solemn duty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solemn duty" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a serious and important responsibility or obligation. Example: As a doctor, it is my solemn duty to always prioritize the well-being of my patients above all else.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is Iraq's solemn duty to disarm.

The Economist

This is our most solemn duty.

The New York Times

Protecting the innocent against violence is a solemn duty of this country.

The New York Times

Judges should be provided compensation commensurate with the solemn duty of dispensing justice.

The New York Times

It was his "solemn duty" to defend the US from attack, he said.

The Guardian

Offering rare praise for Lincoln, he added: "At last, the President is arousing himself to a solemn duty".

The New York Times

You have a solemn duty to ferret out these leaks and regain command and control of your staff.

The New York Times

Which means it is the solemn duty of every economics columnist to acquaint their readers with some frightening numbers.

The Washington Post

President Bush proclaimed, "I believe the most solemn duty of the American president is to protect the American people".

The New York Times

This is my solemn duty because the first pet I ever lived with was a hamster, whom I named Caesar.

The Guardian

Let each of us now embrace, with solemn duty and awesome joy, what is our lasting birthright.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "solemn duty" when you want to emphasize the serious and important nature of a responsibility, especially when it involves ethical or moral considerations.

Common error

Avoid using "solemn duty" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or even melodramatic. Opt for simpler terms like "responsibility" or "obligation" in less serious settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solemn duty" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as the object or complement of a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a significant responsibility or obligation. It is often used to describe tasks of high importance such as defending from attacks, ensuring the safety of citizens or protecting the country.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "solemn duty" is a commonly used expression denoting a serious and important responsibility, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in formal contexts such as news and media, academia, and business, it serves to underscore the gravity and ethical considerations associated with the task at hand. When writing, it's crucial to reserve this phrase for situations that warrant its weighty tone, avoiding overuse in informal settings. Semantically similar phrases include “sacred responsibility” and “grave obligation”, offering alternative ways to express comparable levels of importance and commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sacred responsibility

Replaces 'duty' with 'responsibility' and 'solemn' with 'sacred', emphasizing the moral or religious aspect.

grave obligation

Substitutes 'solemn' with 'grave', highlighting the seriousness and potential consequences of the duty.

serious responsibility

Replaces "solemn" with "serious", diminishing intensity of the expression.

weighty responsibility

Uses 'weighty' instead of 'solemn' to stress the burden associated with the duty.

moral imperative

Replaces both words to indicate a duty based on a strong moral conviction.

critical task

This alternative reduces the formality, focusing on the importance of the work.

vital undertaking

Shifts the focus to the action itself, emphasizing its importance.

binding commitment

This variation is closer to a promise or vow than an obligation.

inescapable obligation

Emphasizes the compulsory nature of the duty.

formal responsibility

Removes the emotional weight of 'solemn' and focuses on the official nature of the duty.

FAQs

What does "solemn duty" mean?

The phrase "solemn duty" refers to a serious and important responsibility, often one that carries a moral or ethical weight. It implies a deep sense of obligation and the need for careful and respectful execution.

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

You can use "solemn duty" to describe obligations such as: "It is the president's "solemn duty" to protect the nation" or "As a doctor, I consider it my "solemn duty" to care for my patients".

What are some alternatives to "solemn duty"?

Alternatives to "solemn duty" include "sacred responsibility", "grave obligation", or "serious responsibility", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "solemn duty" the same as "moral obligation"?

While both phrases convey a sense of responsibility, "solemn duty" often implies a formal or official obligation, whereas "moral obligation" emphasizes a responsibility based on personal ethics or values. "Moral imperative" is yet another similar phrase, which can emphasize a duty based on a strong moral conviction.