a key virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key virtue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize an important quality or principle that is considered valuable or essential in a particular context. Example: "Honesty is a key virtue in building trust within any relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A key virtue of a legal system is the consistency or coherence of its rules across multiple disparate cases.

The Washington Post

Crucially, Shaw's unreasonableness in following thought through to a logical conclusion becomes a key virtue for early Fabian socialists seeking to change the world as well as to understand it, endorsing Shaw's view that: "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself.

The Guardian - Opinion

It should be considered alongside St. Gregory I's Pastoral Care (6th century): though centred on the role of bishops, rather than secular lords, Gregory's emphasis on humility as a key virtue of those holding worldly power, on the moral temptations of secular might, and on the need to provide moral leadership by example made it a key reference point for future writers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ultimately, this work is pivotal to achieving a saner and healthier balance between young people’s self-interests and their investment in others and our collective future; to promoting diligence as a key virtue; and to advancing the college prospects of economically disadvantaged students.

Harvard University

Disruption, once considered a deleterious side effect of technological progress, is now lauded as a key virtue of great companies (makes you wonder if the changelings have taken over).

TechCrunch

The story of Sater and the one involving billionaires quietly backing the Trump-Bayrock dealspeaksks to a key virtue of any good businessman--due diligence--that seems especially relevant for a candidate running on private-sector acumen and the need to do "extreme vetting" of those seeking to get into the country.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Let's also agree that the newsroom of The Times Democrat will be an amalgam of the best and most innovative practices we have online and in print, and that it will evolve to be something recognizable as newsgathering measured by a few key virtues.

Huffington Post

Micromanagement pathologies distort a key visibility virtue which P&G's technology investments were designed to foster.

Harvard Business Review

But the iPad's key virtue is that it will continue to fulfill our needs with a quiet elasticity that's hard to identify except in retrospect.

TechCrunch

What they both ignored was democracy's ability to evolve, which is perhaps its key virtue.

The Economist

Only in this way can the key virtue – adaptability – be developed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key virtue", ensure the virtue is genuinely central to the subject matter. Avoid overusing the phrase by varying your language with synonyms like "a core principle" or "a fundamental quality".

Common error

Avoid using "a key virtue" to describe qualities that are merely beneficial or desirable but not fundamentally essential. Reserve the phrase for truly critical attributes to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key virtue" functions as a noun phrase, identifying and emphasizing an important quality or characteristic. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and used to underscore an attribute considered valuable. Examples from Ludwig highlight its use in diverse contexts, from business acumen to personal ethics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key virtue" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that emphasizes an important quality or principle. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is valuable for highlighting attributes considered essential in various contexts. While not exceedingly common, its usage spans across news media, academia, and encyclopedic sources. Remember to use this phrase when underscoring genuinely central qualities and vary your language to prevent overuse. Consider synonyms such as "a fundamental quality" or "a core principle" to maintain a balanced and impactful writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental quality

Focuses on the basic or essential nature of the quality.

an essential characteristic

Stresses the necessity of the characteristic.

a central attribute

Emphasizes that the attribute is pivotal or crucial.

a core principle

Focuses on the foundational nature of the principle.

a crucial advantage

Highlights the benefit conferred by the quality.

a major strength

Presents the quality as a source of power or effectiveness.

a primary benefit

Emphasizes the advantage gained as being top priority.

a significant asset

Highlights the value of the quality as a resource.

a vital component

Highlights the quality as an indispensable part of a whole.

a basic tenet

Highlights the quality as a foundational belief or doctrine.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a key virtue" in a sentence?

Use "a key virtue" to emphasize an attribute that is fundamentally important to a concept or entity. For instance, "Adaptability is "a key virtue" for success in a rapidly changing environment."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a key virtue"?

You can use alternatives such as "a fundamental quality", "a central attribute", or "a crucial advantage" depending on the context.

In what contexts is the phrase "a key virtue" most appropriate?

The phrase is most appropriate in contexts where you want to highlight the essential nature of a positive attribute, such as in discussions of ethics, leadership, or personal development.

How does "a key virtue" differ from "a good quality"?

"A key virtue" implies a higher level of importance and necessity than "a good quality". A good quality is simply a positive attribute, whereas "a key virtue" is essential for success or moral integrity.