moral conviction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral conviction" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a strong belief based on one's personal morals or values. Here is an example of how it can be used in a sentence: "Although it was a challenging decision, she followed her moral conviction and refused to compromise her principles for the sake of success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But there is something else in his art, a moral conviction, the proffering of an alternative morality.

The Guardian

He says his stance is a matter of moral conviction.

The Economist

We believe in open societies, ordered by moral conviction.

The New York Times

Their moral conviction, they insist, cannot be slave to secular convention.

The New York Times

With a speech mixing piety, politics and moral conviction, it very much became Jeremy Corbyn's.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hugo Young: He is gripped by optimism and moral conviction - but he has no leverage.

The Guardian

But his enthusiasm for guns, it turns out, owes more to moral conviction than literary curiosity.

The New York Times - Books

We vacillate, at the pleasure of the White House, with great moral conviction.

The Guardian - Opinion

But during the broadcast you felt only the force of Maddow's moral conviction.

The New Yorker

In "Kate and Leopold," the 21st-century woman discovers that she misses civility and moral conviction.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

J.C. Wadada Leo Smith is a veteran trumpeter and composer whose music often comes girded with moral conviction.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing organizational behavior, consider whether actions stem from a genuine "moral conviction" or are driven by other factors such as public relations.

Common error

Avoid using "moral conviction" to justify actions without ethical reasoning or consideration of consequences. Ensure actions are grounded in principles, not just personal preference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral conviction" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a firmly held belief rooted in personal values and ethics. Examples from Ludwig, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, demonstrate its usage in various contexts to convey the depth and strength of someone's beliefs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral conviction" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a deeply held belief based on one's personal values and ethics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and found across various authoritative sources, particularly in news, academic writing, and scientific contexts. When writing, use "moral conviction" to emphasize the ethical foundation of an action, and avoid confusing it with blind faith by ensuring actions are grounded in sound reasoning. Related phrases include "ethical principle" and "principled stance". As evidenced by numerous examples from Ludwig, the phrase is an effective way to convey the depth and strength of someone's beliefs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral integrity

Highlights the quality of adhering to moral principles.

matter of conscience

Indicates that the belief is deeply personal and related to one's inner moral sense.

deeply held value

Focuses on the value itself rather than the conviction to uphold it.

principled stance

Highlights the firm and unwavering nature of the belief.

ethical principle

Focuses specifically on ethics rather than a broader sense of morality.

moral compass

Implies an internal guide directing ethical decisions.

commitment to justice

Specifically relates to beliefs regarding fairness and equality.

strong belief

Emphasizes the intensity of the belief without explicitly stating its moral nature.

personal code of conduct

Refers to a set of self-imposed rules and beliefs guiding one's actions.

sense of righteousness

Highlights the feeling of being morally justified.

FAQs

How can I use "moral conviction" in a sentence?

You can use "moral conviction" to describe a strong belief based on personal morals, such as: "She acted out of a deep "moral conviction" to help those in need."

What are some alternatives to "moral conviction"?

Alternatives include "ethical principle", "principled stance", or "moral integrity", each highlighting different aspects of a deeply held belief.

Is it always positive to have a "moral conviction"?

While generally positive, a "moral conviction" can be problematic if it leads to intolerance or harm to others. The ethical basis and consequences of the conviction should always be considered.

What's the difference between "moral conviction" and "legal obligation"?

A "moral conviction" is a personal belief about what is right, while a legal obligation is a duty imposed by law. They may align, but a person's "moral conviction" might conflict with the law.