double standards

USAGE SUMMARY

"double standards" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a situation in which different rules are applied to two people or groups. For example: "The company has been accused of employing double standards when it comes to staff wages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I hate double standards.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Quit the double standards".

Independent

Foreigners claim double standards.

The Economist

Double standards are always unfair.

The Economist

His thing is double standards.

The New York Times

So, they have double standards.

The New York Times

"Americans don't like double standards.

The New Yorker

And some see double standards.

The Economist

There are double standards.

The Guardian - Sport

Double standards abound.

The Guardian

It's double standards".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "double standards", be specific about the situations or groups involved to provide clarity and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "double standards" without providing concrete examples. Vague accusations can weaken your argument and make it seem biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "double standards" functions as a noun, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies situations where rules or principles are applied inconsistently. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "double standards" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a situation where different rules or criteria are applied unfairly to different people or groups. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It's important to be specific when discussing instances of "double standards" to avoid generalizations. Related terms include "unequal treatment", "biased application", and "inconsistent criteria". To effectively address "double standards", it's crucial to provide concrete examples and advocate for fairness and consistency in the application of rules and expectations. As shown by Ludwig, avoiding vague accusations will make arguments against this phenomena more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differential standards

A more formal way of expressing the concept of differing expectations or benchmarks.

unequal treatment

Emphasizes the disparity in how individuals or groups are handled.

disparate rules

Points out the differing regulations applied in similar situations.

selective enforcement

Emphasizes that rules are applied to some but not all, creating inequality.

biased application

Focuses on the unfair or skewed implementation of rules or principles.

hypocritical approach

Highlights the contradiction between stated beliefs and actual behavior.

inconsistent criteria

Highlights the lack of uniformity in the benchmarks used for evaluation.

unfair comparison

Implies that the basis for evaluating two entities is not equitable.

preferential policies

Suggests that some groups are favored over others in policy application.

two-faced behavior

Indicates deceitfulness in dealing with different people or groups.

FAQs

How can I use "double standards" in a sentence?

You can use "double standards" to point out situations where different rules or expectations are unfairly applied to different people or groups. For instance, "The criticism leveled at female politicians often reveals "double standards" compared to their male counterparts".

What's a more formal synonym for "double standards"?

A more formal synonym would be "differential standards" or "unequal treatment". These terms maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

How do "hypocrisy" and "double standards" differ?

"Hypocrisy" generally refers to the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs but behaving in a way that contradicts them, while ""double standards"" specifically involves applying different sets of rules or expectations to different groups or individuals. Hypocrisy can lead to double standards, but they are not synonymous.

What are some examples of "double standards" in the workplace?

Examples might include stricter dress code enforcement for women than men, or different performance expectations for minority employees compared to their colleagues.