all is justified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all is justified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing moral or ethical reasoning, often implying that the means used to achieve an end are acceptable. Example: "In the world of politics, some believe that all is justified in the pursuit of power."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They might all be justified.

The Guardian

The movie doesn't say that compromise and bad faith and selling out those nearest to you can all be justified in the name of love.

The New Yorker

It could all be justified in the name of the people's right to know -- as when one of Hunsecker's victims dared to question his morals.

The New York Times - Magazine

But almost all are justified on two grounds.

The Economist

If any subsidies at all are justified, they should go to the poor: rather than money and water flowing to tidy middle-class lawns and acres of alfalfa, both should go to stand-pipes in the slums.

The Economist

The apparent downgrading of the annual human rights report, the decision to halve the number of interim updates, and the lack of meaningful human rights evaluation have all been justified on cost-saving grounds.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I don't understand how this unconsented to data harvesting can at all be justified under the consent decree".

Vice

All this carnage is justified with an imperious declaration: "We cannot allow the end of the world in the name of what is right.

The New York Times

In the end, all spending is justified.

BMC Health Services Research

"We do not believe all this arbitrage is justified but we can see 10% upside on this angle".

The Guardian - Business

THE war against terrorism promises to be a long one, and the horror of Sept. 11 may suggest that pulling out all the stops is justified.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all is justified" when you want to argue that a particular outcome makes the actions taken to achieve it acceptable, even if those actions might otherwise be considered questionable.

Common error

Avoid using "all is justified" in situations where the stakes are low or the actions in question are not morally ambiguous. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios involving significant ethical dilemmas or high-pressure decisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all is justified" serves as a statement of validation or rationalization. It asserts that everything done or occurring within a particular context is acceptable or permissible, usually because of a perceived positive outcome or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all is justified" is grammatically correct, but examples of its usage are currently missing. It functions as a statement that validates actions, often with the implication that the outcome justifies the means. Due to the lack of examples, its frequency is considered rare, and its primary contexts cannot be determined from the available data. However, Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct. When using this phrase, consider the ethical implications and avoid overusing it in trivial situations. Alternatives like "the end justifies the means" or ""everything is permissible"" may offer similar but nuanced meanings. This analysis provides a basis for understanding and using the phrase effectively when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the end justifies the means

Explicitly states that a positive outcome excuses questionable actions taken to achieve it.

everything is warranted

Suggests that actions are fully supported by the situation or evidence, making them reasonable and appropriate.

all's fair in love and war

Applies specifically to situations of intense competition or conflict, implying a relaxation of normal ethical standards.

anything is acceptable

Highlights tolerance and willingness to accommodate a wide range of behaviors or outcomes.

everything is permissible

Focuses on the lack of restrictions or prohibitions, implying a broader allowance than "justified".

everything is excusable

Emphasizes forgiveness and understanding, suggesting that circumstances mitigate the severity of actions.

anything goes

Suggests a complete absence of rules or constraints, often in a more informal or chaotic context.

no holds barred

Indicates that all possible strategies or tactics are allowed, even those that might be considered unethical or unfair.

it's all right

Offers reassurance that a situation or action is not problematic, often in response to concern or apology.

there are no rules

Highlights the absence of constraints, suggesting that individuals are free to act as they choose.

FAQs

How can "all is justified" be used in a sentence?

You can use "all is justified" to suggest that a particular outcome makes the actions taken to achieve it acceptable, even if those actions might otherwise be considered questionable. For example: "In the cutthroat world of business, some believe that "the end justifies the means", and therefore "all is justified" in the pursuit of profit."

What can I say instead of "all is justified"?

Alternatives to "all is justified" include "the end justifies the means", "anything goes", or "everything is permissible", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always ethical to believe that "all is justified"?

No, believing that "all is justified" can lead to unethical behavior if it means disregarding moral principles in the name of achieving a desired outcome. Ethical considerations should always be a priority.

What's the difference between "all is justified" and "the end justifies the means"?

"All is justified" is a more general statement that can apply to various situations, while ""the end justifies the means"" specifically implies that the outcome is the sole determinant of the morality of the actions taken to achieve it.