it would be morally wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would be morally wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing ethical considerations or judgments about actions or decisions. Example: "If we were to exploit the vulnerable for profit, it would be morally wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

When Haakon was approached by the men and was urged to take up arms against Inge, he rejected it in part because of his young age and its bad prospects, as well as because he believed it would be morally wrong to fight Inge and thus split the birkebeiner.

Wikipedia

The intuitive idea, then, is that if one has an action that, given only its known rightmaking and wrongmaking properties, is an action that it would be morally wrong to perform, then it is more likely than not it is also an action that it would be morally wrong to perform, given the totality of its morally significant properties, both known and unknown.

SEP

Consequently, if an action is one that it would be morally wrong to perform, if judged only by its known morally significant properties, then it is more likely than not that it is one that it is morally wrong to perform given the totality of its morally significant properties, both known and unknown.

SEP

But it would be morally wrong to exclude them.

Independent

"It would be morally wrong to hold the data hostage and keep it secret," he said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Despite the family's criminal history, the investigator decides that it would be morally wrong to take away Agnes' family.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"Apart from the fact that this would be morally wrong, it is also self-defeating".

BBC

I still feel that a war would be morally wrong, even if it were fought with only the right intentions.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, Routley points out that there is a moral intuition that the imagined last acts would be morally wrong.

SEP

Some of its leaders say that any use of nuclear weapons would be morally wrong, even in response to a Soviet use; they believe that threats of nuclear warfare must also be condemned.

The New York Times

As Baggini points out, the mere fact that most of us find the idea of killing and eating such an animal revolting doesn't establish that we would be morally wrong to do so.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to express a strong ethical objection, but be prepared to justify your position with reasoned arguments, not just personal feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "it would be morally wrong" as a knee-jerk reaction without providing a clear explanation of why the action is considered morally wrong. Back up your claim with ethical reasoning or principles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be morally wrong" functions as an evaluative expression, typically used to express a strong ethical objection or condemnation of a proposed action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It sets a conditional tone, suggesting a hypothetical scenario where a moral judgment is being applied.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it would be morally wrong" serves as a robust tool for expressing ethical objections. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. This phrase appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, signaling a strong disapproval of a potential action based on ethical principles. When employing this phrase, be sure to provide a clear justification for your moral stance, as it carries a significant weight in persuasive communication. Consider related phrases like "it would be unethical" or "it would be a moral failing" to fine-tune your message's nuance. Remember, while impactful, overuse without substantiation can diminish its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it would be unethical

Replaces "morally wrong" with "unethical", focusing on professional or codified ethics.

it would be morally unacceptable

Substitutes "wrong" with "unacceptable", emphasizing a lack of social or communal approval.

it would be morally unjustifiable

Replaces "wrong" with "unjustifiable", suggesting a lack of valid reasons or defense.

it would be morally indefensible

Similar to unjustifiable, but with a stronger implication that defending the action is impossible.

it would be a moral failing

Shifts the focus from the action being wrong to the person committing a moral error.

it would be a breach of ethics

Emphasizes that the action violates a specific ethical code or principle.

it would be contrary to moral principles

Highlights the contradiction between the action and established moral beliefs.

it goes against our values

Focuses on a conflict with personal or organizational values.

it violates ethical standards

Similar to "breach of ethics" but uses broader terminology.

it is against my conscience

Expresses a personal moral objection, based on one's internal moral compass.

FAQs

How can I use "it would be morally wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "it would be morally wrong" to express a strong ethical objection to a particular action or decision. For example, "it would be morally wrong to exploit the vulnerable".

What can I say instead of "it would be morally wrong"?

You can use alternatives like "it would be unethical", "it would be morally unacceptable", or "it would be a moral failing depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it is morally wrong" or "it would be morally wrong"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "it would be morally wrong" often implies a hypothetical situation or a future action, while "it is morally wrong" typically refers to a general principle or a present action.

What is the difference between "it would be morally wrong" and "it is morally questionable"?

"It would be morally wrong" expresses a definitive judgment that an action is ethically unacceptable. "It is morally questionable" suggests that the action raises ethical concerns but doesn't necessarily condemn it outright.