an important virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an important virtue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing qualities or traits that are considered valuable or commendable in a person or society. Example: "Honesty is an important virtue that fosters trust and integrity in relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Modesty is an important virtue, but practicality should also be valued.

The New York Times

Those runs require patience, an important virtue in the Jets' zone-blocking scheme.

The New York Times - Sports

The student of forecasts must obviously consider their source; purity of motive is an important virtue for economists.

Britannica

But it does have an important virtue: it has the consequence of developing the productive forces more than any previous economic system.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rights of parents in terms of good treatment are stressed in Islam, and the Qurʾān extols filial piety, particularly tenderness to the mother, as an important virtue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But he'd gone to several black groups, talking about responsibility, which is an important virtue that should be broadly applied, but, given our crisis, we need government policy, too.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

However, a second important virtue is that it makes a number of predictions that can easily be tested using existing methods.

Genetics

Selflessness is a very important virtue that is exemplified by self-denial in fasting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A further important virtue is that each individual particle should emit, that there are few "ghost" particles which are present but never seen by fluorescence, termed the dark fraction.

ACS Nano

From the outset it is clear that for Aquinas religion (religio) is a virtue not, incidentally, one of the preeminent theological virtues, but nonetheless an important moral virtue related to justice.

University of Chicago

Another important virtue of a classification system is the ability to change over time as disease processes are recognised and better understood.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an important virtue", provide specific context to clarify which virtue you are referring to and why it holds significance. For example, "In leadership, integrity is an important virtue because it builds trust with team members."

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "an important virtue" without explaining its relevance or impact. Instead, elaborate on how the virtue contributes to a specific outcome or situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an important virtue" functions as a noun phrase that describes and emphasizes a specific positive quality. It highlights the significance or value of a particular attribute, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an important virtue" is a common phrase used to emphasize the value and significance of a specific quality. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. To maximize clarity and impact, specifying the virtue and its relevance is recommended. While variations like "a key attribute" or "a crucial quality" offer similar meanings, "an important virtue" carries a distinct emphasis on moral or ethical value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a defining attribute

Points out that the feature is particularly characteristic or representative of someone or something.

an essential characteristic

Stresses the fundamental nature of the characteristic.

a crucial quality

Highlights the essential nature of the quality.

a key attribute

Emphasizes the characteristic as being central and significant.

a fundamental principle

Highlights that the characteristic serves as a basic foundation or rule.

a significant strength

Focuses on the positive and impactful aspect of the trait.

a valuable asset

Presents the virtue as something beneficial and advantageous.

a noteworthy trait

Highlights the characteristic as being worth paying attention to.

a vital component

Shows the virtue as something necessary to complete something else.

a prime merit

Indicates the virtue as a very good quality or feature that deserves praise.

FAQs

How can I use "an important virtue" in a sentence?

Use "an important virtue" to highlight a specific positive quality or attribute. For instance, "Patience is "an important virtue" when dealing with complex problems."

What are some alternatives to saying "an important virtue"?

You can use alternatives like "a key attribute", "a crucial quality", or "a significant strength" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what the virtue is when using the phrase "an important virtue"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the virtue provides clarity and strengthens your statement. For example, instead of saying "This demonstrates an important virtue", specify "This demonstrates resilience, "an important virtue" in overcoming challenges."

What is the difference between "an important virtue" and "a core value"?

"An important virtue" refers to a specific moral quality or trait, while "a core value" represents a guiding principle or belief that influences behavior and decision-making. While related, virtues are individual qualities, and core values are broader organizational or personal beliefs.