of questionable morals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'of questionable morals' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to suggest that a person or an action has questionable moral standards. For example, "He was a businessman of questionable morals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

These attitudes are old indeed in the Mediterranean; Aristotle regarded professional kithara players as low-caste and of questionable morals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He included a flattering portrait of Lenin and a caricature of John D. Rockefeller Jr. at a nightclub "cavorting with women of questionable morals," the MoMA curator Leah Dickerman writes in the exhibition catalog.

The New York Times - Arts

He might be a blowhard, a man of questionable morals, a corporate tool, and a race baiter, but he can handle himself in a street fight and he knows how to rile up the G.O.P base, especially in the South.

The New Yorker

Performing at the cemetery "feels like I'm a part of its history, respectfully adding to it," Ms. Newberry Grant, the play's milliner of questionable morals, said on Monday as the faint strains of an ice cream truck floated over the hill from the outside world.

The New York Times

Halina Newberry Grant, slipping a tight-bodiced black and purple dress over a hoop skirt and mesh petticoat before Monday's rehearsal, summed up her multiple roles in the 11-actor play: "a milliner of questionable morals, a carny outsider, a psychic schoolteacher, an abused and murdered wife and a disfigured poetess".

The New York Times

He increased the Klan's surveillance of members before and after initiation, expelling those considered to be of "questionable morals".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Mr. Moore's mockery of his judicial oath is only one indication of questionable moral fitness.

The Washington Post

Edie Britt (Nicollette Sheridan) Ultra-glamorous Edie is best known for trying to acquire other women's boyfriends, which has earned her the reputation of questionable moral judgement on Wisteria Lane.

Independent

Unfortunately, the two archbishops begged to differ, calling for the continuation of weapons inspections to "render the trauma and tragedy of war unnecessary", a war, moreover, they believed to be of questionable "moral legitimacy .Onward Christian soldierUnlike most of his predecessors in Number 10, Mr Blair is not inclined to dismiss this as merely the meddling of tiresome clerics.

The Economist

And Agamemnon, Clytemnestra's husband, is another character of questionable moral bearings.

Forbes

Although Crerar did not specify the scope of the library, it "must not contain nastiness and immorality", such as "dirty French novels and all skeptical trash and works of questionable moral tone", a reflection of the character he had developed throughout his life.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "of questionable morals", ensure that the context provides some indication or evidence of the moral failings. Avoid using it without supporting details, as it can come across as an unsubstantiated accusation.

Common error

While "of questionable morals" is acceptable, overuse in highly formal writing can sound judgmental. Consider alternatives like "ethically challenged" or "with compromised values" for a more neutral tone in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of questionable morals" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a person, group, or entity whose moral principles are doubtful or dubious. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of questionable morals" serves as an adjectival modifier used to express doubt about the ethical standards of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical accuracy and usability of this phrase, which appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "ethically unsound" or "morally ambiguous" may be suitable for certain contexts. To ensure proper usage, provide supporting details, and be mindful of the specific nuance conveyed in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of dubious ethics

Focus shifts from general morals to the specific area of ethical principles.

of suspect moral character

Replaces "questionable" with "suspect" and "morals" with "moral character" to emphasize personal attributes.

with compromised values

Highlights the idea that someone's values are diminished or tainted.

of tainted integrity

Emphasizes a loss of honesty and moral uprightness.

morally ambiguous

Indicates a lack of clarity or certainty about someone's moral standing.

ethically challenged

Euphemistic, suggesting moral issues without being overly critical.

lacking moral fiber

Implies a weakness or deficiency in moral strength.

with flexible ethics

Suggests that ethical principles are easily adaptable to suit one's needs.

ethically unsound

Focuses on the lack of ethical foundation or justification.

of compromised principles

Highlights the idea that someone's guiding beliefs are damaged or weakened.

FAQs

How can I use "of questionable morals" in a sentence?

You can use "of questionable morals" to describe someone or something that doesn't adhere to high ethical standards. For example, "The protagonist was a businessman of questionable morals, willing to do anything to get ahead."

What's a more formal alternative to "of questionable morals"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "ethically dubious" or "morally ambiguous". These alternatives offer a less judgmental tone.

Is it correct to say "with questionable morals" instead of "of questionable morals"?

While "of questionable morals" is the more common and idiomatic expression, "with questionable morals" is grammatically understandable but less frequently used. "Of questionable morals" is generally preferred for its established usage.

What is the difference between "of questionable morals" and "of questionable ethics"?

"Of questionable morals" refers to general principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong, while "of questionable ethics" relates more specifically to the rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or the members of a profession. Ethics is often viewed as a subset of morals.