moral struggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral struggle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conflict or challenge related to ethical or moral decisions faced by an individual or group. Example: "The protagonist's moral struggle throughout the novel highlights the complexities of right and wrong in a flawed society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Doris has to find a way to take part in this great moral struggle despite an upbringing that equates morality with passivity.

The New York Times - Books

I then endure a moment of intense moral struggle.

The Guardian - Books

"The most important thing is whether you are willing to engage in moral struggle against yourself".

The New Yorker

There must be other combat veterans caught in a moral struggle over their wartime actions.

The New York Times

The war in Iraq had already become defined by another moral struggle — this one about prisoners and torture.

The New Yorker

Everyone is the creation of the community in which they were reared and the moral struggle their background engendered.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Ryan went through a moral struggle that reminds us of the perils of caricature, in his case the reflexive tag "convicted former governor of Illinois".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is all about power, he says, in a world "void of moral struggles".

The Economist

Their moral struggles remain, and they continue to walk with the legs of other men".

The New York Times

Mr. Flimm, typically, sets the opera's deeply political and moral struggles in a modern prison yard.

The New York Times

Mr. Flimm, as is his custom, sets the opera's deeply political and moral struggles in a modern prison yard.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "moral struggle", provide specific details about the conflicting values or principles to enhance clarity and impact. For instance, instead of simply stating that a character faced a "moral struggle", describe the dilemma they encountered between loyalty and honesty.

Common error

Avoid vague descriptions of a "moral struggle" without specifying the ethical dimensions involved. For example, describing a character's actions as a "moral struggle" without clarifying whether the conflict is about honesty, loyalty, or justice, reduces the narrative's depth and the reader's engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral struggle" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a difficult or complex situation involving conflicting moral principles. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various narratives and discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moral struggle" is a common and correct way to describe an internal conflict involving ethical or moral decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific articles. Related phrases like "ethical dilemma" and "moral conflict" offer similar meanings, but "moral struggle" emphasizes the personal and emotional aspects of the conflict. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the values in conflict to enhance understanding and engagement. By avoiding vague descriptions, you can effectively convey the depth and complexity of the "moral struggle".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical dilemma

This phrase highlights the difficult choice between two or more conflicting ethical principles.

moral conflict

This term emphasizes the clash between opposing moral values or beliefs within an individual or society.

ethical quandary

Similar to "ethical dilemma", this emphasizes a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what is morally right.

conscience conflict

This highlights the struggle between one's actions and one's sense of right and wrong.

battle of conscience

Emphasizes the active and difficult nature of dealing with conflicting moral beliefs.

inner turmoil

This phrase focuses on the internal emotional distress caused by a moral quandary.

agonizing decision

Highlights the painful and difficult nature of making a decision with moral implications.

internal conflict

This is a broader term that can encompass moral struggles, but also other types of internal conflict.

moral reckoning

This phrase refers to a process of assessing and taking responsibility for one's moral actions or beliefs.

spiritual battle

This term often refers to a struggle between good and evil within a religious or spiritual context.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral struggle" to describe a character's internal conflict, as in, "The protagonist's journey is defined by a constant "moral struggle" between his ambition and his integrity".

What are some alternatives to "moral struggle"?

Alternatives include "ethical dilemma", "moral conflict", or "conscience conflict", each carrying slightly different nuances. The choice depends on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "moral struggle" in formal writing?

Yes, "moral struggle" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider your audience and the specific tone you wish to convey. Alternatives like "ethical quandary" might be more suitable in certain academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "moral struggle" and "ethical dilemma"?

While both terms relate to difficult moral situations, "moral struggle" emphasizes the internal conflict and emotional distress involved, while "ethical dilemma" focuses more on the choice between two or more conflicting ethical principles.