tradition duty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tradition duty" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most often used to refer to a moral or legal obligation that comes from custom or tradition. For example, "It is my tradition duty to check in with my grandmother once a week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Other branches talk about their uniforms, tradition, duty.

The New York Times

Others value tradition, duty, close family relationships and security.What no one knows is what causes the difference and, inevitably, some people prefer genetic explanations while others cleave to environmental ones.

The Economist

In chronological order, the titles are: God Bless the USA, Live from South America, Tradition; Duty, Honor, Country: A Tribute to President Bush, Remembrance, Centennial, Let Freedom Ring, and Kennedy Center.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Is it, in fact, better than being fenced in by tradition and duty, or just different?

The Guardian - Books

"That is our tradition; our duty is to protect the forest," Norvin Goff Salinas, the president of a coalition of Miskito groups, said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times

Vermonters have a strong tradition of duty and sacrifice for our country, and it was fitting that the organizers paused in tribute on the eve of Memorial Day.

The New York Times - Sports

On the one hand, she broke the Royal mold with the attack and scale of her dancing; on the other, her overall career has been the embodiment of tradition and duty.

The New York Times - Arts

But there are also distinctions in the lower classes: the tension between the country servants, who feel part of a centuries-old tradition of duty, and the town servants, who see the ruling class as opponents to outwit in small victories of pilfering.

The Guardian

The project, part of a £100 million initiative to revamp the company's upper class cabin, brings a whole new perspective to the tradition of duty free shopping.

Huffington Post

Engrained from day one was the notion that tradition, honor, duty, and patriotism matter and that as an American citizen, I should find ways to honor and support those who serve our country.

Huffington Post

By contrast, the deontological and natural rights traditions treat duty or the right as prior to and independent of the good.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tradition duty", ensure the context clearly establishes which tradition is being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "family tradition duty" or "cultural tradition duty".

Common error

Avoid using "tradition duty" without specifying the context. Overgeneralizing can make the phrase vague and less impactful. Provide specific examples or details to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tradition duty" primarily functions as a noun phrase, designating a responsibility or obligation rooted in established customs or cultural practices. The Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, often highlighting a sense of commitment or adherence to longstanding practices.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tradition duty" is a noun phrase signifying an obligation or responsibility arising from established customs. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and appears across various reputable sources, albeit with relative infrequency. While it conveys a sense of commitment to cultural or familial norms, ensure clarity by specifying the tradition being referenced. Alternatives like "customary obligation" or "traditional responsibility" can provide similar nuances. Although its usage is not widespread, understanding "tradition duty" aids in grasping the significance of cultural expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

customary obligation

Replaces "tradition" with "customary" focusing on the habitual aspect and "duty" with "obligation", emphasizing the binding nature.

customary responsibility

A combination of 'customary' and 'responsibility', which highlights the habitual nature and accountability of cultural expectations.

traditional responsibility

Substitutes "duty" with "responsibility", highlighting the accountability aspect of the tradition.

conventional obligation

This focuses on the established nature of the expectation and emphasizes that it is binding.

cultural imperative

Replaces both words with a stronger, single term emphasizing the unavoidable nature of cultural norms.

inherited duty

Focuses on the aspect of the duty being passed down through generations, emphasizing ancestry and legacy.

established duty

Highlights the well-established and long-standing nature of the obligation.

time-honored obligation

This emphasizes the long-standing nature and respect associated with the traditional expectation.

legacy of responsibility

Shifts the focus to the long-term impact and inheritance of the duty.

historical imperative

This emphasizes the long-standing history and the unavoidable nature of the cultural requirement.

FAQs

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

You can use "tradition duty" to describe an obligation or responsibility that arises from a specific custom or cultural practice. For example, "It is my family's "tradition duty" to host the holiday dinner each year".

What's a good alternative to "tradition duty"?

Alternatives to "tradition duty" include phrases like "customary obligation" or "traditional responsibility", which convey a similar meaning while offering slight variations in emphasis.

Is "tradition duty" formal or informal?

The level of formality for "tradition duty" depends on the context, but it tends to be neutral. It is suitable for general discussions about cultural or familial obligations but might be less appropriate in highly formal or academic settings where more precise terminology is preferred.

How does "tradition duty" differ from a moral obligation?

"Tradition duty" specifically refers to obligations arising from customs and cultural practices, while a moral obligation stems from personal ethics or societal values. A "tradition duty" might align with or differ from one's moral obligations, depending on the specific tradition and the individual's beliefs.