moral qualms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral qualms" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of unease or uncertainty about the ethical or moral aspects of a situation. Example: "She had moral qualms about cheating on the exam, but the pressure to get a good grade was overwhelming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But sometimes even I get moral qualms.

The New York Times - Arts

Do animal vandals feel any moral qualms?

The New York Times - Science

Even now, he has moral qualms about that form.

The Guardian

Clinton's heir, Al Gore, once had moral qualms about abortion.

The New York Times - Magazine

(To accommodate the moral qualms of conservative locals, the legislature relegated gambling to "navigable waters").

The New Yorker

Jefferson did worry about the future of slavery, but not out of moral qualms.

The New York Times

They may have their moral qualms but they are not entitled to transpose those moral qualms on to scientists and on to women".

The Guardian

HEFFERNAN: Do you have any moral qualms about working in TV, then?

The New York Times - Arts

Visitors should exercise caution, check their moral qualms at the border and behave as polite guests.

The New York Times

Robinson said he had no moral qualms about defending Karadžić or others accused of war crimes.

The Guardian

In his position as overseer and elder, Mr. Palmer was not without moral qualms.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about complex ethical situations, use "moral qualms" to precisely convey internal conflict or hesitation, illustrating the character's or subject's internal struggle.

Common error

Avoid using "moral qualms" when a simpler term like "concerns" or "doubts" suffices. "Moral qualms" implies a specific ethical or moral dimension to the hesitation, so reserve it for situations where this is central to the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral qualms" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes feelings of unease or doubt about the morality of an action, decision, or situation. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, the phrase often appears when describing internal conflict or ethical dilemmas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral qualms" is a noun phrase denoting ethical or moral reservations about a particular action or situation. Ludwig's AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news, books, and opinion pieces. Related phrases include "ethical reservations" and "scruples". When writing, it’s best to use "moral qualms" when specifically highlighting ethical or moral hesitations, avoiding overuse in place of simpler terms like "concerns". As Ludwig's AI and examples show, understanding the nuances of "moral qualms" enhances precision in expressing ethical considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral reservations

A direct synonym, emphasizing concerns about right and wrong.

qualms of conscience

Directly relates the doubts to one's internal sense of right and wrong.

ethical reservations

Focuses more specifically on ethical principles as the source of doubt.

moral uncertainties

Focuses on the lack of clarity or confidence in one's moral judgment.

moral hesitations

Emphasizes the act of pausing or delaying due to moral concerns.

ethical misgivings

Emphasizes a sense of doubt or apprehension about ethical implications.

scruples

A more concise term referring to moral or ethical considerations that restrain certain actions.

ethical anxieties

Highlights the worry or distress caused by ethical dilemmas.

conscience pangs

Highlights the feeling of guilt or regret associated with a moral dilemma.

ethical considerations

A broader term referring to the ethical factors involved in a situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral qualms" to describe someone experiencing doubts or hesitations about the morality of a particular action or decision. For example: "She had "moral qualms" about accepting the bribe."

Are "ethical qualms" and "moral qualms" interchangeable?

While very similar, "ethical qualms" often refers to concerns based on a set of external principles or code of conduct, whereas "moral qualms" are more related to an internal sense of right and wrong. They can often be used interchangeably, but the nuance depends on whether the concern stems from external rules or personal values.

What are some alternatives to "moral qualms"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "ethical reservations", "scruples", or "moral hesitations" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "moral qualms" in writing?

"Moral qualms" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the ethical or moral dimension of someone's hesitation or doubt. It's useful when the internal conflict is a significant aspect of the situation you're describing.