honorable duty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "honorable duty" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe duties that involve an ethical or moral obligation. For example, you could say, "Serving in the military is an honorable duty that many brave people undertake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

To these is added a last but unanswerable argument in support of his fame -- for we learn by reliable dispatches from Washington, that while on Virginia soil, in performance of an honorable duty, he was shot and infamously murdered.

The New York Times

The year-and-a-day commemoration is seen, in families that believe in it and practice it, as a tremendous obligation, an honorable duty, in part because it assures a transcendental continuity of the kind that has kept us Haitians, no matter where we live, linked to our ancestors for generations.

The New Yorker

The 1930s "encouraged women to fulfill what Stalin termed the "great and honorable duty that nature has given" them.

Wikipedia

The Chinese Constitution states that it is a citizen's "sacred duty" to defend the country from aggression, and an "honorable duty" to join the military. .

Huffington Post

Having worked with clients directly, I was prepared to play a big role in this contract, but instead I received the "honorable" duty of making all the photocopies and preparing the paperwork.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But before the horrific close-range fighting, there is plenty of getting acquainted with an honorable, duty-bound man.

The New York Times

Additional reservists and active duty personnel are expected to report to the base this week to help in what the unit's commander, Col. Scott E. Wuesthoff, calls "one of the most honorable duties we have".

The New York Times

Ms. Tan is gorgeous, but seems a little too aware of her gorgeousness, and Mr. Smith mostly does honorable partnering duty.

The New York Times - Arts

"These figures are a testament to police officers' restraint, diligence, and honorable performance of duty," the report says.

The New York Times

"The figures are a testament to police officers' restraint, diligence, and honorable performance of duty," Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly wrote in the report's executive summary.

The New York Times

Colonel Loftis wrote in a letter to his two young daughters before his first deployment to Afghanistan: "My reasons for going to Afghanistan include an honorable sense of duty to help others.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "honorable duty" to describe actions that are not only required but also morally commendable, such as military service, public service, or upholding ethical principles in business.

Common error

Avoid using "honorable duty" for simple tasks or personal preferences. Reserve it for situations involving significant moral weight or societal contribution, not for something like 'my honorable duty to finish this TV series'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "honorable duty" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "honorable" modifies the noun "duty". According to Ludwig, this phrase is used to describe a task or responsibility that is not only required but also morally commendable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "honorable duty" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe tasks or responsibilities that carry significant moral weight. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and prevalence across various contexts, mainly in News & Media and Academia. When writing, remember to reserve this phrase for situations involving considerable ethical value and public service, avoiding its use for trivial matters. Alternatives such as "moral obligation" or "noble task" can be used to adjust the emphasis. This phrase reflects a commitment to ethical principles and values, conveying both importance and moral worth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral obligation

Focuses more on the ethical aspect of the duty.

ethical responsibility

Highlights the ethical dimensions of the responsibility.

noble task

Emphasizes the admirable quality of the task.

sacred trust

Implies a duty that is deeply valued and protected.

civic duty

Refers specifically to duties related to citizenship.

professional responsibility

Relates to duties within a specific career or job.

solemn commitment

Emphasizes the serious nature of the undertaking.

principled stance

Highlights the moral foundation of the position.

upholding integrity

Centers on maintaining ethical standards.

fulfilling expectations

Focuses on meeting anticipated requirements and standards.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "honorable duty" in a sentence?

You can use "honorable duty" to describe tasks or responsibilities that are both important and morally commendable. For example, 'Serving one's country is often considered an "honorable duty"'.

What are some alternatives to saying "honorable duty"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "moral obligation", "ethical responsibility", or "noble task".

Is "honorable duty" the same as "legal obligation"?

While both involve responsibilities, "honorable duty" emphasizes a moral dimension, while "legal obligation" refers to duties enforced by law. An "honorable duty" might inspire someone to volunteer, while a "legal obligation" compels compliance under threat of penalty.

What distinguishes an "honorable duty" from a regular task?

An "honorable duty" typically involves a sense of moral righteousness, sacrifice, or service to others or to a greater cause. It goes beyond simply completing a task; it reflects a commitment to ethical principles and values. Ordinary tasks lack this significant moral component and may be more transactional or self-serving.