conscientious objection to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conscientious objection to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a person's refusal to participate in certain actions or duties, typically for ethical or moral reasons. Example: "He filed for conscientious objection to military service based on his deeply held beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The church also has a history of pacifism and conscientious objection to war.

The Guardian - Opinion

F: On the ground of a conscientious objection to the undertaking of combatant service.

The Guardian

Now he turned on his former comrades, some of whom were imprisoned for their conscientious objection to the slaughter.

The Guardian

So it's important to be clear that the conscientious objection to the regulation comes from an institution rather than from those whose consciences it purports to represent.

The New York Times

Nor does a pacifist taxpayer have a legally recognised conscientious objection to paying taxes to a government engaging in military operations.

The Economist

Symon Hill, coordinator of the Peace Pledge Union, which calls for conscientious objection to militarism, said: "Pride is a human rights march.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

If abortion advocates get their way, doctors and nurses with conscientious objections to abortion would no longer be able to work in emergency rooms.

The New York Times

"The good/bad thing about football," he observes, "is that it moves too quickly for your conscientious objections to keep pace".

The New York Times - Books

Some conscientious objections to buying or selling premium bonds were apparent yesterday, when they went on sale for the first time.

The Guardian

It was surely right to allow those with conscientious objections to opt out of killing in war, but it would not have been right to allow them to stand idly by while others defended their country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rubio replies, "I think that's a general statement about most employers, but there are a handful of employers that have conscientious objections to it, for example the Catholic church".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conscientious objection to", clearly state the specific action or policy being objected to, as well as the moral or ethical basis for the objection. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "conscientious objection to" without specifying what is being objected to. Saying "I have a conscientious objection" is vague. Instead, be precise: "I have a "conscientious objection to" participating in military service."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conscientious objection to" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies a formal declaration of opposition based on moral or ethical grounds, typically against a specific action or policy. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "conscientious objection to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for indicating a refusal to participate in certain actions based on moral or ethical beliefs. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is well-established and appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, especially in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are essential to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "moral objection to" or "ethical refusal to" can be employed to emphasize specific nuances. Understanding the register and usage patterns of this phrase is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral objection to

Emphasizes the moral basis of the objection.

ethical refusal to

Highlights the ethical principles underlying the refusal.

principled dissent from

Focuses on disagreement based on firmly held beliefs.

moral opposition to

Highlights the active resistance based on morals.

ethical qualms about

Indicates feelings of unease or doubt about the ethics of something.

scruples against

Implies moral or ethical considerations that prevent someone from doing something.

reservation about

Suggests a hesitation or doubt based on ethical concerns.

philosophical disagreement with

Frames the objection as stemming from a difference in philosophical viewpoints.

personal aversion to

Highlights a strong dislike or avoidance based on personal values.

ethical conflict with

Emphasizes the clash between one's ethics and a particular action or situation.

FAQs

What does "conscientious objection to" mean?

It refers to the refusal to participate in certain actions, especially military service, due to moral or ethical beliefs. The right to claim conscientious objection is recognized in many countries, though the specific grounds and procedures vary.

How do I use "conscientious objection to" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's stance against a particular action or policy. For example, "He filed a "conscientious objection to" the war based on his pacifist beliefs."

What are some alternatives to saying "conscientious objection to"?

Alternatives include "moral objection to", "ethical refusal to", or "principled dissent from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "conscientious objection against" or "conscientious objection to" correct?

"Conscientious objection to" is the correct and more commonly used preposition. "Conscientious objection against" is less frequent and may sound awkward to native English speakers.