for which virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for which virtue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the specific virtue that is being referenced or questioned in a particular context. Example: "He was praised for which virtue he displayed during the crisis, demonstrating remarkable courage and integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

From there we move towards that perversion of moral thought (identified above all with the greatest of all modern philosophers, Immanuel Kant) for which virtue was about duty, obligation, responsibility.

The Guardian

His solution, which is the most distinctive feature of his ethical system and the one that seems to have drawn the most criticism, is to distinguish between the happy life (vita beata in Cicero's Latin), for which virtue is sufficient, and the completely or entirely happy life (vita beatissima) (Fin. 5.71, 95; T.D. 5.22), which requires bodily and external goods as well.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Preferred indifferents are the material or subject matter for the rational selection in which virtue consists, but nothing more.

SEP

In their minds a link existed between terror and virtue: "virtue, without which terror is fatal; terror, without which virtue is powerless". Whoever could claim to speak for the interests of the people held the mantle of virtue and the power of revolutionary terror.

Britannica

In their minds a link existed between terror and virtue: "virtue, without which terror is fatal; terror, without which virtue is powerless".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Observing the workings of the American democratic tradition for Democracy in America (1835 40), Tocqueville wrote that by leading "each citizen to isolate himself from his fellows and to draw apart with his family and friends," individualism sapped the "virtues of public life," for which civic virtue and association were a suitable remedy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She turned down what she calls "the £1m book deal", an honourable move for which, by virtue of raising it, she would clearly like to be thanked.

The Guardian

Which virtues are most important for a leader?

The New York Times

Think about which virtues are most important to you.

WikiHow

Instead, he placed her in initial charge of the investigation into the very matters for which she had, by virtue of her editorship, been responsible for.

The New York Times

They are, he said, still under construction and must remain patient – a virtue for which a club that has invested so heavily may not have time.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for which virtue", ensure the context clearly defines the specific virtue being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "for which virtue" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "what virtue" or rephrase the sentence for better flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for which virtue" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, typically specifying the reason or quality associated with a particular action or characteristic. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a specific virtue being referenced. It's used to provide further detail or explanation regarding the virtue in question.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for which virtue" serves as a formal way to specify the reason or moral quality behind an action or characteristic. Although grammatically sound, as Ludwig AI confirms, its use is relatively rare and best suited for formal contexts such as academic writing, news reports, and encyclopedic entries. When employing this phrase, clarity is crucial; ensure that the virtue being referenced is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "regarding what virtue" or "concerning which moral quality" exist, rephrasing the sentence entirely can often lead to more fluid and natural prose. In the right setting, "for which virtue" adds a touch of precision and intentionality to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding what virtue

Focuses on the specific virtue being considered or discussed.

concerning which moral quality

Emphasizes the moral aspect of the virtue in question.

in respect to what virtue

Highlights the virtue being considered in a specific context.

about which virtue

A more concise way to inquire about a particular virtue.

on account of which virtue

Focuses on the virtue as a reason or cause.

by reason of what virtue

Similar to 'on account of', indicating the virtue as the reason.

with respect to the virtue in question

More formal and clarifies that a specific virtue is being referenced.

pertaining to which virtue

Highlights the virtue that is relevant or related to a particular situation.

relative to which virtue

Emphasizes the relativity or context-dependence of the virtue.

considering what virtue

Directly asks about the virtue under consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "for which virtue" in a sentence?

Use "for which virtue" to specify a particular admirable quality that is the reason for something. For example, "He was admired for which virtue he displayed during the crisis, demonstrating remarkable courage and integrity."

What are some alternatives to "for which virtue"?

You can use alternatives like "regarding what virtue", "concerning which moral quality", or "in respect to what virtue" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "for which virtue"?

It is appropriate in formal writing or when you need to specify a particular admirable trait. Avoid using it in casual conversation.

Is "for which virtue" always necessary, or can I rephrase the sentence?

You can often rephrase the sentence to avoid "for which virtue" if it sounds awkward. For instance, instead of "This is the virtue for which he is known," you can say, "He is known for this "virtue"."