civilized imperative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "civilized imperative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing moral or ethical obligations that are considered essential for a civilized society. Example: "In today's world, the civilized imperative to protect human rights must be upheld by all nations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There is a much better argument, a more civilized imperative and a much more righteous as well as sensible way to build a just and lasting peace: Both Israel and Palestine need a two-state solution in order to actually end the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Use polite imperative.

WikiHow

When we contemplate acts we consider unspeakable, we call on a civilized society's imperative to remain silent about physical abuse, rape, incest — the third monkey in the see-no-evil, hear-no-evil, speak-no-evil triumvirate of denial that protects abusers who hold victims in their thrall.

The New York Times - Books

This year, it has suddenly become imperative to sustain the outward forms of civilized living.

The New Yorker

Among the members of the civilized nations, who were destined to survive, improvement was possible and indeed imperative.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

If that vision disturbs and sickens us -- which it should any civilized society -- then turning back the "National Right-to-Carry Act" is a moral imperative and logical first-step.

Huffington Post

"Civilized, barbaric.

The New York Times - Books

Very civilized.

The New York Times

So civilized.

The New York Times

— It's very civilized.

The New Yorker

It just seems civilized.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "civilized imperative" when you want to evoke a sense of urgency rooted in the values and expectations of a developed, ethical society. Ensure the context clearly links the imperative to civilized norms to maximize impact.

Common error

Avoid using "civilized imperative" in casual or informal writing. The phrase carries a certain weight and formality, making it sound out of place in everyday conversation or less formal content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "civilized imperative" functions as a noun phrase, where "civilized" modifies "imperative". It highlights the obligatory nature of something within the framework of societal norms and ethics. Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English, framing its core concept as a moral/ethical obligation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "civilized imperative" is a grammatically correct but rarely used phrase that conveys a strong moral obligation essential for a developed society. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its formal tone makes it suitable for news, media, and professional contexts. Alternative phrases like "moral necessity" or "ethical obligation" might be more common. When employing "civilized imperative", ensure a clear connection to civilized norms to maintain impact and relevance. While the phrase carries weight, its infrequent usage suggests considering more accessible alternatives for broader communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral necessity

Replaces "civilized" with a broader ethical term and "imperative" with a synonym stressing inevitability.

ethical obligation

Substitutes both words with more common synonyms, focusing on right and wrong.

cultural obligation

Emphasizes societal norms rather than inherent values.

societal need

Simplifies the phrase to a basic requirement of a community.

urgent ethical consideration

Highlights the time-sensitive aspect and the moral weight.

pressing moral responsibility

Emphasizes duty and immediacy.

inescapable ethical demand

Stresses the unavoidable nature of the ethical consideration.

cultivated necessity

Highlights the development of the need within a civilized context.

refined obligation

Emphasizes the refined or sophisticated nature of the obligation.

enlightened imperative

Conveys the idea of an urgent need driven by wisdom or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "civilized imperative" in a sentence?

You can use "civilized imperative" to describe actions or policies that are morally essential for a well-functioning society. For example: "Upholding human rights is a "civilized imperative" for all nations".

What are some alternatives to "civilized imperative"?

Depending on the context, you could use "moral necessity", "ethical obligation", or "societal need" as alternatives.

Is "civilized imperative" a common phrase?

The phrase "civilized imperative" is not very common. While grammatically correct, it's more formal and less frequently used than its simpler alternatives.

What does "civilized imperative" imply?

The phrase "civilized imperative" implies a strong moral obligation that is considered essential for maintaining a developed and ethical society. It suggests an urgency rooted in cultural values.