standards of decency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "standards of decency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing moral or ethical benchmarks that are considered acceptable in a society or community. Example: "The court ruled that the actions of the defendant violated the established standards of decency expected in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

Their clothes are wickedly tight by American standards of decency.

The New York Times - Magazine

I don't know what the standards of decency are out there.

The New Yorker

Still, the Nats Insider blog features datelines and adheres to family-newspaper standards of decency.

The New Yorker

She then goes on to call Whitman names that violate this website's standards of decency.

The Washington Post

And just whose "standards of decency" are in play here anyway?

The Guardian - Sport

The requirement says "programme content must not offend generally accepted standards of decency".

The Guardian

Claims of cruel and unusual punishment have long been evaluated according to "evolving standards of decency".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "standards of decency", consider the specific context and audience to ensure that the intended meaning is clearly conveyed. Be mindful that these standards can vary across cultures and time periods.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone shares the same understanding of what constitutes "standards of decency". Clearly define or contextualize the phrase when addressing diverse audiences to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "standards of decency" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the moral or ethical norms considered acceptable within a society or community. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase implies adherence to a set of principles that guide behavior and are often context-dependent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "standards of decency" is a frequently used noun phrase that refers to society's moral and ethical benchmarks, often in news and media, to describe and evaluate various behaviors. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, while cautioning about the subjectivity depending on cultural and societal norms. Best practice involves considering audience and context when utilizing this phrase, avoiding the assumption of universal agreement. Alternatives such as "moral principles" or "ethical guidelines" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, but context is king. "Standards of decency" are dynamic, influencing legal interpretations and continually evolving alongside societal values.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Basic moral standards

Highlights the fundamental level of morality required by a society.

Principles of morality

Similar to moral principles, but with a stronger emphasis on the theoretical aspect.

Ethical guidelines

Emphasizes the rules and codes of conduct that define acceptable behavior.

Minimum ethical requirements

Focuses on the bare minimum behavior deemed ethical within a society.

Moral principles

Focuses on the underlying moral code rather than societal expectations.

Civilized values

Emphasizes the values associated with a developed and cultured society.

Social norms

Highlights the behaviors and expectations considered normal or acceptable in a society.

Community values

Stresses the shared beliefs and ideals held by a group or society.

Respectable conduct

Highlights behavior that is admired or considered socially acceptable.

Appropriate behavior

Focuses on the conduct deemed suitable or fitting in a particular situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "standards of decency" to refer to the moral or ethical benchmarks considered acceptable in a society or community. For example: "The company's actions were criticized for violating the community's "standards of decency"".

What are some alternatives to "standards of decency"?

Alternatives include "moral principles", "ethical guidelines", or "social norms", depending on the specific context.

Are "standards of decency" subjective?

Yes, "standards of decency" can be subjective, as they are often influenced by cultural, societal, and personal values. What is considered decent in one context may not be in another.

How do "evolving standards of decency" affect legal interpretations?

"Evolving standards of decency" are often considered in legal contexts, particularly when interpreting constitutional rights, such as the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. The interpretation of what is considered cruel or unusual can change over time as societal values evolve.