ordinary decency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordinary decency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the basic standards of behavior that are considered acceptable and respectful in society. Example: "In times of crisis, we must all strive to uphold ordinary decency towards one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Filming that scene, McQueen seems not to know what to do at all; his technique seems to vanish into the ordinariness — the ordinary decency, outraged and horrified to the edge of madness — of his emotions.

The New Yorker

It didn't just transgress bounds of ordinary decency.

The New York Times

It also helps establish the life of ordinary decency Ruth has led.

The New York Times - Books

"One has the right to expect ordinary decency even of a poet," he said.

The New York Times - Books

So the truth helps, as does ordinary decency: "She helped us," Eloise Spooner said.

The New Yorker

Saramago's Cain is a flawed Everyman, driven by survival, by ordinary decency and ordinary meanness, by sexual appetite.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Self-destroying celebrities in our culture seem to waive their right to ordinary decencies, becoming fair game for anybody's poking and pawing.

The New Yorker

Toward the end, something wrecks the movie's equipoise: a deed that tilts us away from ordinary decencies toward the irrevocably savage.

The New Yorker

Now, all we know is that the present government in England looks forward to a society in which everybody will command the ordinary decencies of birth, illness, and death, in which taking a wife or fathering a child will be more or less practicable for any man who wants a wife of a child in which there will be dignity.

The New Yorker

And failing love, ordinary human decency goes a long way.

The Guardian - Books

But, as neighbors and friends, we can redeem politics through ordinary human decency.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordinary decency" to emphasize that you are referring to a fundamental, expected level of moral behavior, rather than exceptional acts of kindness or heroism. This helps set a clear and reasonable standard.

Common error

Avoid using "ordinary decency" when describing acts that go significantly beyond basic moral expectations. Using it to describe extraordinary actions diminishes the meaning of genuine heroism or exceptional kindness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinary decency" functions as a noun phrase, where "ordinary" modifies the noun "decency". It describes a standard or expectation of moral behavior. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and appropriate in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

16%

Books

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that the phrase "ordinary decency" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression. It describes the basic standards of moral behavior that are expected in society. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in reputable news and media sources, indicating its wide acceptance and applicability. When writing, using "ordinary decency" helps set a clear expectation for fundamental moral behavior, distinguishing it from extraordinary acts of kindness. Remember to use it in appropriate contexts to maintain clarity and avoid diminishing the meaning of exceptional actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic decency

Replaces "ordinary" with "basic", emphasizing the fundamental nature of the decency being described.

common decency

Substitutes "ordinary" with "common", highlighting the generally expected level of decency.

simple decency

Uses "simple" instead of "ordinary", suggesting the ease with which decency can be practiced.

everyday morality

Replaces "decency" with "morality" and "ordinary" with "everyday", focusing on moral principles in daily life.

basic civility

Replaces "decency" with "civility", emphasizing politeness and respect in social interactions.

fundamental ethics

Substitutes "decency" with "ethics" and "ordinary" with "fundamental", highlighting core ethical principles.

proper conduct

Replaces "ordinary decency" with a broader term indicating appropriate behavior.

ethical behavior

Replaces "ordinary decency" with a more formal term emphasizing moral principles guiding actions.

moral rectitude

Replaces "ordinary decency" with a more formal and emphatic term for moral correctness.

principled behavior

Substitutes "ordinary decency" with a phrase that highlights the adherence to moral principles.

FAQs

How can I use "ordinary decency" in a sentence?

You can use "ordinary decency" to refer to the expected, basic standards of behavior in a given context. For example: "Even in times of crisis, we must maintain "ordinary decency" towards one another."

What's a good alternative to "ordinary decency"?

Depending on the context, you could use "basic decency", "common decency", or "simple decency" as alternatives to "ordinary decency".

Is "ordinary decency" the same as "moral rectitude"?

While both relate to moral behavior, "ordinary decency" refers to the basic, expected standards, whereas "moral rectitude" implies a higher degree of moral correctness and adherence to principles.

When is it appropriate to use "ordinary decency" in business?

In a business context, "ordinary decency" can refer to treating employees and customers with respect and fairness, ensuring ethical behavior, and adhering to basic moral standards beyond legal requirements. For example, "The company's success hinged on its commitment to "ordinary decency" in all its dealings."