sense of virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of virtue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to describe a type of moral judgement, such as: "Her upbringing had instilled in her a strong sense of virtue that guided her decisions throughout her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

As a society we have lost our sense of virtue.

The New York Times

And even that sense of virtue starts to fade, here.

The Guardian - Arts

"I don't want people walking in there with a sense of virtue," she says.

The New York Times

They are a rare treat, and we savored both the peppery apricot taste and our sense of virtue.

The New York Times

Watch the show too often and you might note a downturn in your mood or your sense of virtue.

The New Yorker

The Kyoto Protocol appealed to environmentalists' sense of virtue because it required big sacrifices, particularly from Americans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

For an action is wrong in virtue of a given fact or set of facts in the intended sense of 'in virtue of' only if the fact(s) in question is (or are) moral reason(s) not to perform the action which carry the day.

SEP

A sense of personal virtue, you might suggest, somewhat sheepishly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Its sense of civic virtue, despite that rash of corruption scandals, remains pretty solid.

The Economist

"The arts and humanities create a sense of civic virtue," said Sorensen.

Harvard University

But in the mundane ebb and flow of life, an inflated sense of personal virtue can also be a minefield.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of virtue" to describe an internal moral compass or a guiding principle that influences someone's actions and decisions. It can be used to explain a person's motivations or to analyze societal values.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of virtue" to imply arrogance or a belief in one's own moral superiority. The phrase should denote genuine ethical conviction, not an inflated ego.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of virtue" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a subjective moral quality or internal compass that guides individual behavior, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of virtue" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an individual's internal moral compass. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for expressing ethical concepts. While often appearing in news and media, it also finds relevance in scientific and academic discussions. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure it reflects genuine ethical conviction rather than self-righteousness. Alternative expressions, like "moral compass" or "ethical sensibility", offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of righteousness

Focuses more on the emotional aspect of believing one is morally correct.

moral compass

Implies an internal guide for ethical behavior.

ethical sensibility

Highlights the awareness and understanding of ethical principles.

moral fiber

Suggests strength and resilience in one's ethical character.

inner sense of right and wrong

Emphasizes the innate understanding of moral principles.

conscientiousness

Highlights diligence and a strong sense of moral responsibility.

principled nature

Focuses on the adherence to a defined set of moral principles.

ethical judgment

Stresses the ability to make morally sound decisions.

moral rectitude

Indicates moral correctness and uprightness.

uprightness

Highlights integrity and honesty in character and behavior.

FAQs

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

You can use "sense of virtue" to describe someone's internal moral compass or guiding principles. For example, "Her actions were driven by a strong "sense of virtue"."

What's the difference between "sense of virtue" and "sense of righteousness"?

"Sense of virtue" generally refers to a broader understanding of moral principles, while "sense of righteousness" often implies a stronger conviction in one's own moral correctness, sometimes with a judgmental connotation.

Are there synonyms for "sense of virtue"?

Yes, alternatives include "moral compass", "ethical sensibility", or "moral fiber", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "sense of virtue"?

It's appropriate in contexts discussing ethics, personal motivations, character analysis, or societal values. Avoid using it in situations where the implication is arrogance or self-importance.