ounce of decency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ounce of decency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small amount of moral integrity or kindness that one might expect from someone. Example: "I wish he would show at least an ounce of decency and apologize for his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Video of this ape-ish display, now in wide circulation, should horrify anyone with an ounce of decency.

The Washington Post

If he had an ounce of decency, he said, Dacre would retire to his Scottish estate with his £15m pension.

The Guardian

Sarah's father, Geoff Houston, said: "For those who are selling it, if you have any ounce of decency, you must stop".

Independent

Ray Ratto wrote on CBSSports.com that if Cushing had an ounce of decency, he'd just give back his tainted Associated Press defensive rookie of the year award.

The New York Times

Anyone with an ounce of decency should be tempted to ban animal-abuse videos, but anyone with an appreciation for the First Amendment understands why we cannot.

The New York Times

Hopefully, someone in the Bush administration has an ounce of decency left and the sense to avoid a tragic replay of this sorry episode of indefinite detention and injustice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It took me far too long to muster up an ounce of human decency and imagine what it must have felt like for my family.

Huffington Post

But this is vintage Trump — impulsive and cruel, without an ounce of class or human decency.

The Washington Post

Those liquid, burden-of-decency basset-hound eyes.

The New Yorker

Thresholds of decency?

The Guardian - Opinion

You offenders of decency.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ounce of decency" when you want to express the lack of even a small amount of moral behavior or respect in a person or situation. It is often used in contexts of disappointment or outrage.

Common error

Don't use "ounce of decency" when describing admirable or exceptional moral behavior; it is used to highlight a deficit, not abundance. Instead, use terms like "high moral character" or "unquestionable integrity" when praising someone's decency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ounce of decency" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as an object of a verb or preposition. It often appears in negative constructions, highlighting a lack of basic morality or respect. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ounce of decency" is a noun phrase used to express the lack of even a small amount of moral behavior or respect. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and readily understood. It is most commonly found in News & Media, functioning to express criticism or disappointment. While seemingly straightforward, its application should be confined to contexts where a deficit of morality is evident, avoiding misapplication in scenarios warranting praise. Related phrases such as "shred of decency" offer nuanced alternatives. Overall, the phrase is a potent tool for conveying moral disapproval, provided it is employed with precision and contextual awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shred of decency

Replaces "ounce" with "shred", indicating a very small amount of decency.

iota of decency

Substitutes "ounce" with "iota", emphasizing a tiny or insignificant amount of decency.

spark of decency

Replaces "ounce" with "spark", suggesting a trace or flicker of decency.

modicum of decency

Uses "modicum" instead of "ounce", implying a limited or moderate amount of decency.

hint of decency

Substitutes "ounce" with "hint", conveying a subtle indication of decency.

vestige of decency

Replaces "ounce" with "vestige", implying a remaining trace of decency from the past.

element of decency

Replaces "ounce" with "element", focusing on basic decency.

degree of decency

Uses "degree" instead of "ounce", implying a certain level or extent of decency.

semblance of decency

Implies a superficial or outward appearance of decency.

touch of decency

Indicates a slight or subtle presence of decency.

FAQs

How can I use "ounce of decency" in a sentence?

You can use "ounce of decency" to express a lack of basic morality or respect. For example: "If he had an "ounce of decency", he would apologize for his behavior."

What can I say instead of "ounce of decency"?

You can use alternatives like "shred of decency", "iota of decency", or "spark of decency" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "ounce of decency" in formal writing?

Yes, "ounce of decency" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when criticizing or expressing disappointment. However, be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

What does it imply when someone is said to lack an "ounce of decency"?

It suggests that the person is behaving in a way that is morally questionable, disrespectful, or completely lacking in basic human kindness or compassion.