a mark of integrity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mark of integrity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that signifies honesty, moral principles, or ethical behavior. Example: "Her decision to report the error was a mark of integrity that earned her the respect of her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Costello must begin with death and so she must end with it, too, a mark of integrity, of both psychological and social realism.

Independent

But the film's refusal of the detachment that would make them easy targets for judgment is finally a mark of integrity, even generosity.

The New York Times

"The Bling Ring" occupies a vertiginous middle ground between banality and transcendence, and its refusal to commit to one or the other is both a mark of integrity and a source of frustration.

The New York Times

The movie "occupies a vertiginous middle ground between banality and transcendence, and its refusal to commit to one or the other is both a mark of integrity and a source of frustration," Mr. Scott wrote in The Times in June.

The New York Times

In a letter devising the interview, Southern envisaged "a sharp boost in American demand; a burst of reprinting; stage, film, and video offers; dollars pouring in by the veritable barrelful!" But in the interview itself Southern appears to find Green's neglect admirable, as if obscurity were a mark of integrity.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

As a mark of its integrity, PJ Harvey was apparently in the audience for that first show, examining Bo Ningen's guitar pedals, notebook in hand.

The Guardian - Music

On February 21st, in a filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Alibaba admitted that it had granted "gold" status (a mark of supposed integrity) to 2,236 dealers who it says subsequently defrauded buyers.David Wei, the chief executive of Alibaba.com (the listed part of Alibaba Group, which is mostly private) and Elvis Lee, the chief operating officer, resigned to accept responsibility.

The Economist

"From executive producers Tyra Banks and Ashton Kutcher …": truly a mark of quality and integrity.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But rethinking one's position, or tactics, or point of view, can be a far greater mark of integrity than any purist's staunch refusal to yield, in politics as in anything else.

The New Yorker

He exudes the earthy pragmatism that is a mark of Galileo's intelligence but also proves to be the flaw that will erode his integrity.

The New York Times

But he had made his mark as a man of integrity in a notoriously corrupt party, and this caught the attention of Mrs Gandhi.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "a mark of integrity" to positively describe a person's actions or decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "a mark of integrity" to describe everyday, trivial actions. This phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for situations where genuine ethical considerations are involved. Overusing it can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mark of integrity" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an appositive, as Ludwig AI confirms. It identifies a specific action, characteristic, or quality as evidence of strong moral principles and ethical behavior.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mark of integrity" is a phrase used to highlight actions or qualities that demonstrate strong moral principles and ethical behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, most commonly in news and media. While not extremely frequent, its usage carries significant weight, making it most suitable for situations where ethical considerations are central. Alternative phrases, such as "a sign of uprightness" or "an emblem of honesty", can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sign of uprightness

Replaces 'mark' with 'sign' and 'integrity' with 'uprightness', focusing on moral character.

an emblem of honesty

Uses 'emblem' instead of 'mark', emphasizing representation, and replaces 'integrity' with 'honesty'.

a symbol of probity

Substitutes 'mark' with 'symbol' and 'integrity' with the more formal 'probity', indicating strong moral principles.

a testament to virtue

Replaces 'mark' with 'testament', highlighting proof, and uses 'virtue' instead of 'integrity'.

a reflection of moral fiber

Shifts the focus to 'moral fiber', suggesting inner strength and ethical qualities rather than an external 'mark'.

an indication of ethical conduct

Rephrases to focus on 'ethical conduct' as the indicator, differing slightly in directness.

a hallmark of righteousness

Uses 'hallmark', suggesting distinctiveness, and replaces 'integrity' with 'righteousness'.

evidence of good character

Replaces "integrity" with a more general "good character", broadening the scope of the phrase.

a demonstration of principle

Focuses on the 'demonstration' aspect, suggesting action, and refers to 'principle' instead of 'integrity'.

a badge of honor

Suggests the action is respectable and commendable, it's not about the person's integrity but their action.

FAQs

How can I use "a mark of integrity" in a sentence?

You can use "a mark of integrity" to describe actions or decisions that demonstrate strong moral principles. For example, "Refusing to compromise his values was "a mark of integrity" that defined his career."

What are some alternatives to "a mark of integrity"?

Alternatives include "a sign of uprightness", "an emblem of honesty", or "a testament to virtue". Each alternative emphasizes different aspects of moral character.

In what contexts is "a mark of integrity" most appropriate?

This phrase is best suited for formal or serious contexts where ethical considerations are central, such as discussions of professional ethics, personal values, or historical events involving moral decisions. Think about News & Media, Science or Formal & Business categories of sources.

Is it better to say "a mark of integrity" or "a sign of integrity"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. However, "a mark of integrity" often implies a more deliberate demonstration or characteristic, while "a sign of integrity" simply indicates its presence.