in virtue of

USAGE SUMMARY

"in virtue of" is an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
It is generally used to refer to something for which someone is well known or admired, usually in a positive light. For example: "The Nobel Prize winner is respected in virtue of his groundbreaking research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A supervenience claim does not automatically entail an "in virtue of" claim (McLaughlin 1995).

SEP

In virtue of what, precisely, would you distinguish them aesthetically?

The New York Times

Yet these are the very features in virtue of which the film would lose protection?

The Economist

Space denotes the property in virtue of which rigid bodies can occupy different positions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In virtue of this feature, the form (3) is termed a valid inference form.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In virtue of Eqs.

Advances in Difference Equations

Then, in virtue of the continuity of, we see that.

Advances in Difference Equations

or, in virtue of the definition of, (3.11).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

In virtue of what does the right obtain?

SEP

The brain thinks in virtue of its physical properties.

SEP

And thus not in virtue of the satisfaction of (ii*).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in virtue of" to indicate a formal or technical explanation for why something is the case, particularly when referring to inherent qualities or principles.

Common error

Avoid using "in virtue of" in casual conversation or informal writing; simpler alternatives like "because of" or "due to" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in virtue of" functions as a causal prepositional phrase, introducing the reason or basis for a statement or condition. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in explaining why something possesses certain properties or why a particular outcome occurs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"In virtue of" is a prepositional phrase that serves as a causal connector, indicating the reason or basis for something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples highlight its common usage in science, encyclopedias, and news media. Although versatile, it's best suited for formal contexts, where more precise explanations are needed. Simpler alternatives like "because of" or "due to" may be more appropriate for informal settings. When used correctly, "in virtue of" adds a layer of technical depth to explanations, specifying why something is inherently true or effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by reason of

Indicates a cause or justification, similar to "in virtue of" but slightly more formal.

owing to

A more concise and formal way of indicating a cause or reason.

by reason that

Specifies a more explicit cause or explanation for something.

on account of

Implies that something occurs because of a particular factor or reason.

due to the fact that

Highlights a direct causal relationship, similar in purpose but more verbose.

because of

A common and straightforward way of expressing causality.

as a result of

Focuses on the outcome or consequence stemming from a particular cause.

in consequence of

Indicates a logical or natural result following from a specific condition.

by means of

Focuses on the method or instrument used to achieve a result.

by the agency of

Emphasizes the entity or force through which something is accomplished.

FAQs

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

Use "in virtue of" to explain the reason or basis for something's existence, quality, or effect. For example, "The object is valuable "in virtue of" its historical significance".

What phrases can I use instead of "in virtue of"?

You can use alternatives like "because of", "due to", "on account of", or "by reason of" depending on the context.

Is "in virtue of" formal or informal?

"In virtue of" is considered a formal phrase, best suited for academic, technical, or professional writing. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives are generally preferred.

What is the difference between "in virtue of" and "because of"?

While both phrases indicate causality, "in virtue of" suggests a more inherent or fundamental reason related to the nature of something, whereas "because of" indicates a more general cause.