by virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by virtue" is a commonly used idiom in written English.
It is often used to explain how someone or something was able to achieve a positive result or outcome, often due to their own skills, qualifications, or personal characteristics. For example, "By virtue of her excellent communication and problem-solving skills, she was able to resolve the issue quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's by virtue of resources.

The New Yorker

systems, by virtue of their mathematical descriptions.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Ethnography, by virtue of its intersubjective nature, is necessarily comparative.

Britannica

An eager volunteer is chosen by virtue of proximity.

The New Yorker

Plants photosynthesize by virtue of their green pigment, chlorophyll.

The New York Times

Some have been criminalised by virtue of their immigration status.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mooney makes this list by virtue of potential.

The Guardian - Sport

By virtue of its surroundings, this pond demanded absolute silence.

The New York Times - Sports

Men gain innumerable benefits simply by virtue of being men.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wind possesses energy by virtue of its motion.

Materials Today: Proceedings

• Clients' exposure in content produced by Virtue varies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by virtue" to emphasize that a particular quality, ability, or status is the reason for something. For example, "She was promoted by virtue of her leadership skills."

Common error

Avoid using "by virtue" in very casual or informal conversations; opt for simpler alternatives like "because of" or "due to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by virtue" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a causal relationship. It signifies that an outcome or state is achieved because of a particular quality, status, or action. Ludwig AI highlights its use in varied contexts, from legal statutes to personal achievements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by virtue" is a frequently used prepositional phrase that explains the reason for an action or outcome. Ludwig AI data shows it commonly appears in formal writing contexts such as news, science, and academia. While grammatically correct, consider its formality level and choose appropriate alternatives like "because of" or "due to" in casual settings. Remember that using "by virtue of" is the standard form. The most authoritative sources utilizing this phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by reason of

A more legalistic or formal variant.

by means of

Focuses on the method or instrument used to achieve something, similar to "by virtue" but more literal.

owing to

A more formal alternative that emphasizes the reason or cause.

through

Indicates a process or channel through which something is accomplished, slightly less formal than "by virtue".

due to

Indicates a direct consequence or result.

because of

Directly states the reason or cause for something, more straightforward than "by virtue".

on account of

Implies a reason or justification, slightly more informal than "by virtue".

in light of

Emphasizes that something is done considering specific circumstances or facts.

thanks to

Often used to express gratitude for a positive outcome resulting from something.

in consequence of

Highlights the result or outcome of a particular action or situation.

FAQs

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

Use "by virtue" to indicate that something is achieved or occurs as a result of something else. For instance, "He succeeded "by virtue of his hard work"".

What are some alternatives to "by virtue"?

Alternatives include "because of", "due to", "through", or "by means of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "by virtue of" or just "by virtue"?

"By virtue of" is the more common and grammatically standard form. While "by virtue" can sometimes be used alone, it's generally safer and clearer to include "of".

What is the difference between "by virtue of" and "in accordance with"?

"By virtue of" indicates that something is a direct result or consequence of a quality or fact, while "in accordance with" implies compliance or agreement with a rule or standard. For example, a person can be promoted by virtue of their skills, but an action is taken in accordance with company policy.