ethics

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ethics" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to moral principles that govern a person's behaviour or the conducting of an activity. For example: "The company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethics in its operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The researchers conducting the drug trials opted to give the treatments to all patients who want them, with the support of a World Health Organisation ethics committee, which decided that the death rate was so high it would be unethical to deprive anybody of a drug that might work.

The Guardian

Dr John Dean, a consultant cardiologist in Exeter, says NHS doctors who supplement their income by seeing patients privately end up compromising their ethics because they have a financial incentive to recommend treatment that may not be necessary.

The Guardian

Lucas said the legal action, filed with the Geneva civil court, aimed to force Waza to enforce its code of ethics, or to expel Jaza.

The Guardian

The ethics of rape jokes wouldn't have become a hot topic here and in the US if comics didn't rely on them for edgy lulz.

The Guardian

Whether they're trying to be the perfect mother by chucking cash at "health juice" or expensive swimwear, or trying to be the perfect wife by hurling it at a hairdo, underneath the ethics there is a woman very hard trying not to get everything wrong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But it does have a sustained account of the grief of the bereaved, even if the ethical context – there is definitely something to do with environmentalism going on – is definitely more context than ethics.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you go back to the ethics of old Labour, it was about achieving at school and fighting your way out.

The Guardian

The former Scottish secretary, Alistair Carmichael, is being investigated by parliament's ethics watchdog after admitting he approved the leaking of an official Whitehall memo intended to damage Nicola Sturgeon.

The Guardian

… in a special 12 months for Fifa.com: a report on Sepp Blatter's keynote speech at Fifa's Congress in June – an address listened to by 750 Fifa delegates all wearing free luxury watches: "Football as a catalyst for social change: no football without ethics and integrity".

The Guardian - Sport

Now, the publisher of Tharunka, Arc@UNSW, has suspended Byron pending an investigation into whether he breached the code of ethics, which is based on the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance's code of ethics.

The Guardian

You'll find the latest news about press freedom here, along with articles about human rights reporting and the Leveson inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "ethics", clearly define the specific ethical framework or principles you are referencing to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting personal preferences or opinions as "ethics". Ensure claims align with established ethical principles and frameworks.

Linguistic Context

Ethics functions primarily as a noun, denoting the moral principles governing conduct or the study of those principles. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, referring to both personal and professional standards. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "ethics" is a fundamental concept in discussions of morality and conduct, used across various contexts from news reporting to academic discourse. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While referring to the standards that govern conduct, it's vital to define which system of "ethics" is being referred to. Examples show how "ethics" informs decisions and shapes dialogues about what's right and wrong, demonstrating its prevalence and importance in modern communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral principles

Refers to the specific rules guiding right and wrong behavior, rather than the broader study of morality.

ethical standards

Emphasizes the benchmarks used to measure ethical conduct, often within a professional context.

moral code

Highlights a structured set of moral beliefs that influence behavior.

principles of conduct

Focuses on the guidelines that govern actions and behavior.

values system

Refers to the collective set of values that shape an individual's or organization's decisions.

moral philosophy

Highlights the theoretical study of morality and ethical reasoning.

professional responsibility

Specifically refers to the ethical obligations within a profession.

code of conduct

Emphasizes a formal set of rules designed to guide ethical behavior in a particular setting.

ethical framework

Highlights a structured system for evaluating ethical dilemmas.

moral compass

Uses a metaphor for the internal sense of right and wrong that guides decision-making.

FAQs

How can I use the word "ethics" in a sentence?

You can use "ethics" to refer to moral principles, for example: "The company's code of ethics guides its business practices." You can also use it to refer to the study of moral principles: "The course explores different areas of ethics.".

What are some synonyms for "ethics"?

Some synonyms for "ethics" include "moral principles", "ethical standards", and "moral philosophy". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "ethics" and "morals"?

"Ethics" often refers to external rules or guidelines, while "morals" are more personal and internal. For example, a profession has a code of ethics, while an individual has personal morals.

Is it correct to use "ethics" as a singular noun?

While "ethics" is plural in form, it is generally used as a singular noun when referring to the study of moral principles or a specific ethical framework. For example: "Business ethics is a complex field".