only by virtue of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only by virtue of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is true or valid solely because of a specific reason or condition. Example: "He was promoted only by virtue of his extensive experience in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Salvation arises only by virtue of the grace of God.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Is it wrong (or not wrong) in itself, or only by virtue of its consequences?

Britannica

The threat is to a stable community that exists only by virtue of an irreplaceable makeup.

The New York Times

Thatcher is different, and not only by virtue of her domineering personality.

The New York Times - Magazine

Does an Indian woman's right to respect come only by virtue of her ability to reproduce?

The New York Times

(It is the form that it is only by virtue of the content that it embodies).

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is only by virtue of that unique business model that we've managed to stay afloat in the current climate.

The Guardian - Travel

In this case the online commenter is "more powerful" only by virtue of his/her ability to anonymously attack.

The Guardian

Myths in ancient civilizations are known only by virtue of the fact that they became part of a written tradition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were labeled the "accidental senators," candidates who won only by virtue of an extraordinary political environment.

The New York Times

The weathervane dominates the space not only by virtue of scale, but also by suggesting that the museum's view of folk art is not naïve.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only by virtue of" to clearly establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, ensuring that the condition or reason is the sole determinant. For enhanced clarity, pair it with strong verbs or descriptive nouns that emphasize the exclusive link.

Common error

Avoid using "only by virtue of" in overly complex sentences where simpler alternatives like "because of" or "due to" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make writing sound convoluted and less accessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only by virtue of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, introducing the specific condition or reason that exclusively enables or causes something to occur. It serves to limit the cause to a single factor. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

24%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only by virtue of" serves to establish an exclusive cause-and-effect relationship, indicating that something is true or valid solely because of a specific reason or condition. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts, it maintains a formal register. When writing, ensure its use enhances clarity and avoids unnecessary complexity. Alternatives such as "solely because of" or "exclusively due to" can offer similar meanings with varying emphasis. The phrase’s prevalence across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and acceptance in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solely as a result of

Focuses on the outcome being exclusively caused by something.

entirely due to

Emphasizes that something is completely caused by a specific factor.

purely on the grounds of

Emphasizes the basis or justification for something.

merely because of

Highlights the simplicity and directness of the cause.

simply by reason of

Indicates that something is a straightforward consequence.

depending entirely on

Signifies a relationship where one thing is fully reliant on another, stressing the complete dependence involved.

exclusively through

Shows that a particular method or means is the only way something is achieved.

contingent upon

This phrase underscores the conditional nature of something, highlighting its dependency on a specific factor.

just by means of

Indicates that something happens using a specific method or tool.

only through the medium of

Highlights the means or channel through which something occurs.

FAQs

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

Use "only by virtue of" to show that something is true or possible because of a specific reason or condition. For example, "The team succeeded "only by virtue of" their hard work" indicates that their success was solely a result of their effort.

What are some alternatives to "only by virtue of"?

You can use alternatives like "solely because of", "exclusively due to", or "simply by reason of" to convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "just by virtue of" instead of "only by virtue of"?

Yes, "just by virtue of" is a valid alternative. Both phrases indicate that something is a direct consequence of something else, though "only by virtue of" may carry a slightly stronger emphasis on exclusivity.

What's the difference between "only by virtue of" and "thanks to"?

"Only by virtue of" indicates a cause-and-effect relationship where the specified condition is the sole reason for the outcome. "Thanks to", on the other hand, often implies gratitude or a positive connotation, even if the cause itself is neutral or negative. They are not always interchangeable.