matter of decency

USAGE SUMMARY

"matter of decency" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is considered polite, responsible, or respectful, such as "It was a matter of decency to arrive on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

That is a matter of decency.

Independent

Staying home, caring for the house and for children was considered a matter of decency.

The New York Times

At that moment I knew I had, as a matter of decency and honesty, to leave.

The Guardian

It's just a matter of decency and respect for your surrounding neighbors.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The late Commissioner Giamatti was fond of saying, "in matters of race, in matters of decency, baseball should lead the way".

Huffington Post

That seems to me simply a matter of general decency.

Independent

— that it was shutting its big mouth "as a matter of common decency".

The New Yorker

It should not be a duty but an inalienable right, a matter of moral decency and simple human kindness.

The Guardian

As a matter of common decency and journalistic ethics, we ask everyone in the climate change debate to sit back and think about what just happened.

The New York Times

"This legislation is a no-brainer that is common sense and a matter of human decency that should not be politicized.

The New York Times

The idea that immigrant workers deserve protection simply as a matter of human decency can be hard to sell in hard times.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "matter of decency", ensure the context clearly indicates an action or decision is being guided by ethical or moral considerations, emphasizing respect and consideration for others.

Common error

Avoid using "matter of decency" in very casual conversations or informal writing. It is often perceived as overly formal or even pretentious in such settings. Simpler expressions of respect or kindness may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of decency" functions as a noun phrase that describes a requirement or expectation based on ethical or moral considerations. Ludwig AI identifies its use in various contexts where adherence to social norms and ethical principles is emphasized.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "matter of decency" is a noun phrase used to emphasize ethical or moral requirements. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While typically neutral in register, it is mainly found in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "matter of fairness" and "matter of respect", offering alternatives that slightly shift the focus but maintain a similar emphasis on ethical considerations. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its somewhat formal tone; simpler expressions may suffice in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matter of fairness

Focuses on impartiality and just treatment, shifting the emphasis from general ethical conduct to equitable actions.

matter of integrity

Highlights moral principles and honesty, stressing the importance of adhering to ethical standards.

matter of respect

Emphasizes showing consideration and regard for others, differing from general decency by focusing specifically on respectful behavior.

matter of ethics

Emphasizes moral principles and values guiding behavior, presenting a formal approach.

matter of morality

Shifts the focus to personal beliefs about right and wrong, differing from social expectations of decency.

question of decency

Presents the idea as something debatable or uncertain, while "matter of decency" is a statement of fact.

act of common courtesy

Describes a specific polite action, rather than a general standard of behavior.

act of moral responsibility

Highlights the sense of duty, with an extra emphasis on obligation.

simple act of kindness

Focuses on benevolent actions, differing from broader ethical conduct encompassed by "matter of decency".

basic human compassion

Highlights empathy and concern for others, emphasizing emotional response rather than adherence to moral standards.

FAQs

How can I use "matter of decency" in a sentence?

You can use "matter of decency" to express that something is expected or required due to ethical or moral considerations. For example, "It's a "matter of decency" to offer your seat to an elderly person on the bus".

What phrases are similar to "matter of decency"?

Similar phrases include "matter of fairness", "matter of respect", or "question of decency", each with slightly different connotations.

Is "matter of decency" formal or informal?

"Matter of decency" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, simpler expressions of kindness or respect might be preferable.

When is it appropriate to use "matter of decency"?

Use "matter of decency" when you want to emphasize that an action is morally or ethically required, often in situations involving public conduct or respect for others.