reporting for duty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reporting for duty" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe the act of showing up for work, or for an obligation, with a sense of commitment and service. Example: "The soldiers reported for duty at dawn to begin their shift at the outpost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sullenberger is, it seems, reporting for duty.

The Guardian - Film

Other fighters, he said, had abruptly stopped reporting for duty.

The New York Times

I'm reporting for duty and will begin answering questions shortly.

The New Yorker

But here we all are, reporting for duty.

The Guardian - Books

"We are well aware of troops not reporting for duty," he said.

The New York Times

Because I'm now Juror No. 4, reporting for duty this morning.

The New York Times

They believe that they will be fit; otherwise, they would not be reporting for duty.

The New York Times - Sports

Agency rules had prohibited drinking less than four hours before reporting for duty.

The New York Times

Before reporting for duty they were watching "Dawson's Creek" and talking about boys.

The New York Times - Books

"They would come to us and say: 'We are reporting for duty.

The New York Times - Arts

Open offices are contentious, despite nearly 70% of U.S. workers now reporting for duty in one.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context; while "reporting for duty" can be used outside of military settings, it still carries a connotation of disciplined service and may not be appropriate for casual situations.

Common error

Avoid using "reporting for duty" in overly casual scenarios. Its formal tone can sound out of place in informal conversations or writing, potentially coming across as overly dramatic or sarcastic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reporting for duty" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of presenting oneself for assigned tasks or responsibilities. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it often conveys a sense of commitment or obligation. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its use in various scenarios, from military to civilian contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reporting for duty" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a sense of readiness and commitment to assigned tasks. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While originating from military contexts, its application has broadened to include various formal and professional scenarios. It's crucial to consider the context when using this phrase, as its formal tone may not be suitable for casual situations. Remember to explore alternative phrases like "reporting for service" or "ready for action" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reporting for service

This alternative is very similar, implying a formal obligation to serve.

presenting oneself for duty

This phrase is a more formal and explicit way of saying "reporting for duty".

arriving on station

This term is more specific to military or operational contexts, referring to arrival at a designated post.

checking in for assignment

This phrase suggests a formal registration or confirmation upon arrival for a task.

ready to serve

This version focuses on the willingness to perform a service or fulfil a duty.

commencing duties

This is a more formal expression indicating the start of assigned responsibilities.

ready for action

This alternative highlights the readiness aspect of "reporting for duty", emphasizing preparedness.

signing in for duty

This refers to a literal or figurative act of registering one's arrival.

on the job

This phrase is less formal and implies a general readiness to work.

at one's post

Similar to arriving on station, this denotes presence and readiness at a specific location.

FAQs

What does "reporting for duty" mean?

The phrase "reporting for duty" means presenting oneself as ready to perform assigned tasks or responsibilities, often in a formal or obligatory context. It suggests a readiness to serve or carry out a designated role.

How can I use "reporting for duty" in a sentence?

You can use "reporting for duty" to indicate the commencement of one's responsibilities. For example, "The soldiers were "reporting for service" early in the morning" or "After completing his training, he was "reporting for service" to his new unit."

What are some alternative phrases to "reporting for duty"?

Some alternative phrases include "reporting for service", presenting oneself for duty, or "ready for action". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "reporting for duty" appropriate for all situations?

While generally correct, "reporting for duty" is most suitable for situations involving a formal obligation or service. Overusing it in casual contexts can sound unnatural or overly dramatic.