extol the virtues

USAGE SUMMARY

"extol the virtues" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express admiration and approval for someone or something. For example: We should all extol the virtues of our hardworking teachers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You extol the virtues of religious "tolerance".

The New York Times

Everywhere I go I extol the virtues of that car.

The New York Times

We both extol the virtues of APEC as a force for proper trade policies.

The Economist

Other songs extol the virtues of rushing a relationship to the next level.

The Guardian - Music

The press (including The Guardian) could stop trying to extol the virtues of rural beauty spots.

The Guardian

Even our chefs extol the virtues of home-grown breeds and varieties of fruit and vegetables.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Students study English from Soviet-era texts that extol the virtues of Marxism and Leninism.

The New York Times

Amid hard economic choices, few now extol the virtues of small classes and individual tuition.

The Guardian

There is no way I could extol the virtues of Steven Gerrard and do him justice".

The Guardian - Sport

It is true that many older interviewees extol the virtues of a lost NHS.

The Guardian

Such responses have been encouraged by Martin's writings, which extol the virtues of the solitary life.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "extol the virtues"; it can sometimes sound overly formal or even satirical if used inappropriately.

Common error

Avoid using "extol the virtues" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound pretentious or out of place. Opt for simpler expressions of praise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extol the virtues" serves as a verb phrase that functions to express strong praise or admiration for something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. This is often used to publicly or formally commend positive qualities or attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extol the virtues" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys strong praise or admiration. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered correct for use in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it tends toward a formal register, suggesting careful and deliberate commendation. While the phrase is common, understanding its connotations and register is crucial for effective communication. Remember to reserve it for appropriate contexts and ensure genuine belief in the qualities you are praising. Related alternatives, such as "praise the merits" or "celebrate the qualities", offer flexibility in expressing similar sentiments with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

praise the merits

Replaces "virtues" with "merits", focusing on praiseworthy qualities or accomplishments.

laud the benefits

Uses "laud" instead of "extol", implying formal praise; substitutes "virtues" with "benefits", emphasizing advantages.

celebrate the qualities

Emphasizes a joyous and public acknowledgment of positive traits.

commend the strengths

Uses "commend" to suggest formal approval; replaces "virtues" with "strengths", highlighting capabilities.

sing the praises

Idiomatic expression for expressing enthusiastic approval.

hail the advantages

Suggests public and enthusiastic welcoming of positive aspects.

promote the good points

Focuses on actively advocating for positive aspects.

accentuate the positives

Highlights favorable characteristics and deemphasizes the negative.

champion the values

Implies active support and defense of core beliefs or principles.

espouse the ideals

Suggests adopting and advocating for a set of principles or beliefs.

FAQs

How can I use "extol the virtues" in a sentence?

You can use "extol the virtues" to express strong approval or admiration for something. For example, "The article "extols the virtues of" sustainable living".

What's a less formal way to say "extol the virtues"?

If you want to express praise in a less formal way, consider using phrases like "praise the merits", "sing the praises", or simply "compliment" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to "extol the virtues" of something I don't fully believe in?

Generally, it's best to avoid "extolling the virtues" of something you don't genuinely support, as it can come across as insincere or even manipulative. It's more ethical to express your true opinions.

What is the difference between "extol the virtues" and "highlight the virtues"?

"Extol the virtues" implies a more enthusiastic and emphatic expression of praise, while "highlight the virtues" simply suggests bringing attention to positive qualities without necessarily expressing strong approval.