code of conduct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'code of conduct' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to describe a set of rules for governing the behaviour of people in a particular situation. For example, "The company has established a code of conduct to ensure everyone respects the rights of their colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A code of conduct.

The New York Times - Books

America has no such code of conduct.

The Economist

That application included a code of conduct.

The New York Times

Isn't there a code of conduct here?

The Guardian - Film

It means a code of conduct.

The New York Times

What is the lobbyist code of conduct?

The Guardian

What is a Participant Code of Conduct?

University of California, Berkeley

Understand the student Code of Conduct.

University of California, Berkeley

Code of Conduct for Ministers VII.

Stanford University

Smith & Wesson agreed to the code of conduct.

The New York Times

A code of conduct based on personal freedom.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "code of conduct" to clearly signal that you are referring to a formalized set of guidelines, rather than informal norms.

Common error

Avoid using "code of conduct" interchangeably with general ethical principles. A "code of conduct" is a specific, documented set of rules, whereas ethical guidelines are broader and more abstract.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "code of conduct" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As shown in Ludwig, it describes a set of rules guiding behavior within a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

21%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "code of conduct" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to a set of rules designed to guide behavior in a specific setting. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, notably in news and media, academia, and professional environments. While it's crucial to use it appropriately, avoiding confusion with broader ethical principles, its clear definition and wide applicability make it a valuable term in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical guidelines

Focuses on the moral principles guiding behavior, rather than a formal set of rules.

ethical framework

Highlights the structure of ethical considerations guiding decisions.

professional standards

Emphasizes the expected level of competence and integrity within a profession.

behavioral protocols

Focuses on the established procedures for specific behaviors.

set of principles

Broader term referring to the fundamental beliefs or values that guide actions.

guiding principles

Highlights the main ideas or values that drive decisions and actions.

rules of engagement

Specific to military or conflict situations, outlining acceptable behaviors.

standard operating procedures

Describes routine or repetitive procedures that must be followed.

company policy

Internal regulations specific to a company or organization.

moral compass

Implies an internal guide to ethical behavior rather than external rules.

FAQs

How is a "code of conduct" typically used in a sentence?

A "code of conduct" usually functions as the subject or object of a verb relating to implementation, enforcement, or violation. For example: "The company implemented a new code of conduct" or "Employees who violate the code of conduct will face disciplinary action".

What's the difference between a "code of conduct" and "ethical guidelines"?

A "code of conduct" is a specific set of rules, often written down, that dictates acceptable behavior. "Ethical guidelines" are broader principles that inform moral decision-making.

What are some synonyms for "code of conduct"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "code of conduct" include "ethical guidelines", "professional standards", or "company policy".

Is it correct to say "code of conducts"?

No, the correct plural form is "codes of conduct". The term "conduct" is uncountable, so it does not take a plural form in this phrase.