by virtue of

USAGE SUMMARY

"by virtue of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to emphasize that something is a logical result of a certain condition, situation, or fact. For example, "By virtue of his hard work and dedication, he was promoted to a higher position in the company."

✓ 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

And by virtue of an artificial surface, no less.

The Guardian - Sport

By virtue of doing nothing, I seem wise.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by virtue of" to indicate that something is a direct consequence or result of a specific condition, fact, or law, adding a touch of formality to your writing.

Common error

While "by virtue of" is a valid phrase, avoid overusing it, especially in informal contexts. Simpler alternatives like "because of" or "due to" often sound more natural.

How to use

Learn how to use "by virtue of" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by virtue of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating the reason, cause, or basis for something. As evidenced by Ludwig, it commonly introduces the justification or explanation for a particular outcome or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by virtue of" is a prepositional phrase that indicates causation or reason. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's frequently used across various domains like News & Media, Science, and Academia, indicating a formal tone. While effective for precise explanations, overuse can sound stilted, so consider simpler alternatives like "because of" in less formal contexts. Remember, the best practice is to use "by virtue of" when you want to emphasize that something is a direct consequence of a specific condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

because of

Simple and direct alternative focusing on causation.

on account of

A more formal alternative emphasizing the reason for something.

due to

Another common alternative indicating causation.

by reason of

A slightly more formal and legalistic alternative.

as a result of

Highlights the consequence of a specific action or event.

on the grounds of

Highlights the justification or basis for a decision or action.

in light of

Emphasizes considering a particular fact or circumstance.

in consequence of

A more formal way to express a result or effect.

thanks to

Often used when expressing gratitude for a positive outcome.

premised on

Suggests that something is based on a particular assumption or condition.

FAQs

What does "by virtue of" mean?

The phrase "by virtue of" means because of or as a result of something. It indicates that something is a consequence of a particular fact, circumstance, or quality.

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

You can use "by virtue of" to explain why something is the case. For example, "He succeeded "because of" his hard work" can be rephrased as "He succeeded by virtue of his hard work".

What are some alternatives to "by virtue of"?

Some alternatives to "by virtue of" include "because of", "due to", "on account of", and "by reason of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "by virtue of" or "because of"?

Both "by virtue of" and "because of" are correct, but "by virtue of" is generally more formal. Use "because of" in everyday conversation and reserve "by virtue of" for more formal writing.