possesses certain virtues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possesses certain virtues" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the positive qualities or moral attributes of a person, object, or concept. Example: "The new policy possesses certain virtues that promote fairness and equality in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Consequently, this approach possesses certain virtues including simple formulation, less expensive computation, etc.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The point is this: Although it's inappropriate--and simply wrong--to assume that a member of a cultural, racial, or ethnic group possesses certain traits by virtue of their inclusion in that group, there's no doubt that the S&E workforce is growing more diverse.

Science Magazine

America became great, they explain, because its citizens possessed certain vigorous virtues: self-reliance, personal responsibility, industriousness and a passion for freedom.

The New York Times

When considering the role of religion within Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Christopher Hitchens observed the apparent secularism in the novel, stating that the characters of Harry and Hermione possess certain moral virtues while also expressing an ignorance of Christian ideas.

Wikipedia

The productions share certain virtues and vices.

The New York Times - Arts

Initiating specific activities and nurturing certain virtues means to engineer sustainable happiness.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

SAY what you like about Peter Mandelson and few people can resist the temptation he has certain virtues.

The Economist

They start out with certain virtues but then develop more tenacious ones.

The New York Times

This platform still possesses certain inherent advantages.

TechCrunch

Kindness is not alone in the moral ambiguity of certain virtues.

SEP

Despite the ambiguous moral status of certain virtues and vices, Scudéry rejects moral relativism.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "possesses certain virtues", ensure that the context clearly identifies what those virtues are to provide a complete and meaningful statement. Be specific rather than vague.

Common error

Avoid using "possesses certain virtues" without specifying which virtues are being referred to. This can make the statement weak and lack impact. Instead, list the specific virtues to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possesses certain virtues" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that a subject has particular positive qualities. Ludwig examples confirm its use in academic, news, and general contexts to highlight commendable attributes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "possesses certain virtues" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote that a subject has notable positive qualities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is more commonly found in science and news contexts, with a neutral to formal tone. To maximize clarity, specify which virtues are being referenced to avoid vagueness. Related phrases such as "has particular strengths" or "exhibits specific merits" can be used as alternatives depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has particular strengths

Focuses on inherent strengths instead of moral qualities.

exhibits specific merits

Emphasizes the merits or positive attributes that something displays.

displays admirable qualities

Highlights the admirable nature of the qualities in question.

shows commendable traits

Focuses on traits that are worthy of praise.

features notable attributes

Emphasizes the attributes or characteristics that are worth noting.

includes valuable assets

Highlights the assets or resources that something includes.

offers considerable advantages

Stresses the advantages or benefits that something offers.

presents significant benefits

Highlights the benefits or advantages that something presents.

carries inherent advantages

Focuses on the inherent or intrinsic advantages of something.

boasts remarkable features

Emphasizes the remarkable or noteworthy features that something boasts.

FAQs

How can I use "possesses certain virtues" in a sentence?

Use "possesses certain virtues" to highlight the positive attributes of a person, object, or idea. For instance, "This approach "possesses certain virtues" including simple formulation and less expensive computation."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "possesses certain virtues"?

Alternatives include "has particular strengths", "exhibits specific merits", or "displays admirable qualities", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "possesses certain virtues"?

Yes, "possesses certain virtues" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb-object structure in English.

What is the difference between "possesses certain virtues" and "has certain advantages"?

"Possesses certain virtues" typically refers to moral or ethical qualities, while "has certain advantages" refers to beneficial aspects or features. The choice depends on whether you are emphasizing moral qualities or practical benefits.