moral appeal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral appeal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing persuasive techniques that appeal to the audience's sense of right and wrong or ethical considerations. Example: "The speaker's moral appeal resonated with the audience, urging them to take action for a just cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

One isolated passage seems to recognize that the moral appeal to Heaven's intention as a standard of morality is effectively empty, as it could be twisted by a criminal to claim that since Heaven (tian, also "nature") has given him a criminal disposition, it is right for him to engage in selfish behavior (EC1).

SEP

This is related to a moral appeal.

The New Yorker

But it said China needed to address this by boosting its "moral appeal to others".

The Economist

Gone is the unity and moral appeal that persecution can produce.

The New York Times

Based on a quasi-experimental before-and-after design the effects of three different treatments – information, 20% price reduction, and a moral appeal – are analyzed.

Social Science Research

Nonetheless, the egalitarian values that inspired the socialist experiments continue to possess great intellectual and moral appeal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Moral appeals can often be cost effective, but our evidence suggests they must be applied carefully.

Harvard Business Review

These short videos (by IVAW) highlight creative protest tactics and direct moral appeals by veterans against the war.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Not only the nations of Europe but his own United States proved more self-interested and less amenable to moral appeals.

The Washington Post

Moral appeals ("we're a nation of immigrants") will only take them so far, and often backfires.

The New York Times

The Syrian government has shown that it doesn't respond to moral appeals but to credible threats of military force.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing a "moral appeal", ensure your audience shares the underlying values to which you're appealing. A disconnect in values can render the appeal ineffective or even offensive.

Common error

Don't base your entire argument solely on emotional manipulation through a "moral appeal". Support it with factual evidence and logical reasoning for a more persuasive and credible case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral appeal" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of trying to persuade someone by appealing to their sense of morality. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, highlighting its function in discussions of ethics and persuasion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral appeal" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes the act of trying to persuade someone by invoking their sense of morality. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. To effectively utilize a "moral appeal", align it with the audience's values and support it with factual evidence, as over-reliance on emotion can weaken the argument. Alternative phrases like "ethical entreaty" or "appeal to conscience" can be used depending on the specific context to provide different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical entreaty

Replaces "moral" with "ethical", emphasizing a set of principles governing conduct.

principled request

Highlights the request being based on strong moral principles rather than just an appeal.

appeal to conscience

Specifically targets the recipient's inner sense of right and wrong.

righteous plea

Implies a strong sense of justice and moral correctness in the appeal.

ethical draw

Highlights the inherent attractive qualities of the act or behavior due to moral considerations.

virtuous persuasion

Emphasizes the use of moral virtue to influence or convince someone.

call to morality

Directly urges adherence to moral standards or principles.

moral suasion

Use of persuasion rooted in ethical or moral principles.

moral invitation

Highlights the act of inviting others to embrace or consider a particular moral viewpoint.

deontological argument

Refers to an argument based on duty and moral obligations.

FAQs

What does "moral appeal" mean?

A "moral appeal" is a persuasive technique that leverages an audience's sense of ethics, right and wrong, or values to influence their beliefs or actions.

How can I effectively use a "moral appeal" in my writing?

To use a "moral appeal" effectively, clearly identify the shared values you are appealing to, and demonstrate how your argument aligns with those values. Be genuine and avoid manipulative language.

What are some alternatives to saying "moral appeal"?

You can use alternatives like "ethical entreaty", "appeal to conscience", or "righteous plea" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "moral appeal" and "ethical appeal"?

While similar, "moral appeal" often refers to a broader sense of right and wrong, while "ethical appeal" typically refers to a specific code of conduct or set of principles. Both aim to persuade based on values.