extol virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extol virtue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of praising or promoting moral excellence or good character traits. Example: "In her speech, she chose to extol virtue, highlighting the importance of honesty and integrity in our society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I refer, of course, to those preposterous platitudes lining the hallways of corporate America, extolling virtues like "Teamwork," "Determination" and "Efficiency".

Forbes

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

The Army Reserve, the Marine Corps and the Navy sent representatives to extol the virtues of social media.

The New York Times

And yet, the beneficiaries of the new system extol its virtues.

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

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

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

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extol virtue", ensure the context clearly defines the specific virtues being praised to avoid ambiguity and enhance the message's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "extol virtue" in everyday conversation; it is better suited for formal speeches, academic writing, or literary works. In casual settings, opt for simpler, more direct expressions of praise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extol virtue" functions primarily as a verb phrase + noun used to describe the act of praising or celebrating moral goodness. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show its use in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extol virtue" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express strong praise for moral goodness. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, the phrase is relatively infrequent and more appropriate for formal contexts. Alternatives like "praise moral excellence" or "celebrate virtuous behavior" may be suitable depending on the intended nuance. When using the phrase, ensure that the specific virtues being praised are clearly defined. Given its formal tone, it's best reserved for speeches, academic papers, or literary works, avoiding overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Praise moral excellence

Replaces "extol" with a more common verb, while maintaining the focus on "virtue".

Celebrate virtuous behavior

Substitutes "extol" with "celebrate" and rephrases "virtue" as "virtuous behavior" for emphasis.

Promote goodness

Uses a more direct and accessible term, "goodness", in place of "virtue".

Champion ethical conduct

Replaces "virtue" with a more formal and specific concept, "ethical conduct".

Advocate for righteousness

Emphasizes the moral dimension of "virtue" through the term "righteousness".

Commend uprightness

Uses a less common but semantically similar term, "uprightness", instead of "virtue".

Laud commendable qualities

Replaces "extol" with "laud" and uses a broader term, "commendable qualities", instead of "virtue".

Exalt moral principles

Focuses on "moral principles" rather than the general concept of "virtue".

Glorify noble character

Emphasizes the internal aspect of "virtue" by using the phrase "noble character".

Magnify integrity

Highlights a specific aspect of virtue by focusing on "integrity".

FAQs

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

You can use "extol virtue" to describe the act of praising or promoting moral excellence. For example, "The speaker chose to extol virtue, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity".

What are some alternatives to "extol virtue"?

Alternatives include "praise moral excellence", "celebrate virtuous behavior", or "promote goodness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "extol virtue" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct, "extol virtue" is not as commonly used as simpler alternatives like "praise goodness" or "celebrate morality". Its usage is more frequent in formal or literary contexts.

What is the difference between "extol virtue" and "praise virtue"?

"Extol virtue" suggests a more enthusiastic and elevated form of praise compared to the more neutral "praise virtue". "Extol" implies a strong admiration and public commendation.