do the right thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"do the right thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to suggest that someone should choose the best option or course of action in any given situation. For example, "John was faced with a difficult decision, so I reminded him to always do the right thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And do the right thing.

The New York Times

Let's do the right thing.

The New York Times

Please do the right thing.

The New Yorker

"I had to do the right thing".

The New York Times

But did he do the right thing?

The New York Times

Did Ms Dati do the right thing?

Independent

Individuals tend to do the right thing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They have to do the right thing".

The New York Times

"The police will do the right thing.

The New York Times

"Always trying to do the right thing".

The New York Times - Books

Did I do the right thing?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "do the right thing", consider the specific ethical or moral considerations at play to ensure the advice is contextually relevant and actionable.

Common error

Avoid using "do the right thing" as a substitute for specific ethical reasoning. It's more effective to clearly articulate what constitutes the 'right thing' in a given situation rather than relying on the phrase alone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do the right thing" functions as an imperative, urging or advising someone to act in a morally or ethically correct manner. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

14%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do the right thing" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound imperative urging ethical and moral action. Ludwig AI’s analysis of numerous examples reveals its common usage across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media. While adaptable to various situations, it's important to provide specific context rather than relying on it as a standalone solution. When considering alternatives, options like "act ethically" or "behave responsibly" can offer more nuanced guidance. Ultimately, "do the right thing" serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize integrity and responsibility in decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act ethically

This alternative focuses on the ethical dimension of the action, emphasizing moral principles.

behave responsibly

This alternative highlights the responsibility aspect, suggesting a focus on accountability.

take the high road

This alternative implies choosing a more virtuous or honorable course of action, especially when faced with temptation to do otherwise.

choose the moral option

This alternative centers on selecting the course of action that aligns with accepted moral standards.

do what's honorable

This alternative emphasizes the aspect of acting in a way that brings honor and respect.

do the proper thing

This alternative focuses on adhering to established social norms and expected behavior.

make the right choice

This alternative stresses the decision-making aspect, focusing on selecting the correct option.

be conscientious

This alternative emphasizes acting carefully and diligently, with a focus on ethical implications.

follow your conscience

This alternative suggests acting in accordance with one's inner moral compass.

act with integrity

This alternative highlights the importance of acting with honesty and strong moral principles.

FAQs

What does it mean to "do the right thing"?

To "do the right thing" generally means to act in a morally or ethically correct way, even when it's difficult or unpopular. It involves making decisions that align with principles of honesty, fairness, and responsibility.

How can I ensure I "do the right thing" in a difficult situation?

Consider all potential consequences, consult your values, and seek advice from trusted sources. Sometimes, alternatives like "act ethically" or "behave responsibly" can guide your decision-making process.

Is "doing the right thing" always easy?

No, "doing the right thing" often involves sacrifice or facing opposition. It requires courage and a commitment to upholding moral standards, even when it's more convenient to take an easier path. Choosing to "take the high road" isn't always easy.

Are there situations where "doing the right thing" is subjective?

While core moral principles are often universal, the application of "doing the right thing" can depend on cultural context or individual values. Exploring phrases such as "choose the moral option" or "follow your conscience" highlights the subjective aspect of ethical decision-making.