my duty

USAGE SUMMARY

"my duty" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is often used to express one's obligations or responsibilities. For example, "It is my duty to carry out the orders of my superiors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He called it "my duty".

The New York Times

"That was my duty.

Independent

That is my duty".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's my duty".

The New York Times - Sports

"This is my duty.

The New York Times

I know my duty.

The New Yorker

"It was my duty … it was my duty," he repeated.

The New York Times

I did my duty.

The Guardian

"I've done my duty.

The New York Times

My duty is to hold the class.

Independent

Thank God, I have done my duty".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "my duty", ensure the context clearly defines the nature and scope of the obligation. Specify to whom or what the duty is owed for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "my duty" in casual conversations where a simpler term like "my responsibility" or "my job" would be more appropriate. Overuse can sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my duty" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a personal obligation or responsibility that someone feels compelled to fulfill. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in expressing commitment to a role or principle.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "my duty" is a common expression used to convey a sense of obligation or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of various sources reveals that it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its use in formal and neutral communication. While alternatives such as "my responsibility" or "my job" exist, "my duty" often carries a stronger connotation of moral or formal obligation. When using "my duty", ensure that the context is clear and that the level of formality is appropriate for the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my responsibility

Focuses on the obligations one has to fulfill, highlighting accountability.

my obligation

Emphasizes a formal or moral binding to perform a specific action.

my commitment

Emphasizes dedication and adherence to a particular cause or person.

my task

Refers to a specific piece of work or assignment that needs to be completed.

my job

Highlights the work one is paid or expected to do.

my calling

Suggests a strong, often personal, sense of purpose or vocation.

my pledge

Highlights a formal promise or undertaking.

my word

Focuses on the reliability and trustworthiness of one's promise.

my burden

Emphasizes the challenging or difficult nature of the responsibility.

my cross to bear

Implies a suffering or hardship that must be endured as part of one's responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "my duty" to express a sense of obligation or responsibility. For example, "It is "my duty" to protect the innocent" or "I consider it "my duty" to report any wrongdoing".

What are some alternatives to "my duty"?

Alternatives include "my responsibility", "my obligation", or "my job", depending on the specific context. Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "my duty"?

Yes, it might sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversations. In those situations, consider using alternatives like "my responsibility" or "my job".

What is the difference between "my duty" and "my responsibility"?

"My duty" often implies a moral or formal obligation, whereas "my responsibility" focuses more on accountability for specific actions or tasks.