a singular virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a singular virtue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a unique or exceptional quality or trait that stands out among others. Example: "In a world filled with distractions, patience is a singular virtue that can lead to success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Honesty overused — treated as a singular virtue by itself — can actually lead to cruelty.

The New York Times

To reread the essays is to be reminded of a singular virtue of all her writing, the novels and the memoirs as well as the essays.

The New York Times - Books

Winning is no longer a singular virtue in an increasingly interdependent world, not least because it casts everyone else as losers.

The New York Times

But the recent apologies by two Connecticut companies, Aetna and The Hartford Courant, have a singular virtue: They remind us of the usually glossed-over participation of the North in America's slave system.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The money would be collected through the tax system but individuals would own their pension nest-eggs and decide where to invest it, with an automatic option for those making no choice.The singular virtue of the proposal is that it avoids compulsion for individuals, yet is likely to boost participation rates greatly if experience with some pioneering American employer plans is anything to go by.

The Economist

But the Capitol feels an irresistible election-year push to pass it -- minus, however, its singular virtue, the F.D.A. controls over tobacco.

The New York Times

By this time, flourishing was considered frivolous and unnecessary in business, for which the chief and singular virtue of penmanship was legibility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He placed his faith in common people, who went about their lives without the need for Big Ideas, practicing what he saw as the common people's singular virtue — decency.

The New York Times - Books

But it remains the singular virtue of Jonathan Bate's text, and now of Callow's much-altered performance, that there is no attempt at hagiography, and no undue astonishment, or disbelief, at the achievement of the plays.

Independent

His self-representation as a grateful American, one who, having arrived as an immigrant, acknowledges the country's singular virtues, serves as an easy contrast with Obama, who is supposedly an anti-colonialist, anti-Western, anti-American, and, for that matter, anti-white — in short, an ingrate.

The New Yorker

Today's reactive nationalism heightens differences, emphasizes singular virtues associated with a politically defined people and seeks to instill loyalty and commitment to the state and its emblems.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular virtue" to highlight a specific, exceptional quality that is particularly important in a given context. This phrase is most effective when you want to emphasize the uniqueness and value of that quality.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular virtue" when referring to multiple virtues or characteristics. "Singular" implies one, so ensure the context aligns with a single, distinct quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular virtue" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage to denote a unique and noteworthy quality.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a singular virtue" is a phrase used to describe a unique or exceptional quality. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct, although its usage is relatively rare. The phrase commonly appears in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you are referring to a single, distinct quality to avoid grammatical errors. Consider alternatives such as "a unique strength" or "an exceptional quality" to convey similar meanings. Keep in mind that "singular" means 'one of a kind' so "singular virtues" is incorrect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a defining characteristic

Emphasizes the role of this characteristic to uniquely distinguish.

an exceptional quality

Focuses on the quality being beyond the ordinary.

a remarkable trait

Stresses the trait's outstanding nature.

a unique strength

Emphasizes the strength aspect of the virtue.

a distinctive attribute

Highlights the distinctiveness of the virtue.

a notable characteristic

Emphasizes the noteworthiness of the characteristic.

an unparalleled merit

Focuses on the unmatched value of the merit.

a one-of-a-kind attribute

Highlights the uniqueness and rarity.

a special feature

Focuses on the feature being particularly special.

a prime asset

Highlights the asset quality of the virtue.

FAQs

How can I use "a singular virtue" in a sentence?

You can use "a singular virtue" to describe a unique or exceptional quality. For example, "In a leader, honesty is "a singular virtue" that inspires trust and respect."

What are some alternatives to "a singular virtue"?

Alternatives include "a unique strength", "an exceptional quality", or "a defining characteristic" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "singular virtues"?

No, "singular virtues" is grammatically incorrect. The term "singular" refers to something that is one of a kind. If you are referring to more than one virtue, you should use "unique virtues" or "exceptional qualities".

What is the difference between "a singular virtue" and "a common virtue"?

"A singular virtue" refers to a unique and exceptional quality, setting it apart from others. In contrast, "a common virtue" is a quality that is widely recognized and practiced by many.