diff --git a/wadsrc/static/zscript/actors/actor.zs b/wadsrc/static/zscript/actors/actor.zs
index 7be0f9601..cf7df8ad0 100644
--- a/wadsrc/static/zscript/actors/actor.zs
+++ b/wadsrc/static/zscript/actors/actor.zs
@@ -1291,7 +1291,7 @@ class Actor : Thinker native
 		bool grunted;
 
 		// [RH] only make noise if alive
-		if (self.health > 0 && !self.player.morphTics)
+		if (self.health > 0 && self.player.morphTics == 0)
 		{
 			grunted = false;
 			// Why should this number vary by gravity?