morally upright

USAGE SUMMARY

'morally upright' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's character or behavior. For example, "He was always a morally upright man, and he always did what he believed was right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It also calls for moral transformation to ensure leadership is morally upright.

FAO

You must be morally upright and of steadfast rectitude.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was the authentic candidate, morally upright, comfortable with himself.

The New York Times

Psychic benefits strive to make them feel morally upright and superior.

The Washington Post

Pacioli's morally upright accounting bestowed a form of religious benediction on these previously disparaged professions.

MIT Technology Review

The sedate, industrious, and morally upright community of businesses and homes was not wholly the one that took shape.

The New Yorker

As universities race to offer specialist courses, we look towards a new generation of morally upright investors.

The Guardian

Being a morally upright American has come to mean you refuse to consciously engage in behavior motivated by race or to act with consciously racist motivation.

University of California, Berkeley

Britain need only take the lead from the Enlightenment and from modern America to become again the morally upright society it deserves to be.

The Guardian - Books

"We see if he has made sacrifices for the society and if he is morally upright," said Satyavan Nain, a junior member of the khap.

The New York Times

Much to the morally upright Mary's disgust, Patience's husband, Joss (a typically intense Sean Harris), leads a band of smugglers who prey on shipwrecks.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's character, use "morally upright" to emphasize their adherence to ethical principles and virtuous conduct. It suggests a steadfast commitment to doing what is right.

Common error

Avoid using "morally upright" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "honest" or "decent" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "morally upright" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, as Ludwig AI suggests. It describes the ethical character or behavior of someone or something. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use in contexts ranging from leadership qualities to descriptions of fictional characters.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "morally upright" is a common adjective phrase used to describe someone or something adhering to high ethical standards. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, its somewhat formal tone may make it less suitable for casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "ethically sound" or "virtuous" depending on the desired nuance. When using "morally upright", ensure it aligns with the overall formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

morally virtuous

Adds emphasis by using both "morally" and "virtuous".

ethically impeccable

Stresses a high level of ethical perfection; more formal.

ethically sound

Emphasizes adherence to a code of ethics; slightly more formal.

virtuous

Highlights possession of moral excellence; a more general term.

having integrity

Focuses on the quality of possessing strong moral principles.

principled

Focuses on adherence to principles; implies a strong moral compass.

honorable

Stresses integrity and a commitment to doing what is right; often associated with reputation.

righteous

Implies moral correctness and justification; can have a religious connotation.

upstanding

Highlights good character and respectability within the community.

of good character

A more descriptive phrase, directly referring to moral qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "morally upright" in a sentence?

You can use "morally upright" to describe a person's character or actions. For example, "The judge was known for being a "morally upright" individual who always made fair decisions."

What are some synonyms for "morally upright"?

Some synonyms for "morally upright" include "ethically sound", "virtuous", and "principled". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "morally upright" or "morally upstanding"?

Both "morally upright" and "morally upstanding" are acceptable, but "morally upright" is slightly more common. "Morally upstanding" emphasizes respectability within the community.

What is the difference between "morally upright" and "righteous"?

"Morally upright" generally refers to adherence to ethical principles. "Righteous", on the other hand, often carries a religious connotation, implying moral correctness and justification in the eyes of a higher power.