for reasons of conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

"for reasons of conscience" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a sentence to explain why someone does something based on their personal moral or ethical beliefs. Example: He refused to participate in the unethical experiment for reasons of conscience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

His order allowed parents to opt out for reasons of conscience or to preserve parental rights.

The New York Times

The governor's office said parents could opt out of the school program "for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs".

The New York Times

The general feeling here is that he will resist it, partly for reasons of self-esteem and vanity, partly for reasons of conscience.

The New Yorker

I am sad to lose the fine collections by Alice Oswald and John Kinsella, while wholly supporting their decision to withdraw for reasons of conscience.

The Guardian - Opinion

The general feeling here is that he will resist it, partly for reasons of self-esteem and vanity, partly for reasons of conscience..

The New Yorker

"There are many Australians who for reasons of conscience will always believe that marriage is between a man and a woman and will want to teach their children this.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

1 30 p.m. | Updated The battle over whether to allow employers and health insurance companies to opt out of contraception coverage for reasons of religion or conscience may be over in the Senate, but House Speaker John A. Boehner signaled on Thursday that House Republicans would continue the fight.

The New York Times

The Senate measure, written by Senator Roy Blunt, Republican of Missouri, would have allowed employers to deny mandated coverage under President Obama's health care law for reasons of religious beliefs and conscience.

The New York Times

A section in the recently vetoed tax-cut bill would have allowed the IRS to waive the 60-day requirement for reasons of "equity or good conscience," for example, in cases of "casualty, disaster, or other events beyond the reasonable control' of the taxpayer.

Forbes

The protestant humanist Sebastian Castellio (1554) attacks the intolerance of both Catholic and Calvinist practices and argues for the freedom of conscience and reason as prerequisites of true faith.

SEP

For that reason, secular MPs of conscience, as much as religious ones, should reject the bill, and give society more time to understand exactly what is at stake.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for reasons of conscience", ensure that the context clearly establishes the ethical or moral framework influencing the decision. This helps to avoid ambiguity and reinforces the legitimacy of the motivation.

Common error

Avoid using "for reasons of conscience" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler, more direct explanations would suffice. The phrase carries a certain weight and formality that may sound out of place in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for reasons of conscience" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the motivation behind an action or decision. It specifies that the action is driven by one's moral or ethical beliefs, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for reasons of conscience" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to justify actions rooted in moral or ethical beliefs. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples shows that it frequently appears in news and media sources, indicating its relevance in discussions of public affairs and personal ethics. While appropriate for formal and neutral registers, overuse in informal contexts should be avoided. Related phrases such as "due to moral considerations" or "guided by personal convictions" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. Remember to always clearly establish the context to avoid ambiguity and ensure proper interpretation of the motivation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

due to moral considerations

Replaces 'reasons of conscience' with a direct reference to morality.

on grounds of ethical principles

Uses 'ethical principles' to specify the basis of the decision.

guided by personal convictions

Highlights the influence of deeply held beliefs.

motivated by inner values

Focuses on the internal drive from one's core values.

out of respect for one's beliefs

Emphasizes deference to personal beliefs.

because of ethical obligations

Suggests a sense of duty based on ethical standards.

compelled by a sense of right and wrong

Highlights the moral imperative behind the action.

driven by moral responsibility

Stresses the role of moral duty.

in accordance with moral standards

Shows actions aligned with a set of ethical norms.

prompted by ethical awareness

Focuses on a heightened sensitivity to ethical issues.

FAQs

How can I use "for reasons of conscience" in a sentence?

You can use "for reasons of conscience" to explain why someone is making a decision based on their moral or ethical beliefs. For instance, "He refused to participate in the experiment "due to moral considerations"."

What's a more straightforward way to say "for reasons of conscience"?

Depending on the context, you could use simpler phrases like "because of my beliefs", "on moral grounds", or "due to ethical concerns".

Is it better to say "for reasons of conscience" or "because of my conscience"?

"For reasons of conscience" is generally more formal and emphasizes a thoughtful decision-making process. "Because of my conscience" is slightly less formal but still conveys a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

Can "for reasons of conscience" be used in a business context?

Yes, but use it judiciously. It's appropriate when explaining a decision that directly relates to ethical responsibilities or moral principles within the business, such as refusing to engage in unethical practices. Be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation and ensure the reasoning is clear and well-justified.