moral imperative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral imperative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an action that is morally required. For example, "It is a moral imperative that we help those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a moral imperative".

The New York Times

This is, by now, a moral imperative.

The New York Times - Magazine

A moral imperative kicked in".

The Guardian - Film

Ending this scourge is a moral imperative.

The New York Times

Immediate action is a moral imperative.

The Guardian

Conservatives see it as a moral imperative.

The New York Times - Books

There a moral imperative that we act.

The Guardian

This should be a moral imperative.

The Guardian - Opinion

Reporting it was a moral imperative.

The Guardian

First up, here's the moral imperative.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Indeed, it is a moral imperative.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "moral imperative", consider whether it's accompanied by a practical or economic argument to strengthen your position.

Common error

Avoid using "moral imperative" to inflate arguments that lack substantial ethical grounding. Ensure the context genuinely warrants a strong moral claim, as overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral imperative" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a principle or course of action that is morally required. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates something not merely preferable, but ethically obligatory. Examples show it used to frame actions related to social justice, environmental protection and human rights.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral imperative" is a noun phrase denoting a morally required action or principle. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and formal contexts, emphasizing ethical necessity. When writing, use "moral imperative" to underscore the urgency and ethical weight of an action, but ensure the context genuinely warrants such a strong claim. Alternatives like "ethical obligation" or "moral duty" can be used to express similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical obligation

Focuses on the ethical aspect of the duty, highlighting the binding nature of moral principles.

moral duty

Simplifies the phrase while retaining the core meaning of a morally required action.

ethical necessity

Emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the action from an ethical standpoint.

moral responsibility

Highlights the accountability aspect of the moral obligation.

ethical demand

Conveys a strong sense of requirement rooted in ethical considerations.

compelling moral reason

Highlights the strength and persuasiveness of the moral basis for action.

overriding ethical consideration

Stresses the importance of the ethical aspect above other considerations.

inescapable ethical obligation

Emphasizes the binding and unavoidable nature of the ethical duty.

pressing moral need

Focuses on the urgency and ethical dimension of the requirement.

urgent ethical obligation

Highlights both the urgency and the ethical component of the duty.

FAQs

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

Use "moral imperative" to introduce an action that is not only advisable but also morally required. For example, "Addressing climate change is a "moral imperative" for all nations."

What are some alternatives to using "moral imperative"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "ethical obligation", "moral duty", or "ethical necessity" to convey a similar sense of ethical urgency.

Is "moral imperative" the same as "legal obligation"?

No, a "moral imperative" stems from ethical principles, while a legal obligation is mandated by law. Something can be a "moral imperative" without being a legal requirement, and vice versa.

When is it appropriate to use the term "moral imperative"?

Use "moral imperative" when describing actions that are dictated by a strong sense of right and wrong. It's suitable when the issue at hand involves fundamental ethical considerations, such as human rights or social justice.