vice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vice" can be correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It is typically used to refer to a moral fault or weakness, or as a prefix to indicate a subordinate position, such as in "vice president." Example: "He was known for his vices, which included gambling and excessive drinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"The UWA vice chancellor found himself in an impossible position when the centre was used as a political football.

The Guardian

Regardless, though, any individual bettor knows that if he wins, the casino loses, and vice versa.

The Economist

"Brand leadership is sorely lacking," said Conrad McKerron, a senior vice president of As You Sow and a report author, at a news conference releasing the report Thursday.

The Guardian

The things I thought they wouldn't like they like, and vice versa" (couscous with chickpeas, turmeric and fresh herbs gets a thumbs up).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

JIEDDO's vice director told the inspector general in August 2012 that neither "JIEDDO nor the COIC collects information on US persons".

The Guardian

"We wanted to start commissioning scripts that would stand up next to the movies but allow us to attract a new audience," explains Joel Stillerman, senior vice president of original production at AMC. "We want to shoot drama cinematically, and tell big screen storylines but over a number of hours.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

For that, thank the Chinese regime's vice-like grip on its financial system.

The Economist

This picturesque small town is decked out in red, white and blue bunting, celebrating the fact that for the second time in 12 years it is hosting a vice-presidential debate.

The Guardian

For me the lull before the storm was illustrated by the complacent attitude of the Federal Reserve's vice-chairman Stanley Fischer, in his question and answer session after the annual Per Jacobsson lecture – not least when he dismissed that great central banking veteran Paul Volcker's call for a more structured international financial system.

The Guardian

She is a veteran of the Fed, with experience as vice-chair – just beneath Bernanke – since 2010, and as president of the San Francisco Fed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The moderate conservative, frequently tipped by Republican insiders as vice-presidential material, made his ambitions for the top job clear with trips to the early primary states of New Hampshire and South Carolina on Saturday, followed by an appearance on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vice" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a moral failing, a criminal activity, or a subordinate position.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "vice", which refers to a moral failing or subordinate role, with "vise", which is a mechanical tool for clamping objects. Double-check your spelling to avoid this error.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "vice" is as a noun, referring to a moral failing or bad habit. It can also function as an adjective or preposition indicating a subordinate role or position. Ludwig AI confirms its diverse applications through various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "vice" is versatile, serving as a noun, adjective, and preposition. It commonly denotes a moral failing or a subordinate role, as validated by Ludwig. The term is frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While grammatically sound, it's essential to differentiate it from "vise", as per Ludwig AI's analysis. Employ "vice" thoughtfully, considering its implications in conveying moral judgments or hierarchical structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral failing

This phrase combines the concepts of ethics and deficiency.

immorality

This alternative refers more directly to a lack of moral principles.

wickedness

This alternative suggests a greater degree of evil or malevolence.

depravity

This emphasizes the corruption and degradation of moral values.

corruption

This focuses on the decay of integrity and ethical standards.

failing

This highlights a weakness or imperfection in character.

shortcoming

This term points to a defect or deficiency in someone's behavior.

weakness

This refers to a lack of strength in resisting temptation or bad habits.

bad habit

This is a more casual and less severe way to refer to a vice.

criminality

This term underscores illegal behavior as a form of vice.

FAQs

What are some common examples of "vice"?

Common examples of "vice" include smoking, excessive drinking, gambling, and drug use. In organizational contexts, it is often used to denote a position of subordination, as in "vice president".

How can I use "vice" in a sentence about morality?

You might say, "His greatest "vice" was his insatiable greed for power," or "She struggled to overcome her vices and lead a more virtuous life."

Which is correct, "vice president" or "vice-president"?

"Vice president" is the standard and more common form. While "vice-president" with a hyphen is occasionally used, it is less frequent and generally considered less modern.

What can I say instead of "vice" when referring to a bad habit?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives such as "weakness", "failing", "immorality", or simply "bad habit".