on moral grounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on moral grounds" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically means that something is justified or supported by one's personal beliefs or principles about what is right and wrong. Example: The company's decision to donate a portion of their profits to charity was based on moral grounds rather than solely for publicity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Possibly, on moral grounds, they are right.

The Economist

Rebirth maps them on moral grounds.

Yale University

Then he denounced gambling on moral grounds.

The New York Times

The argument is not being had on moral grounds.

The Guardian - Opinion

She's campaigning on moral grounds, not political grounds.

The Guardian

In other words: objection to service on moral grounds = OK; objection to patient on moral grounds = not OK.

Harvard University

A few demanded its abolition on moral grounds.

The New York Times - Tech

I have no disagreement with this decision on moral grounds.

The New York Times

But the reservations have not only been on moral grounds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It can only rest, I think, on moral grounds.

The New York Times

He also rails against banning books on moral grounds.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on moral grounds" when you want to emphasize that a decision, action, or belief is based on principles of right and wrong, rather than practical considerations or personal gain.

Common error

Avoid using "on moral grounds" when the justification is based on laws or regulations; use "on legal grounds" instead. Morality refers to personal beliefs, while legality refers to established rules.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on moral grounds" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the basis or justification for an action, belief, or decision. It indicates that something is supported or opposed due to ethical or moral considerations, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on moral grounds" is a versatile expression used to justify actions, beliefs, or decisions based on ethical principles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that the justification genuinely stems from moral considerations rather than legal or practical ones. Alternative phrases, such as "based on ethical principles" or "from an ethical standpoint", can provide similar meanings, offering flexibility in your writing. Remember to distinguish it from similar phrases like "on religious grounds" or "on legal grounds" to maintain clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on ethical principles

This alternative directly replaces "moral grounds" with a more explicit reference to ethical principles.

from an ethical standpoint

This phrase offers a perspective focused on ethical considerations, similar to the original.

as a matter of principle

This conveys a decision or stance rooted in fundamental beliefs or principles.

due to moral considerations

This alternative highlights the role of moral factors in influencing a decision.

motivated by moral concerns

This phrase indicates that actions are driven by worries about morality.

on the basis of ethics

This alternative offers a formal and direct substitution for the original.

for reasons of conscience

This suggests a decision influenced by one's internal moral compass or sense of right and wrong.

guided by moral values

This phrase emphasizes the influence of personal values on decisions or actions.

in accordance with moral beliefs

This alternative emphasizes the alignment of actions with one's moral convictions.

out of ethical conviction

This indicates a strong, ethically driven motivation for a particular action or decision.

FAQs

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

Use "on moral grounds" to indicate that a decision or action is based on ethical or moral principles. For example, "He refused to participate in the project "on moral grounds" because he believed it was unethical".

What phrases are similar to "on moral grounds"?

Similar phrases include "based on ethical principles", "from an ethical standpoint", or "as a matter of principle", all suggesting a decision rooted in ethics.

Is it appropriate to use "on moral grounds" in formal writing?

Yes, "on moral grounds" is appropriate in formal writing when discussing ethical or moral justifications. It's commonly found in academic, journalistic, and professional contexts.

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

"On moral grounds" refers to ethical principles that may or may not be tied to a specific religion. "On religious grounds" refers specifically to principles derived from religious beliefs or doctrines.