appealing to values

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appealing to values" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing strategies or methods that resonate with people's beliefs or principles. Example: "The campaign was successful because it was appealing to values that the community holds dear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In the show's catalog, the critic Michael Brenson wrote: "Catlett's sculptures communicate a deeply human image of African Americans while appealing to values and virtues that encourage a sense of common humanity.

The New York Times - Arts

The critic Michael Brenson wrote in the show's catalog, "Ms. Catlett's sculptures communicate a deeply human image of African-Americans while appealing to values and virtues that encourage a sense of common humanity".

The New York Times - Arts

In April it began a 13-week ad campaign aimed at middle-class Latinos, appealing to values that give priority to the family and its security and health.

Los Angeles Times

More or less, it means using language and appealing to values that not only apply to you and your close friends but that might also apply to a milk farmer in Wisconsin, or a school teacher in Texas.

HuffPost

We asked, anonymously, questions like, "Agree/disagree: I try to behave in accordance with a Code of Conduct," and many of them responded, "disagree". It makes no sense for a coach (or anyone else) to try to motivate players by appealing to values they don't have.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But its sharp drop in price also makes the stock appealing to value investors, she added.

The New York Times

Walmart continues to grow by appealing to value-minded consumers.

Forbes

Appealing to value-investors did not spur the development of Bitcoin.

Forbes

Typically, a company starts appealing to value investors when a particular sector is having trouble or a business has a few bad quarters and investors get spooked and sell.

BBC

Frozen entrees comprise 30% of the company's consumer foods sales with its Banquet brand appealing to value-minded shoppers and brands like Marie Callender's, Healthy Choice and Kid Cuisine capturing market share at the higher end of the category.

Forbes

Le Grand (2013) avoids it by appealing to the role of outcome luck (which mitigates the efficacy even of clear choices) and to the role of misjudgements (which detract from the clarity of many actual choices), whereas Segall (2010, ch. 4) avoids it by appealing to value pluralism.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When constructing an argument, explicitly state which values are being appealed to, and explain why they are relevant to your audience. This ensures clarity and strengthens the persuasiveness of your message.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your audience automatically shares the same values as you. Instead, take the time to understand their perspectives and tailor your message to resonate with their specific principles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appealing to values" functions as a verb phrase typically used to describe a strategy or method of persuasion or influence. It highlights the act of making a connection with someone's fundamental beliefs or moral principles. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "appealing to values" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the act of connecting with someone's core principles to persuade or influence them. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is effective because it resonates with audience beliefs. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Academic, and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral register. Related phrases like "resonating with values" and "aligning with principles" offer similar ways to convey the concept. When using "appealing to values", remember to clearly articulate which principles you are referencing and avoid assuming shared values with your audience to maximize the effectiveness of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resonating with values

Focuses on creating a match between the message and existing values, highlighting the sense of agreement.

aligning with principles

Emphasizes agreement or conformity with a set of moral or ethical guidelines, focusing on consistency.

tapping into beliefs

Highlights the act of accessing and leveraging existing convictions to gain support or influence.

speaking to virtues

Suggests addressing the positive qualities and moral excellence that people hold in high regard.

invoking moral standards

Implies a call to commonly accepted rules of right and wrong, often used in persuasive arguments.

playing on ethics

Indicates an attempt to influence by engaging with moral principles that guide behavior.

connecting with ideals

Stresses the formation of a bond with aspirational concepts or standards of perfection.

drawing on convictions

Focuses on utilizing strongly held beliefs to support a cause or argument, emphasizing reliance.

harnessing moral compass

Implies guiding actions by leveraging internal ethical senses, influencing behavior directionally.

leveraging ethical considerations

Highlights strategic use of a specific set of moral concerns to sway decisions or attitudes.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "appealing to values" in my writing?

To use "appealing to values" effectively, identify the core principles your audience cherishes and frame your argument or message in a way that aligns with those principles. Be specific and provide clear connections between your message and the values you're referencing.

What's a more formal way to say "appealing to values"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "invoking moral standards" or "aligning with principles". These alternatives maintain a professional tone while conveying a similar meaning to "appealing to values".

What's the difference between "appealing to values" and "playing on emotions"?

"Appealing to values" involves connecting with deeply held beliefs and principles, whereas "playing on emotions" focuses on eliciting feelings such as fear, joy, or sympathy. While both can be persuasive, appealing to values often seeks a more reasoned and lasting connection.

What are some examples of situations where "appealing to values" is most effective?

"Appealing to values" is particularly effective in situations where you're trying to persuade an audience to adopt a new behavior, support a cause, or make a decision that aligns with their ethical or moral compass. It's useful in political campaigns, social movements, and marketing strategies.