virtues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtues" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing moral qualities or traits that are considered good or desirable in a person. Example: "Honesty, kindness, and integrity are virtues that we should all strive to embody in our daily lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a single morning, they cover the ground – malaria prevention, the virtues of breastfeeding, malnutrition screening and vaccination.

The Guardian

The team demonstrated a lot of virtues," he added.

The Guardian - Sport

The virtues of the single market are greatly exaggerated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then there are the moral virtues – truthfulness, honesty, developing a sense of justice, that type of thing.

The Guardian

McGovern’s script contained both of the virtues that Carlyle – a former painter and decorator, and trade union official – professes to look for: it was ‘real, and it was socially relevant'.

The Guardian - Film

But if he does want a more equal society he has do more than extol its virtues.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rather, the movement to #BringBackOurGirls, which actually originated in Nigeria, has thus far demonstrated the virtues of solidarity and grassroots international cooperation, within and beyond the African diaspora.

The Guardian

While proclaiming the virtues of flexibility in Europe, he has glued himself into a position that reduces his chances of remaining as prime minister.

The Guardian - Opinion

While commenters were not blind to the problems, the virtues of a great many cities were extolled, sometimes in downright poetic terms.

The Guardian

Related: Roald Dahl becomes sage of US measles outbreak Its title riffs on George's Marvellous Medicine by the author Roald Dahl, who himself extolled the virtues of vaccination, after his seven-year-old daughter Olivia died from measles encephalitis.

The Guardian - Books

The Millennium Bridge linking Tate Modern and St Paul's Cathedral wobbled, and it was some while before its virtues could be discerned.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts like morality or ethics, use "virtues" to highlight specific, positive traits that contribute to a desired character or outcome. For instance, "The virtues of patience and diligence are essential for success in long-term projects."

Common error

Avoid using "virtues" when simpler words like "qualities" or "strengths" would suffice. Overusing "virtues" can make your writing sound pretentious. For example, instead of saying "The virtues of this product are its durability and ease of use," say "The qualities of this product are its durability and ease of use."

Linguistic Context

The term "virtues" primarily functions as a noun, denoting moral excellence or goodness of character. Ludwig AI suggests it's often used to describe desirable qualities, as seen in examples like "the virtues of breastfeeding" or "civic virtues."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "virtues" is a commonly used noun that denotes moral excellence or positive qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, including News & Media and Formal & Business writing. When writing, consider replacing "virtues" with alternatives like "moral principles" or "positive qualities" to avoid repetition or pretentiousness. Remember, the primary communicative purpose of using "virtues" is to highlight and emphasize the importance of ethical behavior and commendable traits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral principles

Focuses on the guiding beliefs that define ethical behavior, shifting from inherent qualities to explicit rules.

ethical values

Emphasizes the values that guide moral conduct, highlighting the importance of ethics in decision-making.

positive qualities

Broadens the scope to include any admirable characteristic, not just those related to morality.

admirable traits

Highlights the characteristics that are worthy of admiration, focusing on personal qualities.

noble characteristics

Implies a sense of high moral standing and dignity, adding a layer of sophistication.

good attributes

A simpler way to refer to positive qualities, suitable for more informal contexts.

moral strengths

Focuses on the strength of character and ethical resilience, emphasizing fortitude in upholding values.

exemplary behavior

Shifts the focus from internal qualities to outward actions, highlighting conduct that sets a positive example.

ethical standards

Highlights the benchmarks of ethical conduct and societal expectations for moral actions.

high principles

Highlights the importance of having standards and morals.

FAQs

How do I use "virtues" in a sentence?

You can use "virtues" to describe moral qualities or positive traits. For example, "Honesty and integrity are important virtues in any profession."

What are some alternatives to using "virtues"?

Alternatives to "virtues" include "moral principles", "ethical values", or "positive qualities", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "virtues" and "values"?

"Virtues" generally refer to inherent moral qualities, while "values" are principles or standards of behavior. You might say, "Honesty is a virtue," and "Respect for others is a core value."

Is it correct to use "virtues" in a business context?

Yes, it's appropriate to use "virtues" in a business context when discussing ethical conduct or desirable qualities in employees or the company's practices. For example, "Transparency and accountability are key virtues in our corporate governance."