morals

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'morals' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's beliefs about what is right and wrong. For example, "John's strong morals shaped the way he lived his life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a world that has no morals, a 60-year-old man cutting his head off onstage every night and strangling his daughter, who is dressed as a nurse, is the closest we've got to family entertainment.

The Guardian

We must align our money with our morals.

The Guardian - Opinion

And as for wider society – now that we've got to pay off the bankers' binge, we won't be able to afford sloppy morals in quite the way we've been doing lately.

The Guardian

Oh, but wait, I have compassion, empathy, morals and ethics to guide my daily life choices.

The Guardian - Tech

But there is absolutely no way I could compromise my morals to benefit myself - placing myself at a further advantage to further destroy the lives of those who actually need governmental support is morally wrong and the thought of it sickens me.

The Guardian

It's a strange pendulum of morals and liberation.

The Guardian - Opinion

You have spotted the real issue to emerge from Leveson of late: never mind the behaviour of the press or the morals of our government – what effect has Rebekah Brooks had upon a long-running reliable fashion staple?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We have to try to get morals back into our political system," said Mina Hristova, a 23-year-old cultural anthropology student.

The Guardian

The aim of the regulation is to "protect the morals and culture of society".

The Economist

Charlotte's Victorian morals and her love of learning for its own sake will be severely tested.

The Economist

They also like its stress on morals, even though St Albert's stem from the wrong religion.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal or subjective beliefs about right and wrong, use "morals". When referring to societal or professional standards, "ethics" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid confusing "morals", which refers to principles of right and wrong, with "morale", which describes the overall mood or spirit of a group.

Linguistic Context

The word "morals" functions primarily as a plural noun, referring to principles or standards of behavior concerning what is right or wrong. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous example sentences. It is used to describe personal beliefs, societal norms, or ethical frameworks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

19%

Opinion

14%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Politics

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "morals" is a plural noun denoting principles or standards of right and wrong. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. The term serves to express judgments about ethical conduct, and its register is typically neutral, though it can be formal depending on the subject matter. When using "morals", be sure to differentiate it from "morale" and to consider whether "ethics" might be a more appropriate term for societal standards. Related phrases include "ethical principles" and "moral values".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral values

Highlights the importance of values in shaping moral conduct.

sense of right and wrong

Focuses on the intuitive understanding of morality.

ethical standards

Similar to "morals", but emphasizes broader societal norms.

moral code

Refers to a specific and defined set of moral beliefs.

ethical principles

Focuses on the formal and systematic aspect of ethics.

ethical considerations

Emphasizes thoughtful ethical judgement.

moral compass

Emphasizes internal guidance in ethical decision-making.

principles of conduct

Focuses on how someone behaves.

code of ethics

Implies a structured set of rules governing behavior.

moral philosophy

Highlights the theoretical study of morality.

FAQs

How can I use "morals" in a sentence?

You can use "morals" to discuss personal beliefs or societal standards of right and wrong. For example, "His "strong morals" guided his decisions."

What's a good synonym for "morals"?

Alternatives include "ethical principles", "moral values", or "ethical standards", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "ethics" or "morals"?

"Morals" generally refer to personal principles, while "ethics" often refer to broader societal or professional standards. The better choice depends on the context.

What is the difference between "morals" and "values"?

"Values" are general beliefs about what is important. "Morals" are specific principles that guide behavior based on those values. Values are broader, while morals are more prescriptive.