has its virtues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has its virtues" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge the positive aspects or benefits of something, even if there are also drawbacks. Example: "While the new policy has its virtues, it also presents several challenges that need to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Recreational skiers abhor ice, but it has its virtues.

The New Yorker

(A diagnosis has its virtues — it allows some insurance plans to cover the transition process).

The New Yorker

Like other forms of paternalism, concentração has its virtues: it protects the players from their fans.

The New Yorker

But if propaganda has its virtues, it also has its limits.

The New York Times

Messiness has its virtues; it's part of the process of making art.

The New York Times - Tech

It's so easy to find fault with Mr. Miroshnichenko's ballet that you hardly know where to stop; but you should, because this ballet isn't the worst dog (sorry) ever seen on this stage, and because it has its virtues.

The New York Times - Arts

And it has its virtues: Page and Brin devote 1% of the company's equity and profits to philanthropic causes, including clean and cheap power (which will also benefit power-hungry Google's bottom line).

The Guardian - Tech

This aesthetic is not current today, and while this "Cleopatra" has its virtues, it is content to tell a story rather than to offer an aesthetic point of view.

The New York Times - Arts

It has its virtues, but its corporate tax holiday is a major giveway.

Huffington Post

(I even discussed his memoirs with him). This book is not at all what I expected, but it has its virtues.

Los Angeles Times

Imitation has its virtues, but it also promotes instability and unpredictability.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has its virtues" to introduce a counter-argument or to concede a point before presenting a contrasting view.

Common error

A common mistake is stating that something "has its virtues" without specifying what those virtues are or without acknowledging any corresponding drawbacks. Always ensure clarity and balance by elaborating on both the positive and negative aspects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has its virtues" functions as a concessive phrase, acknowledging positive aspects even when negatives exist. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable. It's often used to introduce a balanced perspective or a counterargument.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has its virtues" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to acknowledge the positive aspects of something, even when drawbacks exist. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability and correctness. It functions as a concessive phrase, often used to introduce a balanced perspective or a counterargument. While frequently found in News & Media, it also appears in formal and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the virtues and acknowledging any corresponding limitations to provide a well-rounded assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has its merits

Emphasizes the inherent worth or deserving quality of something, similar to having virtues.

has its advantages

Focuses on the beneficial aspects or superior points of something.

has its upsides

Highlights the positive aspects or benefits, often in contrast to potential downsides.

offers some benefits

Indicates that something provides advantages or positive results.

presents certain advantages

Stresses the existence of particular beneficial aspects.

possesses positive attributes

Highlights the existence of good qualities or characteristics.

includes favorable aspects

Points out that positive elements are part of something.

is not without its good points

Acknowledges the existence of positive qualities, often implying the presence of negative ones as well.

boasts some strengths

Emphasizes the powerful or effective qualities of something.

retains some value

Highlights that something still has worth, even if diminished or less apparent.

FAQs

How can I use "has its virtues" in a sentence?

The phrase "has its virtues" is used to acknowledge the positive aspects of something, often while implying that it also has drawbacks. For example, "While the policy "has its virtues", it also presents several challenges."

What can I say instead of "has its virtues"?

You can use alternatives like "has its merits", "has its advantages", or "offers some benefits" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "has its virtues" or "has its advantages"?

Both "has its virtues" and "has its advantages" are correct, but they emphasize slightly different aspects. "Has its virtues" focuses on inherent qualities, while "has its advantages" focuses on beneficial aspects. Choose the one that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "has its virtues" and "has its pros and cons"?

"Has its virtues" acknowledges the positive qualities of something, often implying there are also negatives. "Has its pros and cons" explicitly states that there are both advantages and disadvantages, providing a more balanced perspective. Use "has its pros and cons" for a more direct acknowledgment of both sides.