sense of decency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of decency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person's moral standards or ethical principles regarding what is considered acceptable behavior. Example: "In today's society, it seems that many people have lost their sense of decency when it comes to treating others with respect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This offends ordinary Americans' sense of decency.

The Economist

But have I no sense of decency?

The Washington Post

He later added: "Have you no sense of decency, sir?

The New York Times

You are united by a common sense of decency".

The Guardian

His sense of decency prevents him from keeping it light.

The New Yorker

Richard Cohen: Have you left no sense of decency?

The Washington Post

At long last, have they left no sense of decency?

The Washington Post

It seems hamstrung by its own sense of decency.

The New York Times

At long last, have you left no sense of decency?

The Washington Post

What has happened to our great country's sense of decency and fairness?

The New York Times

Have you left no sense of decency?" I would ask Kenneth Starr this question.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "sense of decency", ensure that the context clearly defines what is considered decent within that specific situation. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone shares the same "sense of decency". Values can differ significantly across cultures and generations, so be explicit about the ethical framework you are referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of decency" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to an individual's inherent understanding and adherence to moral and ethical principles, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of decency" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an individual's moral compass. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately conveys the presence or absence of ethical considerations. It's most frequently encountered in news and media, reflecting its relevance in public discourse and evaluation of behaviors. While the phrase is versatile, understanding and clearly defining what constitutes decency within a given context is essential for effective communication. Alternatives like "moral compass" or "ethical standards" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts, depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of morality

Emphasizes the awareness and understanding of what is right and wrong.

moral compass

Refers to an internal guide for ethical decision-making, emphasizing personal principles.

ethical integrity

Stresses the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

ethical standards

Focuses on a set of principles governing conduct, often in a professional setting.

moral principles

Highlights the specific beliefs that guide one's behavior and judgments.

principled behavior

Highlights the act of consistently adhering to moral principles in one's actions.

moral fiber

Refers to the strength of one's moral character.

feeling of righteousness

Indicates a conviction in one's own moral correctness.

basic human values

Focuses on the fundamental beliefs about what is right and important for human well-being.

respect for others

Highlights treating others with consideration, which stems from a sense of decency.

FAQs

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

You can use "sense of decency" to describe someone's moral compass or ethical standards. For example, "His actions showed a complete lack of a "sense of decency"".

What is another way to say "sense of decency"?

Alternatives to "sense of decency" include "moral compass", "ethical standards", or "moral principles", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'a sense of decency' or 'sense of decency'?

Both are grammatically correct. Using "a" emphasizes a particular instance or expression of decency, while omitting "a" refers to the general concept of having a "sense of decency".

How does "sense of decency" relate to ethical behavior?

"Sense of decency" is a foundational element of ethical behavior, guiding individuals to act in ways that are considered morally right and respectful of others. It underpins decisions aligned with "ethical integrity".