ethical person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethical person" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who adheres to moral principles and values in their behavior and decision-making. Example: "In today's world, being an ethical person is more important than ever, as it sets a standard for others to follow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

You are either an ethical person or you're not.

The New York Times

In such situations, does an ethical person raise a ruckus?

The New York Times

What should an ethical person think when asked to operate behind a colleague's back?

The New York Times

He is, he says, a "completely ethical person," and yet he is obsessed with crime.

The New Yorker

"He's probably the most ethical person I've ever met in my entire life.

The New York Times

People can have different ideas of what it means to be an ethical person.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

As Dyche notes in his biography, McConnell tried to distinguish himself during Watergate by coming out for campaign finance reform in a Courier-Journal op-ed: "Many qualified and ethical persons are either totally priced out of the election marketplace or will not subject themselves to questionable, or downright illicit, practices that may accompany the current electoral process".

Huffington Post

Companies become ethical one person at a time, one decision at a time.

Harvard Business Review

"I'm still trying to learn the rules because I'm a very ethical, moral person," Owens said.

The New York Times - Sports

The author of this article, who has been a businessman all his working life, ponders what it means to be an ethical business person.

Harvard Business Review

What matters is that when self-interest conflicts with the motivation to be ethical, a person usually requires self-control in order to stick with the moral behavior.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ethical person" to describe someone who consistently demonstrates moral principles, especially when faced with difficult choices. This emphasizes their commitment to doing the right thing, even when it's challenging.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is an "ethical person" without providing any supporting evidence or context. This can sound generic and unconvincing. Instead, illustrate their ethical behavior with specific actions or decisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethical person" functions primarily as a descriptive term, used to characterize an individual who adheres to moral principles and demonstrates integrity in their actions. Ludwig's examples show its usage in news, academic, and personal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ethical person" is a phrase used to describe someone who consistently acts according to moral principles. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts, including news, academia, and personal narratives. While grammatically sound, it's important to use the phrase with supporting evidence to avoid being generic. Alternatives like "moral individual" or "person of integrity" can provide nuanced ways to describe someone's character. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, making it a common descriptor in public discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral individual

Emphasizes adherence to a personal code of conduct; less focus on societal impact.

principled person

Highlights the consistent application of firmly held beliefs.

person of integrity

Highlights the consistency between words and actions.

upright citizen

Focuses on adherence to societal norms and laws; broader than just ethics.

conscientious person

Emphasizes diligence and a strong sense of responsibility.

virtuous person

Implies a high degree of moral excellence and righteousness.

honorable person

Stresses integrity and a commitment to truthfulness and fairness.

good moral character

Refers to the overall moral qualities of a person, often used in legal contexts.

moral agent

Focuses on the capacity to make moral judgments and be held accountable.

righteous individual

Suggests adherence to a divine or absolute moral standard.

FAQs

How can I use "ethical person" in a sentence?

You can use "ethical person" to describe someone who consistently acts in accordance with moral principles. For example, "She is an "ethical person" who always prioritizes fairness and honesty."

What are some alternatives to saying "ethical person"?

Alternatives to "ethical person" include "moral individual", "principled person", or "person of integrity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "moral and ethical person"?

While "moral" and "ethical" are closely related, using both can emphasize the breadth of someone's commitment to right conduct. However, in most contexts, ""ethical person"" alone is sufficient.

What distinguishes an "ethical person" from a "legal person"?

An ""ethical person"" acts according to moral principles, while a "legal person" is an entity recognized by law, such as a corporation. Ethical behavior goes beyond simply following the law.