competent service, and adhering to legal and ethical standards. These are "core responsibilities" for a professional.