personal duties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal duties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to responsibilities or tasks that are related to an individual's private life or personal obligations. Example: "Due to my personal duties, I will not be able to attend the meeting this afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Such personal duties are agent-centered in the sense that the agency of each person is central to the duties of each person, so that your using of another now cannot be traded off against other possible usings at other times by other people.

SEP

Flying down to see him occasionally is among Father Gigante's many personal duties.

The New York Times

BMWC is a reminder to Muslim women that becoming involved in the community falls under their collective religious obligations, which run alongside personal duties.

The Guardian

The "models," men picked off the street, went about their personal duties: One took a shower before getting dressed; another was given an arm tattoo on stage; a guy in camouflage pants did pushups; another had the same fabric — in fact, an abstract chevron — for his uniform and took charge behind a desk.

The New York Times

Enslaved on a plantation in Murfreesboro, N.C., Bond is believed to have been a self-educated woman who worked as a maid to the mistress of the house, Ellen Wheeler, assisting her with errands and personal duties, like styling her hair.

The New York Times - Books

Shakespeare's great play of political and personal duties is given a production which combines text, spectacle and the music of two two Chinese metal bands – Miserable Faith and Suffocated – to tell the story of the hero General (Pu Cunxin) who turns on his own city when he is rejected by the people.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Each of us has a permanent & personal duty to the supreme law of the land.

The New Yorker

It also states, "It is each player's personal duty to ensure that no prohibited substance enters his body".

The New York Times - Sports

Friends describe him as a deeply religious family man who is motivated by a strong sense of personal duty.

The New York Times

Throughout, Constantine had no doubt that to remove error and to propagate the true religion were both his personal duty and a proper use of the imperial position.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The "Big Society" suggested a deeper story of personal duty, obligation and national renewal built around not just a market but a common life.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing how work impacts your life, be specific about which "personal duties" are affected, such as childcare, elder care, or personal appointments.

Common error

Avoid using "personal duties" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, specify the exact nature of the duties to provide clarity and avoid misinterpretations. For example, say "caring for a sick relative" rather than simply "personal duties".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal duties" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. According to Ludwig, it's used to describe responsibilities that are specific to an individual's private life.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "personal duties" refers to individual responsibilities, often related to private life. According to Ludwig, it's a grammatically sound phrase, though relatively uncommon. It appears in various contexts, most frequently in news and media, science, and encyclopedias. While the phrase itself is generally neutral in tone, specifying these duties helps prevent vagueness and enhances clarity. Alternative phrases, such as "individual responsibilities" or "private obligations", can be used depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

individual responsibilities

Focuses on the individual nature of the obligations.

private obligations

Emphasizes the personal and non-public nature of the duties.

personal commitments

Highlights the voluntary aspect of the duties assumed.

private affairs

Refers to personal matters needing attention, slightly broader in scope.

individual tasks

Highlights the practical aspect of the duties.

own concerns

Broader term that includes duties but also other personal matters.

self-imposed obligations

Suggests the duties were voluntarily undertaken by the person.

domestic responsibilities

Specifically relates to duties within the home or family.

household tasks

Focuses on the practical duties related to maintaining a household.

family duties

Obligations and responsibilities related to one's family.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "personal duties"?

You can use alternatives like "individual responsibilities", "private obligations", or "personal commitments" depending on the context.

How does the context affect the meaning of "personal duties"?

The meaning depends on the context. It can refer to family obligations, self-care routines, or other responsibilities related to an individual's private life. The context helps clarify which specific types of duties are being discussed.

Is "personal duties" formal or informal?

"Personal duties" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is often more appropriate in neutral or formal writing.

Can "personal duties" be used interchangeably with "personal responsibilities"?

While similar, "personal duties" often implies a sense of obligation or something that must be done, whereas "personal responsibility" emphasizes the moral or ethical implications of those actions.