ethically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions, decisions, or considerations that relate to moral principles or standards of right and wrong. Example: "We must approach this issue ethically to ensure that we respect the rights of all individuals involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You can't just ask people to behave ethically just like that".

The Guardian - Sport

Westwood has forgotten what it is like to be poor: that, unless you are willing to eat only lentils and wear a literal hair shirt, living ethically and healthily are luxuries only the well-off can afford.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We will not accept the mandatory detention of asylum seekers, because it is ethically indefensible and in breach of human rights; and... as a network of artists, arts workers and a leading cultural organisation, we do not want to be associated with these practices," they said.

The Guardian - Arts

For these reasons, stealing stuff that's not yours or assaulting pensioners (or anyone else for that matter) is considered by the community at large to be ethically or morally wrong as well as being against the law.

The Guardian

Tarantola, 68, says the decision to drop Miss Italia was financially, as well as ethically, motivated.

The Guardian

The judges noted that the four journalists had acted ethically by limiting their use of the hidden camera.

The Guardian

The next day, governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin, another strong, likely-but-not-yet-announced Republican presidential candidate, released a statement framing the clean water rule as economically and ethically unsound: a form of Washington power grab affecting individual Americans' private lives and businesses.

The Guardian

"I see this as a disconcerting increasing trend, because there are many things about this that are ethically problematic" he said.

The Guardian

A drug that boosted lust, Sandberg says, would not have been terribly interesting, while something that made you fall in love with the next person who walked through the door would, he admits, "be, ethically, a very stupid thing".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We're just fitting into a branding and messaging system that already exists within the corporate world, that ethically and organically fulfills what we want.

The Guardian

My family made sacrifices in order to live more ethically, but not everyone is prepared, or able, to do this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, support claims of ethical behavior with concrete examples and references to established ethical frameworks.

Common error

Don't assume that what is legal is necessarily "ethically" sound. Actions can be legal but still raise ethical concerns. Always consider the moral implications beyond mere compliance with the law.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "ethically" functions as a modifier, typically describing how an action is performed or a decision is made in accordance with moral principles. As shown in Ludwig, it often qualifies verbs related to business conduct, personal behavior, and policy decisions. Ludwig AI confirms that "ethically" is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ethically" serves as an adverb to modify actions and decisions, emphasizing their alignment with moral principles. Ludwig AI confirms that the use of "ethically" is grammatically correct and common across various contexts. It is frequently used in News & Media and Formal & Business sources, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When writing, ensure you're not confusing "ethically" with "legally", as the former emphasizes morality, while the latter focuses on compliance with laws. Use "ethically" to convey responsibility, integrity, and a commitment to doing what is right.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to ethical guidelines

This specifies a formal set of ethical rules or codes that are being followed.

in a principled manner

This alternative highlights the adherence to a specific set of moral principles in conduct.

in a morally sound way

Highlights the moral correctness and soundness of the method used.

morally upright

This phrase emphasizes the moral integrity and righteousness of an action or behavior.

with integrity

This alternative focuses on honesty and strong moral principles as the guiding force.

in accordance with moral standards

This phrase stresses compliance with accepted moral norms and expectations.

with fairness and justice

Focuses on impartiality and equitable treatment in decision-making and actions.

with probity

This alternative emphasizes honesty and adherence to moral principles, especially in business dealings.

honorably

This emphasizes integrity, dignity, and a commitment to high moral standards.

responsibly

This alternative indicates an understanding and acceptance of accountability for one's actions and their consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "ethically" in a sentence?

You can use "ethically" to describe actions or decisions that align with moral principles, such as "The company decided to source its materials "ethically"" or "It's important to behave "ethically" in all business dealings".

What's the difference between "ethically" and "morally"?

While both relate to principles of right and wrong, "ethically" often refers to a professional or codified set of principles, while "morally" is broader and relates to personal beliefs and societal norms.

Which is more appropriate, "ethically sound" or "ethically correct"?

"Ethically sound" is generally preferred as it suggests a robust and well-reasoned adherence to ethical principles, while "ethically correct" might imply a more superficial adherence.

What are some synonyms for "ethically"?

Alternatives include "morally", "in a principled manner", or "with integrity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.