values

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "values" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to the beliefs or principles that help someone determine what they think is right and wrong. For example: "My parents taught me to hold onto my values no matter what."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

- Julia Bayne, co-founder of istanbul!place In our values-led business hub, we plan to explore the values that can define a business, as well as the structures, business models, tools, strategies, processes and performance metrics that can help and hinder businesses in creating and acting upon their values.

The Guardian

United and determined we can bring our values and interests to bear in the world.

The Guardian

What's more, the values at work in this process will/should inform information policy around the world.

The Guardian - Tech

"Thirteen support Nihon Kaigi, a nationalist think-tank that advocates a return to 'traditional values' and rejects Japan's 'apology diplomacy' for its wartime misdeeds.

The New York Times

I came away feeling that if I wasn't already a Liberal Democrat, Nick's welcome references to sticking to our own values and beliefs may have been a tad confusing.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in the end it all comes down to values, not money or weapons or insider influence.

The Guardian

I don't think that is about Labour values," she said.

The Guardian

But Obama made use of the historical setting to try to conjure the very same sort of shared values that brought western nations together when the iron curtain divided Europe; he announced plans to cut nuclear weapons.

The Guardian

Even as it represents itself as a defence of Christian values, it is in fact the greatest threat to the Christian legacy.

The Guardian

Orbán has already expressed his sympathy for "capitalism with Asian values"; if the European pressure on Orbán continues, we can easily imagine him sending a message to the east: 'We are defending Asia here!' Today's anti-immigrant populism has replaced direct barbarism with a barbarism that has a human face.

The Guardian

There are no values that I can espouse as a humanist that are anti-female, but there are a number of values of feminism that are alien to me – such as the notion that equality is more important than opportunity and choice, and that it can be legislated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing organizational or personal "values", clearly define what those values are to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "We value integrity", explain what integrity means in that context.

Common error

Avoid using "values" interchangeably with goals. "Values" are guiding principles, while goals are specific outcomes. For example, "achieving high profits" is a goal, not a value; a related value might be "excellence" or "financial responsibility".

Linguistic Context

The word "values" functions primarily as a noun, often in the plural form, to denote principles, standards, or qualities considered worthwhile or desirable. Ludwig examples show its role in describing personal, organizational, or societal beliefs that guide behavior and decision-making.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "values", as analyzed by Ludwig, primarily functions as a noun denoting guiding principles or beliefs. Its purpose is to express core convictions and is most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the term is grammatically correct and widely used. When using "values", ensure you clearly define the specific principles you are referring to, and avoid confusing them with goals. Understanding these nuances will help you use the term accurately and effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

value system

Refers to the complete set of values held by an individual or group.

moral principles

Focuses specifically on the ethical dimension of values.

core beliefs

Emphasizes the foundational nature of values in shaping one's worldview.

ethical standards

Highlights the criteria used to judge right and wrong behavior.

guiding principles

Stresses the role of values in directing actions and decisions.

personal convictions

Underscores the deeply held and individual nature of values.

code of ethics

Emphasizes a formal, often written, set of values guiding behavior.

set of beliefs

A more general term encompassing a wider range of convictions, not necessarily ethical.

ideals

Implies values that are strived for but not always perfectly attained.

priorities

Highlights the relative importance assigned to different values.

FAQs

How do I use "values" in a sentence?

You can use "values" to describe guiding principles or beliefs. For example, "Our company's core "values" include honesty and respect".

What are some synonyms for "values"?

Alternatives to "values" include "moral principles", "core beliefs", and "ethical standards" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "value" instead of "values"?

The choice between "value" and "values" depends on the context. "Value" (singular) typically refers to a single principle or worth, while "values" (plural) refers to a set of beliefs. For example, "Honesty is a key value" versus "Our company's values include integrity and teamwork".

What's the difference between "values" and "ethics"?

"Values" are broad guiding principles that influence behavior, while "ethics" are a set of moral principles governing a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity. While related, "ethical standards" are usually more formalized and specific than individual "values".