natural right

USAGE SUMMARY

"natural right" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a fundamental right which one has simply because one is human. An example sentence is: "Every person has the natural right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nature is natural, right?

HuffPost

(Rousseau later countered this, saying that animals shared "some measure" of human nature and should partake of "natural right").

The New York Times

Perhaps it's a natural right.

The New York Times

"Insects are natural, right?" he reasons.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The people of Egypt, have the natural right to freedom.

The New York Times

Having access to a decent environment is a natural right.

The Guardian

"We will not give up our nation's natural right [to enrich]," said its foreign minister.

The Economist

He took it for granted that Russians had a natural right to instruct less-fortunate nationals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Americans seem to believe that they have a natural right to government services without paying taxes.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are asking all our development partners to honour the natural right of persons to migrate.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

When a guy's a natural right-handed guy, it's easy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ethical or political philosophy, use "natural right" to emphasize inherent and universal entitlements rather than legal or socially constructed ones.

Common error

Avoid using "natural right" interchangeably with legal rights. "Natural rights" are considered inherent and universal, whereas legal rights are granted and protected by a specific legal system.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "natural right" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a fundamental entitlement or freedom believed to be inherent to all individuals, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "natural right" refers to fundamental entitlements inherent to all individuals, frequently discussed in philosophical, legal, and political spheres. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its understanding is crucial in discussions about human rights and social justice. While often used interchangeably with legal rights, it is important to remember that "natural rights" are inherent, whereas legal rights are granted by specific legal systems. When writing about this topic, ensure that you emphasize the universal and inherent aspect of "natural right", and clarify the differences between them and legal rights.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherent right

Emphasizes the intrinsic quality of the right, existing as a fundamental part of someone or something.

fundamental right

Highlights the right as being basic and essential, often constitutionally protected.

unalienable right

Stresses that the right cannot be taken away or transferred.

human right

Focuses on the universal rights applicable to all individuals regardless of nationality or status.

basic human right

Reinforces the fundamental and essential nature of the right pertaining to all humans.

birthright

Indicates a right acquired at birth, often associated with citizenship or heritage.

inalienable right

Similar to unalienable right, emphasizing the impossibility of surrendering or transferring the right.

intrinsic right

Highlights that the right is inherent and essential to the nature of the individual.

self-evident right

Emphasizes the obvious and undeniable nature of the right.

primordial right

Suggests the right is ancient and existed from the beginning of humanity.

FAQs

How is "natural right" different from legal right?

A "natural right" is inherent to all humans, regardless of laws or governments. A legal right, on the other hand, is granted and protected by a specific legal system. For example, the "right to life" is often considered a natural right, while the "right to vote" is a legal right.

What are some examples of "natural rights"?

Common examples of "natural rights" include the "right to life", "right to liberty", and "right to property". These rights are often viewed as fundamental and universal, existing independently of government or social norms.

Is the concept of "natural right" universally accepted?

While the concept of "natural right" has been influential in political and ethical thought, it is not universally accepted. Some argue that rights are socially constructed and not inherent, while others debate the specific content and scope of "natural rights".

What's the relationship between "natural right" and human rights?

"Natural rights" are a philosophical foundation for the concept of human rights. Human rights are often seen as codifications of "natural rights" into international law and declarations, aiming to protect these inherent rights across different cultures and political systems.