moral complications

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral complications" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing ethical dilemmas or situations that involve conflicting moral principles. Example: "The story explores the moral complications faced by the protagonist as they navigate their choices in a morally ambiguous world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Legal, familial, and moral complications ensue.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's their entry into the picture that seems to create serious moral complications.

The New York Times - Books

That reluctance to take an intellectual or political viewpoint leads to moral complications and complexities.

The Guardian - Film

"The moral complications of living in a society you don't approve of".

The New York Times

The moral complications of the Fazal plot prevent an easy reading of this character, and even of the larger story of the opium wars.

The New York Times

Ms. Bigelow, practicing a kind of hyperbolic realism, distills the psychological essence and moral complications of modern warfare into a series of brilliant, agonizing set pieces.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But the effect of Experience on Innocence is less one of mockery than moral complication.

The Guardian - Books

But the larger story — sprawling and fraught with moral complication — is what has happened beyond China's borders.

The New Yorker

Deputy Mayor Dennis M. Walcott lives in the predominantly Caribbean neighborhood of Cambria Heights, Queens, and he summarized the moral complication.

The New York Times

THERE is moral complication on display in "The Wasted Vigil," but this novel is more expansive than his previous ones, documenting several decades intensely and several centuries tangentially.

The New York Times - Books

Sometimes the urge to repay blood with blood was treated with skepticism or at least with a sense of moral complication, as in "Mystic River" or "In the Bedroom" or "The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moral complications" to add nuance to discussions of ethical issues, especially when simple right vs. wrong answers are insufficient.

Common error

Avoid using "moral complications" in situations that are already clearly defined as unethical or illegal. The phrase is most effective when describing genuine dilemmas, not obvious wrongdoings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral complications" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes situations or aspects involving difficult or conflicting moral considerations. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Books

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral complications" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes situations involving ethical difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in news, media, books, and scientific discussions. The phrase serves to highlight the complexity of ethical dilemmas and encourage nuanced thinking. When using "moral complications", it's best to ensure clarity by defining the specific moral principles involved and avoiding overuse in simplistic scenarios. Related phrases like "ethical dilemmas" or "moral conflicts" may offer suitable alternatives depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical dilemmas

Focuses specifically on situations involving a choice between conflicting ethical principles.

moral quandaries

Emphasizes the perplexing and difficult nature of the moral situation.

ethical challenges

Highlights the difficulties and obstacles presented by the ethical issues.

moral conflicts

Underscores the clash between different moral values or principles.

ethical ramifications

Focuses on the consequences and implications of ethical decisions.

moral ambiguities

Highlights the lack of clarity and certainty in the moral landscape.

moral complexities

Emphasizes the intricate and multifaceted nature of the moral issues.

ethical considerations

Shifts the focus to the process of carefully evaluating ethical factors.

moral considerations

Shifts the focus to the process of carefully evaluating moral factors.

ethical hurdles

Implies the existence of obstacles that need to be overcome in order to act ethically.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "moral complications" in a sentence?

To effectively use "moral complications", ensure you clearly define the context and whose moral principles are being challenged. For example: "The protagonist's decision introduced significant "moral complications" for the other characters."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "moral complications"?

Alternatives include "ethical dilemmas", "moral conflicts", or "ethical considerations", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Are there situations where using "moral complications" might be inappropriate?

Using "moral complications" might be inappropriate in scenarios where the ethical issues are straightforward and widely agreed upon. The phrase is best reserved for situations with genuine ambiguity or conflicting moral principles.

What is the difference between "moral complications" and "ethical considerations"?

"Moral complications" typically refer to the problematic or difficult aspects of a situation involving ethics, while "ethical considerations" suggest a more neutral and analytical approach to evaluating the ethical factors involved.