a matter of decency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of decency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues related to moral standards or ethical behavior. Example: "Returning the lost wallet was not just a legal obligation; it was a matter of decency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

That is a matter of decency.

Independent

Staying home, caring for the house and for children was considered a matter of decency.

The New York Times

At that moment I knew I had, as a matter of decency and honesty, to leave.

The Guardian

It's just a matter of decency and respect for your surrounding neighbors.

TechCrunch

This is not a matter of constitutional rights; it's a matter of decency — and doing the right thing.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

That seems to me simply a matter of general decency.

Independent

— that it was shutting its big mouth "as a matter of common decency".

The New Yorker

Last I checked, that position was a matter of basic decency and patriotism.

The New York Times

It should not be a duty but an inalienable right, a matter of moral decency and simple human kindness.

The Guardian

As a matter of common decency and journalistic ethics, we ask everyone in the climate change debate to sit back and think about what just happened.

The New York Times

Everyone knew that respect for other lifestyles was not a matter of human decency in Turkey, a melting pot of cultures, but a condition for peaceful coexistence.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a matter of decency", ensure that the context clearly involves ethical or moral considerations to maintain relevance and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of decency" in situations where the issue is purely practical or logistical, as this can dilute the phrase's significance and make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of decency" functions as a subject complement, defining a situation or action as being determined by ethical and moral standards. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct and usable in written English, indicating that it is commonly understood and accepted.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter of decency" is a phrase used to highlight situations dictated by ethical and moral standards. While grammatically sound, as validated by Ludwig AI, it's relatively rare in usage but carries significant weight in emphasizing moral imperatives. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to persuade audiences of the ethical basis behind actions or decisions. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with genuine ethical considerations to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of ethics

Replaces "decency" with "ethics", focusing on a moral philosophy or code.

a question of morality

Changes the focus from general decency to explicit moral considerations.

a point of ethics

Shifts the perspective to a more structured and philosophical examination of ethical principles.

an issue of integrity

Emphasizes the aspect of honesty and strong moral principles.

a subject of righteousness

Highlights moral virtue and justification.

a principle of fairness

Focuses on impartiality and justice as the core consideration.

a standard of ethics

Highlights the quality or measure considered as a model of excellence.

a facet of morality

Refers to morality, ethics, and overall goodness.

a tenet of integrity

Implies the importance of honest and moral principles.

an element of respect

Emphasizes consideration for others as the driving factor.

FAQs

What does "a matter of decency" mean?

It means that something is dictated by moral principles, ethical considerations, or general standards of good behavior.

How can I use "a matter of decency" in a sentence?

You can use it to emphasize that a particular action or decision is morally right or expected, such as, "Treating everyone with respect is "a matter of decency"."

What are some alternatives to "a matter of decency"?

Some alternatives include "a matter of ethics", "a matter of integrity", or simply stating that something is the "right thing to do".

Is "a matter of decency" formal or informal?

It is generally considered neutral to slightly formal, suitable for use in both written and spoken contexts where ethical considerations are being discussed.