common decency

USAGE SUMMARY

"common decency" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
The phrase is typically used to refer to basic standards of politeness and respect for others. You can use it in any situation when you want to emphasize the importance of treating people with respect. For example, "It is important to remember that common decency should always be observed, no matter the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Common decency.

The Guardian

A common decency.

The Washington Post

This project lacks common decency.

The New York Times

Where is the common decency?

The New York Times

"It just violated common decency.. . .

The Washington Post

It sounds like basic common decency.

Independent

Yet common sense and common decency argue for considering them.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There are principles of common decency which do the same.

The New Yorker

I'm looking for people who have common sense, common decency.

The New York Times

Their ghettoes are an affront to common decency.

The Economist

Her essays celebrate an uncommon virtue: common decency.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional settings, refer to "common decency" when emphasizing the importance of treating colleagues and clients with respect and fairness.

Common error

Avoid using "common decency" as an excuse to ignore or tolerate unethical behavior. While it promotes respect, it should not overshadow the need to address injustices and stand up for what is right.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common decency" functions as a noun phrase that refers to the basic standards of politeness, respect, and consideration expected in human interactions. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is frequently used to express the importance of these principles in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Common decency" is a very common phrase that emphasizes basic standards of politeness and respect in interactions. It functions as a noun phrase, often used to advocate for ethical behavior and social harmony. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts. When using this phrase, aim to promote respectful communication and avoid using it to excuse unethical behavior. Consider alternatives like ""basic courtesy"" or ""simple civility"" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic courtesy

This alternative emphasizes politeness and consideration for others in everyday interactions.

simple civility

This alternative highlights the importance of respectful and courteous conduct in public and private life.

ordinary politeness

This alternative stresses the use of normal standards of social behavior and etiquette.

everyday respect

This alternative focuses on the idea of treating others with consideration in routine situations.

fundamental consideration

This alternative underscores the act of thinking about something carefully, especially the feelings of other people.

elementary fairness

This alternative highlights the basic requirement of just and impartial treatment.

moral behavior

This alternative focuses on adhering to ethical principles in one's actions.

ethical conduct

This alternative highlights behavior that conforms to accepted standards of right and wrong.

principled action

This alternative emphasizes acting in accordance with moral principles and values.

just behavior

This alternative focuses on acting in a manner that is morally right and fair.

FAQs

How can I use "common decency" in a sentence?

You can use "common decency" to emphasize basic standards of politeness and respect. For example: "Showing "basic courtesy" is an act of "common decency"".

What are some alternatives to saying "common decency"?

Some alternatives include "simple civility", "ordinary politeness", or "everyday respect" depending on the specific context.

Is "common decency" subjective?

While interpretations of "common decency" can vary slightly based on cultural and personal values, it generally refers to universally accepted principles of respect, empathy, and consideration for others. The core meaning tends to be constant.

How does "common decency" relate to ethics?

"Common decency" can be seen as the practical application of ethical principles in daily interactions, focusing on treating others fairly and respectfully, which is a fundamental aspect of ethical behavior. Similar to "moral behavior".