immoral thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "immoral thoughts" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing ideas or beliefs that are considered unethical or wrong. Example: She struggled with her immoral thoughts, knowing they conflicted with her values. Alternative expressions include "unethical thoughts" and "wrongful thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I definitely have the most immoral thoughts about Swedish people.

Vice

We don't gossip, murder, tell lies, steal, or have immoral thoughts.

Huffington Post

Don't gossip, don't commit murder, don't tell lies, don't think immoral thoughts.

Huffington Post

I couldn't name it at the time, but my life was being altered by feelings I "wasn't supposed to feel" and "immoral thoughts I wasn't supposed to be having," so I slowly shied away from our relationship for fear of making her feel anything less than joy in her life.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I don't do drugs anymore and I am generally a law-abiding citizen--they can't arrest you for immoral or criminal thoughts.

Vice

Of course, the ancient recommendation "Be True to Yourself!" - or, in the words of Russell Simmons, "Do You!" - is not particularly wise advice to give anyone with homicidal tendencies, perversely sadistic thoughts, deeply immoral inclinations, or even just massively irritating and severely antisocial habits.

Huffington Post

However, before Machiavelli, this amoral or immoral mode of thinking had never prevailed in the mainstream of Western political thought.

SEP

Whatever we think of art and entertainment depicting immoral behavior -- and those thoughts run the full gamut -- we have to agree that the representation of human maladjustments are more preferable than the deeper, darker urges that underpin them.

Huffington Post

We all expected that Mitt would support the decision of his ecclesiastical superior [the stake president] and when he denounced her and essentially shouted at her that she was wrong--that she was immoral and selfish--I thought, are you kidding me?

Huffington Post

In the light of the terrible realities of torture (which I can only just begin to imagine), it may seem immoral to pursue Harris's line of thought at all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jean Bodin (1530 96), the French founder of antislavery thought, for example, condemned the institution as immoral and counterproductive and advocated that no group of men should be excluded from the body politic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about internal struggles, use "immoral thoughts" to convey a conflict between one's desires and moral standards. This phrase can add depth to character development by illustrating inner turmoil.

Common error

Avoid using "immoral thoughts" when "amoral thoughts" is more appropriate. "Immoral" implies a conscious violation of moral principles, whereas "amoral" suggests a lack of moral sense altogether. Choose the term that accurately reflects the subject's understanding of morality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immoral thoughts" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "immoral" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "thoughts". Ludwig's AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and is used to describe ideas or mental processes considered unethical or morally wrong.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "immoral thoughts" describes thinking patterns considered unethical or morally wrong. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct, though relatively rare in usage. It is primarily found in news and media contexts, often used to discuss internal struggles, societal criticisms, or philosophical viewpoints on morality. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a conscious violation of moral principles rather than a simple lack of moral sense. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively convey complex moral issues and enhance character depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unethical ideas

Focuses on the lack of ethical principles rather than general morality.

wrongful thoughts

Emphasizes the aspect of being wrong or unjust.

corrupting thoughts

Highlights the potential to lead to moral decay.

sinful thoughts

Relates specifically to religious or spiritual transgressions.

depraved ideas

Suggests a higher degree of moral corruption.

wicked ideas

Emphasizes evil or malevolent intent.

deviant thoughts

Focuses on thoughts that stray from accepted norms.

base impulses

Shifts the focus to instinctual, selfish drives that disregard morality.

dishonorable intentions

Highlights the absence of honor or integrity.

unconscionable notions

Emphasizes the lack of conscience or moral consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "immoral thoughts" in a sentence?

You can use "immoral thoughts" to describe internal conflicts, character flaws, or societal issues. For example: "He struggled with "immoral thoughts" that contradicted his values."

What's the difference between "immoral thoughts" and "unethical thoughts"?

"Immoral thoughts" generally refer to violations of personal or societal moral codes, while "unethical thoughts" often relate to professional or specific ethical guidelines. The choice depends on the context of the wrongdoing.

What can I say instead of "immoral thoughts"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "unethical ideas", "wrongful thoughts", or "sinful thoughts".

Are "immoral thoughts" illegal?

Having "immoral thoughts" is not, in itself, illegal. As one Vice article points out, 'they can't arrest you for immoral or criminal thoughts'. However, acting on those thoughts can lead to illegal behavior, resulting in legal consequences.