present duties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "present duties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the current responsibilities or tasks that someone is expected to perform in their role or job. Example: "In my current position, I am focused on my present duties, which include managing the team and overseeing project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Yet we cannot let past differences interfere with present duties.

The New York Times

Tells about his career in the Navy, his present duties, etc.

The New Yorker

True, rotating presidencies will retain as much as 90% of their present duties.

The Economist

He wants a one-sided free trade, under which the present duties on American manufacturers would still hold.

The New York Times

In his Sunday speech President Bush made a call for unity: "We cannot let past differences interfere with present duties".

The New York Times

He will be based in London and will hand over his present duties in the US to Lamar McKay, chairman and president of BP America.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

By assisting with this the court would only be extending its present duty to defend the interests of children.

The Guardian - Opinion

At present, duty rates are cider up to 7.5% abv £31.83 and a 4% beer £65.88 per hectolitre.

The Guardian

"The present duty of Americans is not to be divided by past lapses but to unite to surmount present danger," Dewey said.

The New York Times

Therefore, although it may be problematic from a particular perspective to establish a present duty towards people who do not yet exist, the duty towards research is also a duty of rescue towards existing people.

Bioethics

George Clooney — crown prince and class clown alike — was up for best actor but focused on his presenter duties, presenting 80 years of Oscar glory.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing your responsibilities in a professional context, use "present duties" to clearly indicate the tasks you are currently focused on. For example, "My present duties include project management and team leadership".

Common error

Avoid using "present duties" when referring to tasks or responsibilities that will be assigned in the future. "Present duties" should only describe current responsibilities. Use phrases like "future responsibilities" or "upcoming tasks" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "present duties" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving to identify and describe current responsibilities or tasks. Ludwig indicates its correct usage in written English, commonly used to denote ongoing obligations within a specific role or job.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "present duties" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe current responsibilities or tasks. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is acceptable in written English and finds frequent usage in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the ongoing obligations and avoid confusing it with future responsibilities. Consider alternatives like "current responsibilities" or "existing obligations" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current responsibilities

This alternative focuses on the existing responsibilities one has at the moment.

existing obligations

This highlights the binding nature of the duties.

current tasks

This focuses on the actions or activities that need to be done.

immediate duties

This emphasizes the urgency or need to perform the duties promptly.

ongoing responsibilities

This emphasizes the continuous nature of the duties.

present assignments

This refers to specific tasks that have been assigned.

incumbent duties

This highlights duties that are required due to one's position or role.

current functions

This focuses on the activities that are performed as part of a job.

existing workload

This refers to the amount of work that needs to be done.

active duties

This emphasizes the active and ongoing nature of the responsibilities.

FAQs

What does "present duties" mean?

"Present duties" refers to the responsibilities or tasks that someone is currently performing or expected to perform in their job or role.

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

You can use "present duties" in sentences like, "My "current responsibilities" include managing client accounts and preparing financial reports," or "He is focused on his "immediate duties" as the team lead."

What are some alternatives to saying "present duties"?

Alternatives to "present duties" include "current responsibilities", "existing obligations", or "current tasks", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "present duty" instead of "present duties"?

While "present duty" can be grammatically correct, it is less common. "Present duties" is typically used when referring to multiple responsibilities, while "present duty" may refer to a singular, specific obligation.