high moral ground

USAGE SUMMARY

'high moral ground' is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to refer to a situation, an opinion, or a belief that is considered to be morally superior or higher than what is seen as the norm. For example, "His refusal to compromise on the issue was a testament to his standing on high moral ground".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A high moral ground may be on quicksand.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, the country cannot easily adopt the high moral ground.

The Economist

I think he's trying to take the high moral ground".

The New York Times

Miliband clung to the high moral ground for dear life, scolding Tory MPs.

Independent

NATO has the high moral ground here: Qaddafi is a brutal dictator.

The New York Times

What a pleasurable opportunity he has offered British politicians wanting to posture from high moral ground.

The Guardian - Opinion

McBride said that LabourList did well, countering attacks from the "high moral ground".

The Guardian

"It gained a high moral ground and people want me to carry on the fight".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The high moral ground would have been to refuse the money and submit a proposal gratis.

The New York Times - Magazine

EACH side claims the high moral ground of offering new services to underserved rural areas.

The New York Times

Though she has few viable options, she is no mere victim, and Fontaine disallows any comfortable high moral ground.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "high moral ground" when you want to suggest that a person, group, or idea holds a morally superior position compared to others. Be mindful of the context to avoid sounding self-righteous or condescending.

Common error

Avoid using "high moral ground" to dismiss opposing viewpoints without addressing their merits. Engage with differing perspectives respectfully, even when you believe your position is morally sound.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high moral ground" functions as a noun phrase, often used to describe a position, stance, or argument perceived as morally superior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English. Examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from politics to personal ethics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "high moral ground" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a position of perceived moral superiority. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts, with neutral formality. When employing this phrase, be mindful of potential interpretations, as it can sometimes be perceived as self-righteous. Consider alternatives like "moral high ground" or "principled stance" to fine-tune your message and prevent alienating your audience. Remember to engage respectfully with opposing viewpoints, even when you believe you occupy the "high moral ground".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral high ground

Reverses the order of the words, slightly altering the emphasis but maintaining the same core meaning.

ethical high ground

Substitutes "moral" with "ethical", focusing on a set of principles governing conduct.

position of moral superiority

Replaces the metaphor of 'ground' with a more direct description of the stance.

principled stance

Focuses on the adherence to principles rather than a comparative position.

ethically sound position

Highlights the ethical soundness of a position or argument.

morally justifiable position

Emphasizes the justification of a position based on moral principles.

righteous stance

Conveys a sense of moral rightness and justification.

upholding moral standards

Focuses on maintaining high moral standards.

taking the ethical high road

Replaces "ground" with "road", focusing on making ethical choices.

virtuous position

Highlights the virtuous nature of a position.

FAQs

How can I use "high moral ground" in a sentence?

You can use "high moral ground" to describe someone who is perceived as having strong moral principles or beliefs. For example, "The politician claimed the "high moral ground" by advocating for stricter environmental regulations".

What can I say instead of "high moral ground"?

You can use alternatives like "moral high ground", "ethical high ground", or "position of moral superiority" depending on the specific context.

Is it always positive to occupy the "high moral ground"?

Not necessarily. While it suggests moral superiority, it can also imply arrogance or self-righteousness. Consider whether emphasizing empathy and understanding might be more effective in your communication.

What's the difference between "high moral ground" and "moral high ground"?

The phrases "high moral ground" and "moral high ground" are largely interchangeable and share the same meaning. The difference is mostly stylistic, with "high moral ground" being slightly more common.