moral reservations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral reservations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ethical concerns or doubts about a particular action or decision. Example: "Despite the potential benefits of the project, she had moral reservations about its impact on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But several lawmakers and their leaders said the state's desperate need for revenues in the wake of the attack outweighed whatever moral reservations they might have had.

The New York Times

The nation's Roman Catholic bishops turned their attention today from the sexual abuse crisis to devising a statement to express moral reservations about going to war against Iraq.

The New York Times

As he stepped down Sunday night, Mr. Boetticher conceded that "although legal in a judicial sense many people would have understandable moral reservations" about his relationship with the girl less than half his age.

The New York Times

But if he had any moral reservations they did not stop him, and after wrapping his face in a scarf and putting on a hat and sunglasses he came out of the room.

The New Yorker

The transitional GDR government, in desperate need of foreign currency, eventually overcame moral reservations on 4 January 1990, ordering the structure's dismantlement and granting the "commercial use of complete segments".

The Guardian

He had also grown closer to the sociological framework of Max Weber and the pessimistic theology of Reinhold Niebuhr as he substituted social "interests" and moral reservations for what he now considered outmoded leftwing class categories and anti-business bias.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But how comfortable is Corbyn on any platform that endorses the European Union, given his own history of moral and political reservations about it?

The New Yorker

But, you know, giving machines the right to make life decisions... there are lots of technical reasons why I'd say that's a bad idea, before we even get on the moral and ethical reservations.

Vice

David Blight, the director of Yale's center for the study of slavery, said it was not a matter of moral or ethical reservations that prevented slave owners from pitting slaves against each other in combat, but rather economic self-interest: slave owners would not have wanted to put their substantial financial investments at risk in gladiatorial battles.

Wikipedia

It was well received by critics, but with reservations about "moral preachment".

The Guardian

His reservations are moral in nature.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ethical dilemmas, use "moral reservations" to express thoughtful consideration rather than outright rejection. It conveys a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved.

Common error

Avoid using "moral reservations" when you intend to express a firm, unwavering moral stance. The phrase suggests a degree of hesitation or doubt, not a fixed ethical position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral reservations" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it's used to express ethical concerns or doubts about something. It often acts as the object of a verb or the subject complement, indicating a state of mind or a reason for hesitation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral reservations" is a noun phrase used to express ethical concerns or hesitations about something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news media, science, and encyclopedias. While synonyms like "ethical qualms" or "moral objections" exist, "moral reservations" specifically conveys a sense of thoughtful consideration and internal conflict rather than outright disapproval. When writing, be mindful of the subtle nuances this phrase offers, and avoid using it when a stronger, more decisive stance is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical reservations

Interchangeable, but emphasizes the 'ethical' aspect.

moral hesitations

Interchangeable, but emphasizes the act of pausing or hesitating.

ethical qualms

Focuses more on a feeling of unease or doubt regarding ethical implications.

ethical hesitations

Emphasizes pausing or delaying action due to ethical concerns.

moral objections

Highlights a stronger stance of disapproval based on moral principles.

ethical considerations

Broader term referring to the ethical aspects that need to be taken into account.

conscientious scruples

Emphasizes moral or ethical considerations that restrain one's actions.

moral compunctions

Highlights a feeling of guilt or moral unease preventing certain actions.

ethical unease

Focuses on a feeling of discomfort regarding ethical implications.

moral misgivings

Highlights a sense of doubt or apprehension about the morality of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral reservations" to express ethical concerns or doubts about a particular action or decision. For example: "Despite the potential benefits, she had moral reservations about the project's environmental impact."

What are some alternatives to "moral reservations"?

You can use alternatives like "ethical qualms", "ethical hesitations", or "moral objections" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "ethical reservations" instead of "moral reservations"?

Yes, "ethical reservations" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. The terms "ethical" and "moral" are often used interchangeably in this context, making the phrases nearly synonymous.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "moral reservations"?

It might be inappropriate when you want to convey a firm moral stance or a complete rejection of something based on moral principles. In such cases, phrases like "moral objections" or "ethical imperatives" might be more fitting.