what ethics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what ethics" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning the nature, principles, or standards of ethics in a particular context. Example: "In this debate, we must ask ourselves: what ethics guide our decision-making process?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But what ethics (by which I mean me) prescribes, the law does not.

The New York Times - Magazine

The easy part of this consists in seeing clearly what ethics requires and then just plain doing it.

The New York Times

In an essay for Gawker, Ms. Curran wondered what ethics codes she had violated since she said Occupy Wall Street lacked a single "message and focus".

The New York Times

At the bottom of the heap was Georgia, which came in last for not enforcing what ethics laws it has on the books.

The New York Times

You can't abandon him in his hour of need -- what ethics does not require, the heart does -- but you needn't let his misfortune destroy your family life.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The worry I have," Mr. Hastert said, "is that you again politicize the process, and it denigrates what ethics is all about".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It's not worth your life no matter what romantic ideal you have, no matter what ethic you think you have.

The New Yorker

It's not worth your life, no matter what romantic ideal you have, no matter what ethic you think you have.

The Guardian - Film

What ethic of decision-making is used by humanitarian NGOs in such a situation?

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Given ethnic moralities at play, the question in South-South relations becomes not just about how actors negotiate and achieve solidarity and cooperation, but also what ethic emerges from a situation of diverse moral expectationsa.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

The better -- and real -- debate is the role of private equity as a resumé builder for a president, and it goes to a more essential question: what ethic will guide our next president?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what ethics", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are seeking a definition, an application, or a critique of ethical principles in a specific situation. To avoid ambiguity, it's better to specify the field of application, for instance, "what ethics apply to journalism".

Common error

Avoid presenting subjective viewpoints as definitive ethical standards. Ethics involve reasoned principles and frameworks, not merely personal preferences or feelings. When asking "what ethics", seek objective and justifiable criteria.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what ethics" primarily functions as an interrogative, seeking clarification or definition of the ethical principles relevant to a given context. As Ludwig examples show, it invites exploration of moral considerations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what ethics" serves as a prompt for exploring the moral compass guiding decisions and actions. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in news, media, and scientific contexts. By understanding the correct usage, potential errors, and related phrases, we can engage in more meaningful and informed ethical discussions. It's a tool for promoting clarity and accountability across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what moral principles

Replaces "ethics" with "moral principles", emphasizing the guiding rules of conduct.

what ethical considerations

Focuses on the aspects that should be ethically taken into account.

what moral standards

Highlights the benchmarks for morally acceptable behavior.

what are the ethics

A rephrasing to include the verb "are" in the sentence.

which ethics

Changes "what" to "which", offering a selection-based inquiry about ethics.

what values

Replaces "ethics" with "values", focusing on personal or societal beliefs.

what are the moral implications

Explores the consequences of actions from a moral perspective.

what constitutes ethical behavior

Defines the characteristics of actions that align with ethical standards.

what is considered ethical

Focuses on the perception and judgment of ethical conduct.

what ethical framework applies

Addresses the particular ethical system or theory that is relevant.

FAQs

How can I use "what ethics" in a sentence?

You can use "what ethics" to inquire about the moral principles relevant to a situation. For example, "What ethics guide a doctor's decision to withhold treatment?"

What's the difference between "what ethics" and "which ethics"?

"What ethics" seeks a definition or explanation of the relevant principles, while "which ethics" implies a selection from a set of established ethical frameworks. Use "which ethics" when referring to a specific code of conduct.

What can I say instead of "what ethics"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "what moral principles", "what ethical considerations", or "what moral standards".

Is "what ethics" grammatically correct?

Yes, "what ethics" is grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI confirms. It is used to ask about the governing moral principles in a specific situation or field.