standard of decency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "standard of decency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about moral or ethical benchmarks, often in legal or social contexts. Example: "The court must consider the prevailing standard of decency when making its ruling on the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Liberals should of course be held to the same standard of decency that they ask of the right.

The New York Times

The idea that certain human rights ought not to be infringed – that these are "sacred", even – implies not moral neutrality, but faith in a basic standard of decency.

The Guardian - Opinion

They should embrace it and revel in their own party's willingness to hold its side to a standard of decency, candor and faithfulness to the law.

The Washington Post

He also accused Democrats of "throwing away every standard of decency" and using "meanness and nastiness" in their treatment of Kavanaugh.

The Guardian

I think the most important thing is to hold the people in public office to the highest possible standard of decency and of honesty.

The New Yorker

Re "A New Standard of Decency" (editorial, May 18), about a Supreme Court decision on juvenile offenders: Are some standards of decency new?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

He also has suggested that he will not uphold standards of decency during wartime recognized by the civilized world for generations.

The New York Times

That's what we call a minimum-standards-of-decency victory!

Vice

You look at evolving standards of decency.

The Guardian

It is unacceptable by any standards of decency".

The Guardian - Sport

So he regretted the infamous "standards of decency" tweet?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "standard of decency", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes decency within the specific situation being discussed. Avoid ambiguity by providing concrete examples or referencing established codes of conduct.

Common error

Avoid using "standard of decency" without specifying which community, culture, or group holds that standard. What is considered decent can vary significantly, and failing to acknowledge this can lead to misunderstandings or unintended offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "standard of decency" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It refers to a benchmark or expectation of moral or ethical behavior. Ludwig examples confirm its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Academic

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "standard of decency" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to a benchmark for acceptable behavior or morality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, its interpretation can be subjective and context-dependent. When using "standard of decency", clarity is key; specify the community or culture whose standards you are referencing to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "ethical benchmark" or "measure of morality" can offer more specific nuances. Ultimately, understanding and applying the "standard of decency" requires careful consideration of the specific context and values involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal acceptable behavior

Describes the lowest level of conduct that is considered tolerable within a given context.

civilized conduct

Highlights the idea of acting in a manner that is considered appropriate and respectful in a society.

ethical benchmark

Emphasizes the ethical aspect of the standard, suggesting a point of reference for ethical conduct.

measure of morality

Highlights the measurement aspect, implying a way to gauge moral behavior.

moral compass

Refers to an internal sense of what is right and wrong, shifting the focus from an external standard to an internal guide.

ethical guideline

Presents the standard as a set of principles designed to guide ethical conduct.

norm of respectability

Emphasizes societal expectations and adherence to accepted social standards.

principle of fairness

Focuses on fairness as the guiding principle, narrowing the scope to just treatment.

rule of decorum

Shifts the emphasis to appropriate behavior and etiquette in social situations.

basic human rights

Focuses on the fundamental rights that every person should have, regardless of any standard.

FAQs

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

You can use "standard of decency" to describe expected behavior or ethical principles, such as, "The company's actions fell below the accepted "standard of decency" within the industry".

What's the difference between "standard of decency" and "moral compass"?

"Standard of decency" refers to external expectations or norms, while "moral compass" describes an individual's internal sense of right and wrong. One is societal, the other is personal.

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

Alternatives include "ethical benchmark", "measure of morality", or "minimal acceptable behavior", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "standard of decency" subjective?

Yes, to some extent. While some aspects of decency may be universally recognized, the specific interpretation and application of a "standard of decency" can vary based on cultural, societal, and individual perspectives.