a moral stance

USAGE SUMMARY

"a moral stance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a set of beliefs or values that guide a person's actions. For example, 'Taking a moral stance against violence, John refused to watch the movie.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

It was a moral stance.

The New York Times

"To tell a story is inescapably to take a moral stance," wrote the psychologist Jerome Bruner.

University of California, Berkeley

But cowardice is not just an avoidance of a moral stance; it is a moral stance, too, and not a flattering one.

The New Yorker

Unsurprisingly, the White House refuses any suggestion that taking a moral stance is appropriate or necessary.

The Washington Post

Emotion, sincerity, sentimentality were all taboo, and the idea of a moral stance was just embarrassing.

The Guardian

Likewise, when Gribben terms the n-word "now-indefensible," he assumes a moral stance toward it that is misdirected.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Young people were often described as having a weak moral stance, with a number of sexual partners and an uncontrolled sex life.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Tim Kaine opposes the death penalty, describing his stance as a "moral position". He also represented death-row inmates as a defense lawyer, something his Republican opponent tried to use against him when Kaine ran for governor in Virginia.

Los Angeles Times

"[The President] is capable of taking a strong moral stance on an issue based on what's right and wrong," Dan Gross, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, told The Huffington Post earlier this week, referencing Obama's support for same-sex marriage.

Huffington Post

"We are not advocating turning the clock back," he says, "nor are we returning to a narrow, moral stance". But there is "a need to take an intense interest in what has led to our materialistic, individualistic values, to see how they came to be so strong".

The Guardian

The threat of losing an important source of revenue stream and the negative publicity that would come with the loss of prominent sponsors should push sporting bodies to deal with corruption more urgently than they have hitherto.For some sponsors, the step towards a more moral stance on may be a small one.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a moral stance" when you want to emphasize the ethical basis of a decision or opinion. For instance, consider how a company's actions reflect "a moral stance" on environmental issues.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on abstract nouns like "stance" without providing concrete examples or explanations. Show, don't just tell. For example, instead of saying someone took "a moral stance", describe their specific actions and how they reflect their values.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a moral stance" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a position or attitude based on moral principles. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

19%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a moral stance" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that describes an ethical or moral position. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and usability across a variety of contexts. While frequently found in news and media, it also appears in academic and scientific writing. To enhance clarity, consider supplementing the phrase with concrete examples of actions that demonstrate the particular "moral stance". Alternatives such as "an ethical position" or "a principled stand" can be used to add nuance. This phrase is a powerful way to articulate values and beliefs in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ethical position

Emphasizes the ethical or moral code guiding a decision.

a principled stand

Highlights the adherence to a set of core principles.

a values-based perspective

Focuses on the underlying values that inform a viewpoint.

an ethical viewpoint

Directly refers to an ethical perspective.

a position of integrity

Highlights honesty and strong moral principles.

a stance rooted in ethics

Indicates that the position is based on ethical considerations.

a belief-driven attitude

Implies the attitude is motivated by strong beliefs.

a conviction-based approach

Highlights that a strong conviction underlies the approach.

a righteous perspective

Conveys a sense of moral correctness.

a position on principle

A choice made upon one's morals rather than convenience.

FAQs

How can I use "a moral stance" in a sentence?

You can use "a moral stance" to describe someone's ethical position on a particular issue. For example, "The company's decision to use sustainable materials reflects "a moral stance" against environmental degradation."

What are some alternatives to "a moral stance"?

Some alternatives include "an ethical position", "a principled stand", or "a values-based perspective", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "moral stance" or "ethical stance"?

Both "moral stance" and "ethical stance" are acceptable, but "moral stance" is more common. "Ethical stance" might be preferred in contexts where formal ethical codes are being discussed.

What does it mean to 'take a moral stance'?

To 'take a moral stance' means to adopt a clear position on an issue based on your personal moral principles and values, often implying a willingness to defend that position.