have a duty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a duty" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is responsible for doing something or has a moral or legal obligation to do something. Example: As a teacher, I have a duty to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for my students. Another example: Citizens have a duty to pay their taxes to contribute to the functioning of society.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have a duty".

The New York Times

Employers also have a duty.

The Guardian

Do you have a duty to vote?

Stanford University

You also have a duty of loyalty.

Yale University

MPs have a duty to do so.

The Guardian

As a teacher, I have a duty.

The Washington Post

We have a duty to them.

The Guardian - Sport

"And we have a duty to do.

The New York Times

They have a duty to show solidarity..

The Guardian

We have a duty of care here.

The Guardian

We have a duty not to be".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about duties, consider the context. Legal duties are distinct from moral duties, and using the appropriate qualifiers can enhance clarity and precision. For example, "companies have a legal duty to comply with environmental regulations" versus "individuals have a moral duty to help those in need".

Common error

Avoid assuming that a duty is universally understood. Clearly define the parameters and limitations of the duty to prevent misinterpretations. For example, instead of saying "doctors have a duty to care", specify "doctors have a duty to provide the best possible care within the bounds of ethical practice and resource availability".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a duty" functions as a declarative statement expressing an obligation or responsibility. This structure assigns a specific requirement to a subject, highlighting what they are bound to do. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing its active use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have a duty" is a versatile phrase used to express an obligation or responsibility. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While synonyms like "be obligated to" or "be responsible for" exist, "have a duty" often implies a stronger moral or legal imperative. Therefore, understanding its subtle nuances and implications is essential for effective communication. When using "have a duty", ensure clarity by specifying the nature and scope of the obligation and whom it pertains to. This will improve the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be morally obliged to

Specifically emphasizes the moral dimension of the duty.

have an obligation

A more formal synonym for "have a duty".

be obligated to

Uses a passive voice to express the obligation.

be under an obligation to

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing obligation.

be responsible for

Focuses on the accountability aspect of the duty.

be bound to

Implies a formal or legal obligation.

be compelled to

Highlights the force or necessity behind the duty.

it is one's responsibility to

Rephrases the duty as a matter of personal responsibility.

it is incumbent upon

Places the duty directly on the person or entity.

be tasked with

Focuses on the assignment of a specific duty or task.

FAQs

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

The phrase "have a duty" is used to express an obligation or responsibility. For example, "As citizens, we "have a duty" to vote" or "Parents "have a duty" to care for their children".

What are some synonyms for "have a duty"?

Alternatives to "have a duty" include "be obligated to", "be responsible for", or "be bound to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nature of the obligation.

Is it more formal to say "have a duty" or "have an obligation"?

"Have an obligation" is generally considered more formal than "have a duty", although both phrases convey a sense of responsibility. "Obligation" often implies a more formal or legal requirement, whereas "duty" can encompass moral or ethical responsibilities as well.

What is the difference between "have a duty" and "have a responsibility"?

While similar, "duty" typically implies a moral or legal imperative, whereas "responsibility" often refers to a task or role assigned to someone. Saying you "have a responsibility" to do something is not as strong as saying you "have a duty".