on ethical grounds

USAGE SUMMARY

"on ethical grounds" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is done for ethical reasons. Example: The company refused to do business with the supplier on ethical grounds.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Indeed, by what theory of justice could one defend it on ethical grounds?

The New York Times

The research was reviewed and approved on ethical grounds by the University of Saskatchewan Advisory Committee on Ethics in Behavioral Science Research (January 2002).

BMC Medical Education

These demands, far from seeming continuous, are quite distinct on ethical grounds, not just epicurean ones.

The New Yorker

85% (n = 29) of respondents stated they would always reject ethically uncertain articles submitted for publication on ethical grounds alone.

BMC Medical Ethics

85% (n = 29) of respondents stated that they would always reject ethically uncertain articles submitted for publication on ethical grounds alone.

BMC Medical Ethics

Many veterinarians refuse to do the surgery on ethical grounds.

The New York Times

And not on ethical grounds but on pragmatic grounds.

The New York Times - Books

Entry to the Tour should be on ethical grounds alone.

The Guardian - Sport

My partner won't go in any more on ethical grounds.

The Guardian - Business

In Britain, skin donations are banned on ethical grounds.

The Guardian

I politely decline all these gracious offers on ethical grounds.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on ethical grounds", ensure the ethical principles are clearly defined or understood in the context. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "on ethical grounds" as a vague justification. Instead, specify the ethical principles or values that support the decision or action. This makes your reasoning more persuasive and transparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on ethical grounds" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the basis or reason for an action or decision. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in justifying refusals, rejections, or opposition to something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on ethical grounds" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to justify actions or decisions based on moral principles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Scientific publications. When employing "on ethical grounds", it's crucial to ensure that the ethical principles are clearly defined or easily understood. Alternative phrases include "for moral reasons" or "based on moral principles", offering slight variations in nuance. Overusing the phrase without providing specific context is a common pitfall to avoid. Overall, "on ethical grounds" is a valuable tool for articulating principled reasoning in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on moral grounds

Very similar to the original phrase, but replaces 'ethical' with 'moral'.

for moral reasons

Replaces "ethical grounds" with the more general "moral reasons", slightly broadening the scope.

based on moral principles

Specifies that the decision is based on established moral principles.

due to ethical considerations

Highlights the ethical aspects being taken into consideration.

for reasons of conscience

Emphasizes the role of personal conscience in making the decision.

out of ethical concern

Focuses on the concern for ethics as the driving factor.

on principle

A more concise way of saying that a decision is based on a moral principle.

for the sake of morality

Highlights that something is done to uphold morality.

in accordance with ethics

Stresses compliance with ethical standards.

from a moral standpoint

Indicates that the decision is made from a moral perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "on ethical grounds" in a sentence?

You can use "on ethical grounds" to justify a decision or action based on moral principles. For example, "The company decided to withdraw its product from the market "on ethical grounds"."

What's the difference between "on ethical grounds" and "on moral grounds"?

While very similar, "ethical" often refers to a specific code or set of principles, whereas "moral" refers to a more general sense of right and wrong. The choice depends on whether you're referring to a specific ethical framework or a broader sense of morality.

What are some alternatives to "on ethical grounds"?

Alternatives include "for moral reasons", "based on moral principles", or "due to ethical considerations", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of moral justification.

Is it better to say "ethical reasons" or "on ethical grounds"?

"Ethical reasons" is a more general term, while "on ethical grounds" specifies that something is being justified or based upon those reasons. The best choice depends on the context and the level of detail required.