norms

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'norms' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to accepted standards of behavior or principles of conduct. Example sentence: In order to maintain a healthy and productive workplace, it is important to observe traditional norms of behavior.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A better place to start would be to look at where the deep and prevailing behavioural norms of a system might originate from.

The Guardian

And while the NSFW warning might often have served as pragmatic advice (behind which, admittedly, were ethical norms about workplace behaviour), the later injunctions not to click have a moral force that – just possibly – suggests something counterintuitive: the spread of ethical compunction across the basest, most sexually commodifying and amoral of all human inventions, the internet.

The Guardian

Also, a lack of political will and rigid cultural norms do not favour the improvement of conditions for women, people with disabilities or minorities.

The Guardian

But this ignores that smoking is influenced by social norms, health beliefs, a person's economic and employment circumstances and tobacco industry marketing.

The Guardian

Some cultural norms around food are simply too rigid, and head-on insects would be regarded as a meal too far.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the request of the Greek ministry of agriculture, Russian regulators will reportedly start inspecting dairy producers in Greece on 20 April for compliance with norms.

The Guardian

A Ph.D. in chemistry (sorry chemistry majors) does not bring you to an understanding of patriarchy, social norms, gender expectations, human rights, ect.

The Guardian

In her speech the home secretary said: "The starting point of the new strategy is the emphatic rejection of the misconception that in a liberal democracy like Britain, 'anything goes', the belief that living in a society like ours means there aren't really any fundamental rules or norms.

The Guardian

These set out clearly the main behavioural and social norms for the site, but in general we want this to continue to be a safe place for stimulating discussion about issues and we welcome community participation which supports and extends this.

The Guardian

A review of 88 studies investigating the effects of corporal punishment concluded that although punishing children physically often leads to immediate compliance with parental demands, this "good behaviour" was rarely maintained in the long term as children failed to internalise moral norms and social rules.

The Guardian - Opinion

"However, in a country where conversations about sex in the family run counter to acceptable norms, much still needs to be done to kill the culture of silence," states gender consultant Dr. Awa Magdalene.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "norms", specify whether you are referring to social, cultural, ethical, or statistical norms to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "norms" interchangeably with "laws" or "rules". While all three dictate behavior, "norms" are often unwritten and less formal than laws or rules, relying more on social acceptance and convention.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "norms" is typically as a plural noun, referring to accepted standards of behavior or principles of conduct within a group or society. As indicated by Ludwig, the word is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in contexts ranging from social behavior to technical standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "norms" functions primarily as a plural noun denoting accepted standards or expected behaviors. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. Its usage is very common across various contexts, including news media, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. When using "norms", it's crucial to specify the type (social, cultural, ethical, or statistical) to enhance clarity and avoid confusion with related terms like "laws" or "rules". Alternatives such as "conventions", "standards", and "customs" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

social conventions

Emphasizes the socially agreed-upon nature of the standards.

accepted standards

Highlights the acceptance and commonality of the standards.

established practices

Focuses on practices that are well-established and customary.

prevailing customs

Underscores the current and widespread nature of the customs.

typical behaviors

Refers to behaviors that are commonly observed and expected.

cultural values

Highlights the underlying values that shape the standards.

common guidelines

Refers to general rules or principles that are widely followed.

usual procedures

Focuses on the standard ways of doing things.

standard protocols

Emphasizes the formal and structured nature of the standards.

expected behaviors

Refers to how people are expected to act in certain situations.

FAQs

How can I use "norms" in a sentence?

"Norms" are often used to describe expected behaviors or standards within a group or society. For example, "Social "norms" dictate that people should respect each other's personal space."

What's a good alternative to the word "norms"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "conventions", "standards", or "customs" to replace "norms".

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

"Norms" are the expected behaviors, while "values" are the principles or beliefs that guide those behaviors. "Values" are broader, while "norms" are specific manifestations of those values in action.

Are "norms" always positive or beneficial?

Not necessarily. While some "norms" promote social harmony and well-being, others can be harmful or discriminatory. It is important to critically evaluate ""norms"" and challenge those that perpetuate injustice.