a virtuous man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a virtuous man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who possesses high moral standards and ethical behavior. Example: "In the story, the protagonist is portrayed as a virtuous man who always strives to do the right thing, even in difficult situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Yet most scholars agree that Wycliffe was a virtuous man.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is the key to the treasure-door of a virtuous man.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There was that fear, but he was a virtuous man as well.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

a generous ruler and a virtuous man, presiding over a realm full of riches and strange creatures (centaurs, Amazons, giants), in which the Patriarch of St. Thomas resided.

Cornell University

The epic poem is essentially an alternate-universe fanfiction of King Arthur before he was king: a virtuous man is destined for glory...but he needs to wander a bit first.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Any doctor who performs an abortion should face criminal charges.Because he is a virtuous man, Mr Santorum does not lay down a code that he is not prepared to abide by himself.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

And there is sharp, well-defined support from Pippa Haywood as a svelte City shark, Kate O'Flynn as the victim of Gorge's affections and Alan Williams as a weakly virtuous man in a world of financial predators.

The Guardian

American Pastoral followed Sabbath's Theater, and in it Roth said he "wanted to write about a conventionally virtuous man.

The Guardian - Books

Other considerations must weigh against the suspected witch, "inasmuch as 'tis an undoubted and a notorious thing" that a devil might impersonate an innocent, even virtuous, man.

The New Yorker

His self-packaging as a pious and virtuous man of the people seemed especially persuasive as corruption scandals tainted the media as well as politicians and businessmen in the years leading up to 2014.

The Guardian

"Against the Corinthians hath Ilium no complaint). " Again, that is good which has been distinguished by the favour of a discerning or virtuous man or woman, as Odysseus was distinguished by Athena, Helen by Theseus, Paris by the goddesses, and Achilles by Homer.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character in literature or a historical figure, use "a virtuous man" to clearly convey their strong moral compass and ethical conduct. This phrase is particularly effective in settings where virtue is highly valued or contrasted with corruption.

Common error

Avoid using "a virtuous man" in overly casual or contemporary contexts where it may sound archaic or overly formal. Consider more modern alternatives like "a person of integrity" or "an ethical individual" for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a virtuous man" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "virtuous" modifies "man". Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its use to describe individuals possessing high moral qualities. It serves to characterize someone based on their ethical behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a virtuous man" is a descriptive noun phrase employed to characterize an individual possessing high moral standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias. While the phrase effectively conveys admiration for ethical behavior, it's crucial to be mindful of the context, as it might sound archaic in contemporary settings. Alternatives like "a moral individual" or "an ethical person" could be more suitable in casual conversations. Understanding the nuances and context allows for more precise and impactful communication when describing someone of strong moral character.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a moral individual

Focuses on the individual's adherence to moral principles.

an ethical person

Emphasizes the person's commitment to ethical standards.

a righteous man

Highlights the person's adherence to divine or moral law.

an honorable man

Stresses the person's integrity and adherence to a code of honor.

a principled man

Focuses on the person's strong adherence to principles.

a man of integrity

Highlights the person's wholeness and consistency in character.

a man of high moral character

Emphasizes the person's strong moral foundation.

a noble man

Suggests the person possesses high moral qualities and is of elevated character.

a good and upright man

Combines goodness and integrity.

a man of good character

General term indicating positive moral qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "a virtuous man" in a sentence?

You can use "a virtuous man" to describe someone who consistently acts according to high moral standards. For example, "The biography depicted him as "a virtuous man", always putting others before himself."

What are some alternatives to "a virtuous man"?

Alternatives include "a moral individual", "an ethical person", or "a righteous man". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a virtuous man" or "a good man"?

"A good man" is a broader term, while ""a virtuous man"" specifically implies strong moral principles and ethical behavior. Use "a virtuous man" when you want to emphasize the person's high moral character.

What distinguishes "a virtuous man" from "an honorable man"?

"An honorable man" typically adheres to a specific code of honor, whereas ""a virtuous man"" acts according to a broader set of moral principles. While both terms suggest positive qualities, "virtuous" emphasizes moral correctness, while "honorable" emphasizes adherence to a code.