Redeeming quality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Redeeming quality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a positive aspect or feature of something that may otherwise be considered flawed or negative. Example: "Despite the movie's slow pace, its redeeming quality was the outstanding performance of the lead actor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For Winder, it's the country's redeeming quality.

The Guardian - Books

But it embodied one transcendent redeeming quality: it existed.

The New Yorker

Besides protection, graffiti provides the blast walls' only redeeming quality.

The New York Times

I defy anyone to tell me what redeeming quality ticks have and what purpose they serve in the great circle of life other than to be disgusting.

The New Yorker

Their one redeeming quality is the descriptive humor of their name -- how can you not like a movement that calls itself Blob Architects?

The New York Times - Arts

Yet Carter's greatest redeeming quality is that he's not won over by himself, and can never be as heartless as, say, the eponymous center of Kierkegaard's "Seducer's Diary".

The New York Times - Books

This is, I think, the great, redeeming quality of city life, what makes it worthwhile living here, despite all the thoughtless depredations of bikers and truckers, and radio blasters.

The New York Times

Mr. Cramer's DiMaggio is as mean as they come: he was a prodigious miser; his pals and associates were as unsavory as Sinatra's; he saw women as "broads" and exhibited scarcely a redeeming quality.

The New York Times - Books

But from behind the batting cage, the Yankees' hitting coach, Chris Chambliss, could see at least one redeeming quality in those dark days: Tino Martinez had found the timing in his swing.

The New York Times - Sports

That is your one redeeming quality.

Huffington Post

It's your one redeeming quality," he tells her as she pouts.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "redeeming quality", ensure it clearly contrasts with a predominantly negative context. This highlights the significance of the positive attribute.

Common error

Avoid using "redeeming quality" for minor positives in generally good situations. Reserve it for when the positive truly balances significant flaws.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "redeeming quality" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific, positive attribute that compensates for negative aspects, as Ludwig examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "redeeming quality" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a positive attribute that compensates for negative aspects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. Alternatives like "saving grace" and "positive attribute" offer similar meanings, while practical writing guidance emphasizes the importance of reserving "redeeming quality" for situations where the positive truly balances significant flaws. Overall, understanding the nuances of this phrase ensures its effective use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Saving grace

Highlights the characteristic that saves something from being completely negative.

Positive attribute

A general term for a positive feature, less specific than "redeeming quality".

Compensating virtue

Emphasizes the virtue that makes up for shortcomings.

Mitigating factor

Refers to a circumstance that reduces the severity of something negative.

Counterbalancing merit

Highlights the balance between positive and negative aspects.

Alleviating feature

Focuses on the feature that eases the negativity.

Justifying aspect

Indicates the aspect that provides a reason or excuse for something.

Silver lining

Refers to a hopeful or positive aspect in an otherwise negative situation.

Good point

A simpler, more conversational way to acknowledge a positive aspect.

Strength

A general term that identifies an area of advantage rather than compensating something weak.

FAQs

How can I use "redeeming quality" in a sentence?

Use "redeeming quality" to highlight a positive aspect that compensates for negative qualities. For example, "Despite its flaws, the film's "redeeming quality" was its humor".

What can I say instead of "redeeming quality"?

You can use alternatives like "saving grace", "positive attribute", or "mitigating factor" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "redeeming quality" in formal writing?

Yes, "redeeming quality" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to express that something has a positive aspect that compensates for its flaws. More formal options such as "compensating virtue" could also be considered.

What is the difference between "redeeming quality" and "advantage"?

"Redeeming quality" implies that something has flaws, but also has a positive aspect that helps to compensate for those flaws. "Advantage"/s/advantage", on the other hand, simply means that something is superior or beneficial, without necessarily implying the presence of flaws.