key duties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key duties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the most important responsibilities or tasks associated with a job or role. Example: "The key duties of a project manager include overseeing project timelines, managing team communication, and ensuring that deliverables meet quality standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

This sets out the six key duties of a charity trustee, whatever the size or purpose of your charity.

The Guardian

A spokesperson for the DfE responded: "Ensuring every child has a school place is one of the key duties council will continue to hold in a system where every school is an academy.

The Guardian

As well as explaining doctors' key duties, it sets out how patients can help to create a good relationship with their doctor and get the most out of consultations and treatments.

The Guardian

POST advisers have several key duties: issuing briefing papers and longer reports (available to both MPs and the public), giving oral briefings and informal advice to parliamentarians, and organising seminars that bring MPs together with the academic community, the media, non-governmental organisations, other interest groups, and members of the public.

Science Magazine

WASHINGTON ― Lawyers in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division ― a branch President Barack Obama rejuvenated after the Bush administration neglected many of its key duties ― are worried that President-elect Donald Trump's administration might dismantle the work they've done over the past eight years.

Huffington Post

Besides an interview in which I would give my assessment of Herblock's impact on the jugular art of political cartoons, I would have two key duties: first, creating a charcoal sketch of Kaiser Wilhelm II to represent a sidewalk drawing the 9-year-old Herb drew in 1917, and second, to be the sketching hand of a much older Herb 82 years later.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

This is an attempt to increase choice and drive digital switchover, which is mired in difficulty but another key duty.

The Guardian

Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "A key duty of government is to ensure there are sufficient school places and enough qualified teachers.

The Guardian

A key duty of the N.I.H. director is to justify the agency's budget and defend before Congress the programs it funds, a duty that requires a skill quite apart from prowess in the laboratory.

The New Yorker

There has been plenty of grumbling on message boards and sidewalks, with disgruntled theatre fans insisting that a key duty of an actor is to learn his or her lines.

The Guardian

The original meaning of an idiot was someone not interested in public affairs (considered a key duty in ancient Athens and perhaps a notion we should revive in modern democracies).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a job or role, clearly list the "key duties" at the beginning to set expectations and provide a concise overview of the responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid diluting the importance of "key duties" by including too many trivial or routine tasks. Focus on the responsibilities that significantly impact outcomes or require specialized skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key duties" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies and emphasizes the most important responsibilities or tasks associated with a specific role, position, or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Formal & Business

31%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

19%

Formal & Business

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key duties" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to denote the most important responsibilities associated with a role or position. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s a straightforward and effective way to communicate the core tasks of a job, as shown in the examples that come from formal and business, news and media, and wiki sources.

When writing, use "key duties" to clearly define expectations and provide a concise overview. Remember to focus on the tasks that have the most significant impact and avoid including minor, routine activities that can dilute the overall message. You can also consider using synonyms like "primary responsibilities" or "essential tasks" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary responsibilities

Focuses on the responsibilities that are most important.

essential tasks

Highlights the tasks that are indispensable.

main functions

Emphasizes the principal activities performed.

core obligations

Stresses the mandatory nature of the duties.

principal accountabilities

Indicates the key areas for which someone is held responsible.

fundamental duties

Highlights the basic and foundational duties.

significant responsibilities

Emphasizes the importance of the responsibilities.

critical tasks

Focuses on tasks that are crucial for success.

major functions

Highlights the primary and most impactful activities.

chief responsibilities

Emphasizes the leadership or seniority aspect of the duties.

FAQs

How can I use "key duties" in a sentence?

You can use "key duties" to describe the most important responsibilities of a job or role. For example, "One of the "key duties" of a teacher is to create a positive learning environment."

What are some alternatives to "key duties"?

Alternatives to "key duties" include "primary responsibilities", "essential tasks", or "main functions" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "key duties" or "main responsibilities"?

Both "key duties" and "main responsibilities" are acceptable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Key duties" might emphasize the tasks themselves, while "main responsibilities" highlights the overall areas of accountability.

What's the difference between "key duties" and "additional responsibilities"?

"Key duties" refer to the core, essential tasks of a role, while "additional responsibilities" are supplementary tasks that may be assigned beyond the primary duties. It's the same as with alternatives like "primary responsibilities".