what is evil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is evil" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing moral philosophy, ethics, or inquiring about the nature of wrongdoing. For example, "In the debate on morality, one must ask, what is evil?" Alternative expressions include "what constitutes evil" and "what defines evil."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Is it for you to say what is good or what is evil?" Bala boasted about his drunken visits to brothels and his submission to temptations of the flesh.

The New Yorker

At least now we know what is evil".

The New York Times - Arts

It is a way of dealing with an extreme situation of what is real, what is true, what is untrue, what is relative, what is evil.

The New York Times

They claimed that human reason, independent of revelation, was capable of discovering what is good and what is evil, although revelation corroborated the findings of reason.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At one point Peter despairs: "Children hope against hope that what is good is true and beautiful and what is evil is false and ugly".

The Economist

The proper goal of a story is not to judge what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is evil.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

But, in "The Prince," Machiavelli assumed that politicians fully understood what was good and what was evil; the survivors among them simply understood when it was necessary to violate their moral code.

The New Yorker

"It seemed so clear what was good and what was evil".

Forbes

Denouncing what is obviously evil can be too easy, especially at a convenient distance, and can obscure more inconvenient evils).

Huffington Post

To cite Lewis again on Islam: "What is truly evil and unacceptable is the domination of infidels over true believers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Moral rationalists tend to say, first, that moral properties are discovered by reason, and also that what is morally good is in accord with reason (even that goodness consists in reasonableness) and what is morally evil is unreasonable.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When exploring "what is evil", consider specific examples to illustrate your understanding. Abstract definitions alone can be too vague.

Common error

Avoid equating everything disagreeable with "evil". "Evil" typically implies a profound moral wrong, not merely something disliked.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is evil" functions primarily as an interrogative phrase, posing a fundamental question about the nature of morality and wrongdoing. This usage aligns with many examples found by Ludwig, which often introduce philosophical or ethical discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what is evil" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interrogative, prompting exploration into the definition and nature of evil. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and encyclopedic sources. The phrase is grammatically correct, used to question the concept of evil, and is often used to elicit philosophical or ethical discussions. When using "what is evil", it's important to provide concrete examples to support your understanding and avoid equating simple unpleasantness with profound moral wrong. Related phrases like "the nature of evil" and "defining evil" offer alternative ways to explore this complex concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the concept of evil

This addresses the abstract idea and philosophical understanding of evil.

the nature of evil

This explores the fundamental characteristics and essence of evil.

evil's essence

This explores the intrinsic quality or character that makes something evil.

defining evil

This focuses on the act of defining or setting the boundaries of what constitutes evil.

evil's definition

This highlights the specific meaning and scope of the term "evil".

understanding evil

This emphasizes the cognitive process of trying to comprehend evil.

discerning evil

This focuses on the ability to distinguish and recognize evil.

the roots of evil

This seeks to identify the origins and underlying causes of evil.

the problem of evil

This refers to the philosophical and theological challenge of reconciling the existence of evil with a benevolent God.

evil's manifestations

This considers the various ways in which evil appears or is expressed in the world.

FAQs

How do you use "what is evil" in a sentence?

You can use "what is evil" to start a philosophical discussion, as in, "What is evil, and how do we recognize it?" or to question a specific action: "If that isn't "what is evil", I don't know what is."

What's a more formal way to ask "what is evil"?

Consider using phrases like "what constitutes evil" or "how can evil be defined" for a more formal tone.

Is it subjective or objective to define "what is evil"?

The definition of ""what is evil"" can be subjective, varying across cultures and individuals, or it can be approached objectively through philosophical or religious frameworks that provide specific criteria.

What are some related concepts to "what is evil"?

Related concepts include morality, ethics, sin, wrongdoing, and injustice. Exploring these concepts can provide a deeper understanding of ""what is evil"".