sense of ethics

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of ethics" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to talk about a person's moral beliefs and the principles they follow when making decisions. It is often used in relation to businesses or organizations. For example, "The company has a strong sense of ethics that it follows when making decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many have that sense of ethics.

The New York Times

And also a sense of ethics?

University of California, Berkeley

Shouldn't colleges convey a higher sense of ethics?

The New York Times - Magazine

She is the only household member with a job and a solid sense of ethics.

The New York Times

She flunked the professor's examination because of her sense of ethics.

The New Yorker

Her wise counsel, strong sense of ethics and wonderful cooking made her special to us all.

The New York Times

But neither he nor the others suggested that a sense of ethics was innate.

The New York Times

I have a sense of ethics that is as high as anybody you can imagine.

The New Yorker

I wonder what offends your sense of ethics more: the man's theft or your husband's indifference?

The New York Times - Magazine

He was selflessly philanthropic and had a strong sense of ethics.

The New York Times

He was respected for his loyalty, integrity, fairness, and strong sense of ethics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing organizational culture or leadership, use "sense of ethics" to emphasize the importance of moral decision-making at all levels.

Common error

While related, a "sense of ethics" goes beyond simply following laws and regulations. It encompasses a deeper understanding of right and wrong, even when the law is silent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of ethics" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a subjective awareness and understanding of moral principles. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to a person's moral beliefs and the principles they follow when making decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

29%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Science

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of ethics" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an individual's or organization's moral awareness and adherence to ethical principles. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. It functions primarily as a noun phrase and is used to convey the presence or absence of moral responsibility. While applicable across various contexts, it is frequently encountered in news, academic, and business settings. Alternatives such as ""moral compass"" or ""integrity"" can offer nuanced expressions of the same concept. It's important to remember that having a "sense of ethics" extends beyond legal compliance and encompasses a deeper commitment to moral conduct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral compass

A more metaphorical way to refer to a personal sense of right and wrong.

ethical judgment

Focuses on the ability to make sound decisions based on ethical principles.

moral principles

Highlights the foundational beliefs that guide ethical behavior.

ethical standards

Emphasizes adherence to established rules and norms of conduct.

integrity

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

ethical awareness

Highlights the consciousness and understanding of ethical considerations.

moral sensibility

Refers to a refined awareness and responsiveness to ethical issues.

code of conduct

A formal set of rules outlining ethical behavior in a specific context.

value system

The set of moral, ethical, or cultural values a person or group holds.

moral fiber

Refers to the strength of one's moral character.

FAQs

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

You can use "sense of ethics" to describe a person's or organization's moral compass, as in, "The company's strong "sense of ethics" guides its business practices."

What are some alternative ways to express "sense of ethics"?

Alternatives include "moral compass", "ethical judgment", or "integrity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a strong sense of ethics"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. The adjective 'strong' is often used to emphasize the robustness and reliability of someone's or something's "sense of ethics".

What is the difference between "sense of ethics" and "ethical code"?

"Sense of ethics" refers to an individual's or group's internal understanding of right and wrong, whereas "ethical code" is a formalized set of rules and guidelines. The former is intrinsic, the latter is extrinsic.