morally compelling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "morally compelling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an argument, idea, or action that strongly appeals to ethical considerations or moral values. Example: "The documentary presented a morally compelling case for environmental conservation that resonated with viewers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Right now America is neither morally compelling nor materially convincing.

The New York Times

There's not much that is noble or morally compelling here.

The Guardian

He exuded a broad-minded humanism that I found not only morally compelling, but accurate.

The New York Times

"This story is not just news, it is morally compelling news".

The New York Times

Gender equality in pay is morally compelling, but more important at the moment, it seems to be politically popular.

The Economist

"That's the only goal that's morally compelling enough to generate enough energy to pull this transition off.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The case for not permitting the use of genetic information in underwriting life insurance has been found morally less compelling by Daniels (2004), but access is actually more threatened given that the individual market makes up 10 15 percent of private health insurance policies but 71 percent of life insurance policies (Kass 1997).

SEP

"Assange, from the first time I was exposed to him, just seemed like the most fascinating subject and the kind Alex does a tremendous job in his films exploring — subjects that are textured and morally complex and compelling," Shmuger said.

Los Angeles Times

This and other factors suggest that what popular science writers strive to provide ultimately has less to do with making scientific analysis accessible to readers (a high school textbook would do that) than with feeding their desire for morally and aesthetically compelling visions -- cosmic wisdom if you will -- backed by scientific authority.

Huffington Post

A partial list of the roles the women in these pages have played this year would include a slave, a sex therapist, a trainer of killer whales, a randy Texas dowager, a 19th-century factory worker driven to prostitution and the two most compelling and morally complicated characters in the semicompelling, morally simplistic "Dark Knight Rising".

The New York Times

I was also powerfully affected by Sven Lindqvist's A History of Bombing (translated by Linda Haverty Rugg, Granta) which feels, as we move into the era of drone warfare, compelling and morally urgent.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "morally compelling" with specific examples or evidence to support the claim, making it more convincing and less abstract. This enhances credibility and engagement with the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "morally compelling" as a substitute for reasoned argument. Over-reliance on emotionally charged language can undermine your credibility if not supported by logic and evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "morally compelling" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that something possesses a strong moral imperative or attractiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "morally compelling" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that effectively conveys a strong ethical or value-based argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for a range of contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal writing. While useful, ensure that the moral framework is clear and arguments are supported by evidence. Alternatives such as "ethically persuasive" or "morally persuasive" can be used for variety. It's important to avoid overuse and ensure the phrase enhances rather than replaces reasoned arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethically persuasive

Replaces "morally" with "ethically", focusing on a broader set of principles.

morally persuasive

A direct synonym, replacing "compelling" with "persuasive".

ethically sound

Focuses on the integrity and correctness of the idea.

morally right

Emphasizes the correctness of the action in terms of moral standards.

morally justifiable

Highlights the defensibility of the action or decision based on moral principles.

imperative from a moral standpoint

Emphasizes the necessity of the action based on moral considerations, adding a sense of urgency.

morally obligatory

Highlights a duty or requirement rooted in moral principles.

ethically imperative

Highlights an urgency based on ethical grounds.

morally essential

Indicates that something is fundamentally important from a moral perspective.

morally exigent

Stresses the pressing need from a moral perspective.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "morally compelling" in a sentence?

To use "morally compelling" effectively, ensure your sentence provides clear context of what makes something morally convincing. For example, "The evidence presented a "morally compelling" reason to reconsider the policy" clearly links the evidence to the moral argument.

What are some alternatives to "morally compelling"?

Depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey, alternatives to "morally compelling" include "ethically persuasive", "morally persuasive", or "morally right".

Is it appropriate to use "morally compelling" in formal writing?

Yes, "morally compelling" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing ethical considerations in areas like policy, law, or philosophy. However, ensure it's supported by logical reasoning and evidence to avoid appearing overly emotional.

What distinguishes "morally compelling" from "ethically sound"?

"Morally compelling" emphasizes the persuasive power of an argument or action based on morals, while "ethically sound" focuses more on its adherence to ethical principles. The former is about convincing, the latter about correctness.