noble decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "noble decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a choice or action that is morally admirable or honorable. Example: "Choosing to donate a significant portion of his salary to charity was a truly noble decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

And that typically noble decision was his last.

The New York Times - Arts

The suitor is there so that John Book can make the right, noble decision.

The New Yorker

"This is a very good and noble decision on his part," Mr. Gousse said.

The New York Times

Driving a few miles for brisket tacos at Gloria's in Dallas, or the crab and avocado omelet at the Beachcomber in Newport Beach, Calif., seemed a noble decision in retrospect.

The New York Times - Food

Mr. Paterson, meanwhile, may now be able to cast his exit from the race — to focus on the budget, debt and other pressing state issues — as "a considerably more noble decision than a merely expedient decision," Mr. Birdsell said.

The New York Times

That's precisely why, on his Thursday radio phone-in this week, deputy prime minister Nick Clegg felt the need to describe stay-at-home parents as having made a "noble decision".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

On Friday, Giants Coach Tom Coughlin called the Steelers' decision noble.

The New York Times - Sports

Red Devils owner Marwan Koukash told BBC Radio Manchester that it was "not easy" to tell Noble of his decision.

BBC

But she doesn't understand the true — and less than noble — reason behind his decision.

The New York Times - Books

Of the noble but perhaps naïve decision in 2000 to unilaterally take down his attack ads, Rick Davis would vow: "That's not gonna happen a second time.

The New York Times

In 1977, Valentin took the noble but potentially fatal decision to oppose Nguema's widespread killings and theft and, for his troubles, was imprisoned and sentenced to death.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "noble decision" when you want to emphasize the moral high ground or admirable quality of a choice made, particularly in situations involving ethics or principles.

Common error

Avoid using "noble decision" for mundane choices. It's best reserved for situations where the decision truly reflects high moral standards or significant self-sacrifice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "noble decision" functions as an adjective-noun combination where "noble" modifies the noun "decision", indicating a choice that is morally good and admirable. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "noble decision" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a morally admirable choice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. Although "noble decision" isn't very common, it is frequently found in News & Media sources. The phrase serves to express admiration for ethical choices. When using "noble decision", reserve it for scenarios where the choice truly embodies high moral principles and significant personal sacrifice. Consider related phrases like "admirable choice" or "honorable resolution", but bear in mind, these, while similar, may not encapsulate the same degree of moral elevation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

admirable choice

Replaces 'noble' with 'admirable', emphasizing the praiseworthy aspect of the decision.

honorable resolution

Substitutes both words to highlight the integrity and formality of the decision.

ethical determination

Focuses on the moral principles guiding the decision.

principled stance

Highlights the strong values underlying the decision.

selfless act of choosing

Emphasizes the altruistic nature of the decision.

virtuous determination

Replaces 'noble' with 'virtuous', highlighting the moral excellence of the determination.

altruistic selection

Focuses on the benevolent and unselfish nature of the choice.

magnanimous ruling

Indicates a generous and forgiving aspect to the decision.

upright judgement

Highlights the integrity and moral rectitude of the decision.

heroic choice

Elevates the decision to a level of bravery and self-sacrifice.

FAQs

How can I use "noble decision" in a sentence?

You can use "noble decision" to describe a choice that is morally admirable and shows great integrity. For instance, "The CEO's decision to step down to protect the company's reputation was a truly noble decision".

What are some alternatives to "noble decision"?

Some alternatives include "admirable choice", "honorable resolution", or "ethical determination", depending on the specific context.

Is "noble decision" a formal or informal phrase?

"Noble decision" leans towards the formal side. While understandable in most contexts, it is generally more appropriate for formal writing or discussions, rather than casual conversation.

What makes a decision "noble"?

A "noble decision" is characterized by its high moral quality, often involving self-sacrifice, integrity, and a commitment to ethical principles. It typically benefits others or upholds important values, even at personal cost.