greatest virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greatest virtue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the highest moral quality or principle that someone possesses or values. Example: "Honesty is often regarded as the greatest virtue in many cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Timelessness was its greatest virtue.

The New York Times

Its greatest virtue is its realism.

The New York Times - Arts

Quorn's greatest virtue is its blandness.

The New York Times - Science

Its greatest virtue, she said, was a "certain Neutraesque elegance".

The New York Times

And he is a politician who regards his independence as his greatest virtue.

The New York Times

This is Vermont, after all, where self-sufficiency may be the greatest virtue.

The New York Times

France was ready for a leader whose greatest virtue seemed to be his blandness.

The New York Times

For many Republicans, Romney's greatest virtue is that he is not President Obama.

The New York Times

Its greatest virtue is also its greatest weakness: it is unselective.

The Guardian - Tech

That approach is, in equal measure, the game's greatest virtue and problem.

The Guardian - Sport

Its greatest virtue is the way Merriman particularizes the people of the Commune.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "greatest virtue" to highlight a specific, commendable attribute, avoiding overuse in general descriptions to maintain its impact and significance.

Common error

Avoid using "greatest virtue" for qualities that are generally expected or commonplace. Reserve it for attributes that genuinely stand out or have a profound impact in the given context. The term loses its meaning when applied to ordinary characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greatest virtue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies and emphasizes the most admirable or beneficial quality of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "greatest virtue" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote the most commendable attribute of something or someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, from news and media to academic and business settings. While it's important to reserve this phrase for truly outstanding qualities to maintain its impact, its versatility and frequency make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. Related phrases like "most significant strength" and "primary advantage" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greatest merit

Emphasizes the praiseworthiness of the quality.

most outstanding quality

Uses "outstanding" to stress the exceptional nature of the trait.

most admirable trait

Replaces "virtue" with a synonym that describes a desirable quality worthy of respect.

most significant strength

Replaces "virtue" with a synonym that emphasizes capability and impact.

paramount value

Emphasizes the importance and worth of the quality.

primary advantage

Focuses on the benefit or edge provided by the quality.

chief asset

Highlights the quality as a valuable possession or resource.

foremost attribute

Highlights the quality as a key characteristic.

defining characteristic

Shifts the focus to a trait that uniquely identifies something.

top quality

A more concise and general way to refer to a high-ranking attribute.

FAQs

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

The phrase "greatest virtue" is used to describe the most admirable or beneficial quality of a person, thing, or concept. For example: "His greatest virtue was his unwavering loyalty" or "The greatest virtue of the design is its simplicity".

What are some synonyms for "greatest virtue"?

Alternatives to "greatest virtue" include phrases like "most significant strength", "primary advantage", or "chief asset". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "greatest virtue" or "most important quality"?

While both phrases are similar, "greatest virtue" often implies a moral or ethical dimension, whereas "most important quality" is more neutral and can refer to any beneficial characteristic. Consider the context to determine which is more appropriate.

When should I avoid using "greatest virtue"?

Avoid using "greatest virtue" when the quality being described is not particularly exceptional or when a more neutral term like "key feature" or "main benefit" would be more accurate. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact.