chief virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chief virtue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the most important or primary quality or trait of a person, concept, or thing. Example: "Honesty is often regarded as the chief virtue in building trust within relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

His chief virtue was independence.

The New York Times - Arts

That, alas, is the Cobra's chief virtue.

The New York Times - Tech

Mooney's chief virtue as a writer is her ardor.

The New York Times - Books

But that may be the book's chief virtue.

The New York Times - Books

Their chief virtue is that they do not require constitutional change.

The Economist

But the program's chief virtue is that it makes a smart, serious effort in that direction.

The New York Times

One of the virtues, perhaps almost the chief virtue, of a newspaper is its independence.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the chief virtue of Suzman's production is its speed and clarity.

The Guardian

His chief virtue, "more evident to our age than his", is narrowness of vision.

The Guardian - Books

Its chief virtue is its commissioned score by Bruno Moretti, which fascinatingly commutes between ancient and modern.

The New York Times - Arts

And it illustrated his chief virtue, as his supporters describe it: an ability to work both sides of the aisle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chief virtue", ensure that it clearly represents the single most important or beneficial aspect being discussed. Avoid using it when multiple virtues are equally important.

Common error

Avoid superficial assessments. The "chief virtue" is not always the most obvious quality, but the one that fundamentally contributes to the subject's success or value. Deeply consider the context before labeling something as the "chief virtue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief virtue" functions as a noun phrase that identifies and emphasizes the most important or prominent positive quality of something. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academic

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chief virtue" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote the most important positive attribute of something. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is very common across diverse sources, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "primary strength" or "main advantage" exist, "chief virtue" offers a specific emphasis on moral or beneficial qualities. When using this phrase, ensure that it truly represents the single most significant positive aspect, and avoid superficial assessments. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the phrase's versatility and consistent application in highlighting essential qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary strength

Replaces 'virtue' with 'strength', focusing on the most important capability or asset.

main advantage

Substitutes 'virtue' with 'advantage', highlighting the key benefit or positive aspect.

key attribute

Uses 'attribute' instead of 'virtue', emphasizing a characteristic or quality of significance.

principal merit

Replaces 'chief virtue' with a more formal term, focusing on the most important positive quality or value.

defining characteristic

Emphasizes the unique and essential trait that distinguishes something.

central quality

Focuses on the core or essential aspect that makes something valuable or effective.

paramount feature

Highlights the most important or noticeable aspect of something.

foremost quality

Indicates the leading or most prominent characteristic.

prime asset

Substitutes 'virtue' with 'asset', focusing on the most valuable resource or quality.

major selling point

Highlights the most important feature that makes something desirable or marketable.

FAQs

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

Use "chief virtue" to highlight the most important positive quality or attribute of a person, thing, or concept. For example, "The "chief virtue of" the new software is its ease of use."

What is a good alternative to "chief virtue"?

Alternatives include "primary strength", "main advantage", or "key attribute", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "the chiefest virtue" instead of "chief virtue"?

While "chiefest" is a valid superlative form of "chief", "chief virtue" is more common and stylistically preferred in modern English. "Chiefest virtue" may sound archaic or overly formal.

What is the difference between "chief virtue" and "defining characteristic"?

"Chief virtue" implies a positive and beneficial quality, whereas "defining characteristic" simply refers to a notable feature that distinguishes something, without necessarily being positive. A defining characteristic may even be a flaw.