moral transgression

USAGE SUMMARY

'moral transgression' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to an action or behavior that goes against a moral code or standard of what is acceptable. Example sentence: John was forced to confront his own moral transgression when he realized the impact of his actions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

That is such a moral transgression".

The New York Times - Style

In effect, a moral transgression was being punished with economic sanctions.

The New York Times

What was initially a moral transgression in using drugs has raged into a terrible fire.

The New York Times - Sports

They are thin-skinned about any moral transgression they might commit and rigorously honest when judging themselves.

The New York Times

Couldn't some enterprising young fashion designer today employ Barlow's Cameron-endorsed visage as a similar cipher for off-the-peg prêt-a-porter moral transgression?

The Guardian - Opinion

After all, it is these instruments of the state that are our response to moral transgression and they appear to have failed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

But this culture can allow moral transgressions to thrive.

The Guardian - Music

These literal crimes and moral transgressions occur in Amagansett, Great Neck, Huntington and other familiar locales.

The New York Times

Subjects in psychology experiments rate others' moral transgressions as worse than their own similar violations.

The New York Times

The song went on to describe a sophomore year of unrivaled moral transgressions.

The New York Times

(Much of which took place while he was denouncing President Bill Clinton for moral transgressions).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "moral transgression" with specific examples to clarify its meaning for your audience. For instance, "The company's actions represented a clear moral transgression: they knowingly polluted the river despite the risks to public health."

Common error

Avoid using "moral transgression" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler terms like "wrongdoing" or "mistake" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral transgression" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable, which confirms its place in proper English grammar.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral transgression" is a correct and usable noun phrase that is commonly employed to denote actions that violate moral principles. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in formal and neutral contexts, particularly within News & Media and Scientific domains. When aiming for clarity, it's advised to provide specific examples to illustrate the meaning, while avoiding overuse in casual settings. Alternatives such as "ethical violation" or "wrongdoing" can be considered based on the intended nuance and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical violation

Focuses specifically on breaches of ethical codes, often in professional contexts.

moral failing

Highlights the deficiency or weakness in moral character that leads to the action.

ethical breach

Implies a break or gap in ethical conduct, often in a professional setting.

moral lapse

Suggests a temporary failure in moral judgment or behavior.

violation of ethics

Directly states that ethical principles have been broken.

breach of morality

A more formal way of saying that moral standards have been violated.

moral misdeed

Emphasizes the negative action itself, framing it as morally wrong.

wrongdoing

A general term for unethical or illegal behavior.

sinful act

Frames the transgression within a religious or spiritual context.

immoral behavior

Describes conduct that does not conform to accepted principles of right and wrong.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral transgression" to describe actions that violate moral principles. For instance, "The politician's acceptance of bribes was seen as a significant "moral transgression"".

What are some alternatives to "moral transgression"?

Alternatives include "ethical violation", "moral failing", or "wrongdoing". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "moral transgression" formal or informal?

"Moral transgression" is generally considered a formal term, suitable for academic, legal, or serious discussions. In more casual settings, simpler terms may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "moral transgression" and "ethical violation"?

While similar, "moral transgression" generally refers to a violation of personal or societal moral codes, whereas "ethical violation" often refers to breaches of professional or institutional ethics.