a matter of ethics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of ethics" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues or decisions that involve moral principles or values. Example: "The decision to implement the new policy is not just a financial issue; it is also a matter of ethics that we must consider carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"For Mr. Rau, they are a matter of ethics".

The New York Times

This reserve is as much a matter of ethics as aesthetics.

The New York Times

As a matter of ethics, it still holds; as a matter of politics, it seems outdated.

The New Yorker

It wasn't a matter of trust; it was a matter of ethics.

Harvard Business Review

How Justice Thomas comports himself on the bench is a matter of ethics and effectiveness, simultaneously.

The New York Times

Unlike movies, where reflexivity is a matter of aesthetics, TV has made it a matter of ethics, politics, and sociology.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

He also wrote "Conflicts of Interest: A Matter of Journalistic Ethics" (1984) and "The Land Was Ours" (1991).

The New York Times

"As a matter of judicial ethics, the court cannot comment on the status of cases currently pending before it," he said in an e-mail message.

The New York Times

Her discomfort with cetaceans in captivity is partly a matter of personal ethics, but it's also a response to poor design.

The New Yorker

The episode has so far mostly been discussed as a matter of legal ethics, and the firm has had a rough ride.

The New York Times

Depending on the researcher's circumstances, the records may be sensitive, and librarians generally strive to keep all such records confidential as a matter of professional ethics.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a matter of ethics", clearly articulate the specific ethical principles involved to provide context and prevent ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of ethics" when describing purely subjective choices. Ethics involve broader moral principles that affect others, not just individual tastes or inclinations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of ethics" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It highlights that a situation or decision is fundamentally related to moral principles. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter of ethics" is a commonly used phrase that correctly frames a situation or decision within the scope of moral principles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, this phrase serves to emphasize ethical considerations, influencing discussions beyond mere practicalities. When using "a matter of ethics", remember to clearly articulate the involved ethical principles to prevent ambiguity and ensure that the situation truly involves broader moral principles, not just personal preferences. Explore alternatives like "an ethical consideration" or "a question of morality" to fine-tune your expression, while avoiding the non-standard phrasing "an ethics matter".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ethical consideration

Focuses specifically on the ethical aspect of a situation, often in a more formal or analytical context.

a question of morality

Highlights the debate or uncertainty surrounding the ethical implications.

a moral imperative

Emphasizes the compelling, duty-bound nature of the ethical consideration.

an ethical obligation

Highlights the mandatory aspect of the ethical conduct.

an ethical dilemma

Points to a situation where there are conflicting ethical considerations.

an issue of conscience

Indicates that the decision involves one's personal moral compass.

a moral quandary

Similar to "ethical dilemma" but can imply a more perplexing or difficult situation.

a point of principle

Refers to acting in accordance with one's deeply held ethical beliefs.

a question of values

Broadens the scope to encompass the underlying values that guide ethical decision-making.

a responsibility

Highlights the duty or obligation to act ethically.

FAQs

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

Use "a matter of ethics" to indicate that a decision or situation involves moral principles. For example: "The company's decision to outsource production is not just a financial one; it's "a matter of ethics"".

What's the difference between "a matter of ethics" and "an ethical dilemma"?

"A matter of ethics" refers to a situation involving moral principles, while "an ethical dilemma" /s/an+ethical+dilemma highlights a situation with conflicting ethical considerations where no choice is clearly right.

Which is correct, "a matter of ethics" or "an ethics matter"?

"A matter of ethics" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. "An ethics matter" is not standard English.

What can I say instead of ""a matter of ethics""?

You can use alternatives such as "an ethical consideration", "a question of morality", or "a moral imperative" depending on the specific context.