virtues on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtues on" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a focus on certain virtues, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "We should focus on virtues on which we can build a strong community."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

We shall concentrate on the influence and use of game theory in ethics and those parts of political theory involving norms or principles of justice, ignoring questions about political and legal institutions on the one hand and questions about issues dealing with moral virtues on the other.

SEP

But despite their opposing promoters' slights, each has its virtues on paper.

The New York Times

The emphasis on private virtues, on community loyalties, on apologetic decency is already receding.

The Guardian - Books

AND now, class, let us pause to name the virtues on which this country was built by our pioneering forebears.

The New York Times

Eulogy virtues, on the other hand, are the aspects of character that others praise when a person isn't around to hear it: humility, kindness, bravery.

The New Yorker

Far from being a slur, it is intended as a tribute to the valorous warrior qualities of the original Indians – the virtues on which a fierce sport prides itself most.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Jolley could never seem to come up with a clear, settled explanation, and since clarity is a philosophical virtue, on one level this obviously bothered him.

The New York Times - Magazine

But you can't buy a scale of virtues to put on the bathroom floor.

The New York Times

To trust in luck is to be courageous, and courage, the one essential virtue, on which all others depend, is also the one ambiguous virtue, since it is morally neutral: jerks have it as often as gentlemen.

The New Yorker

The self-righteous tone of advertising one's virtue on a bumper sticker while imposing it on others raised my loner hackles.

The New York Times

In the Metaphysics of Morals, Kant divides moral philosophy into two domains, that of justice or law on the one hand (the Doctrine of Right), and that of ethics or virtue on the other (the Doctrine of Virtue).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer using "virtues of" or "focus on virtues" for clearer and more grammatically accepted constructions. Ensure that your sentence clearly communicates the intended meaning when discussing virtues.

Common error

Avoid using "on" directly after "virtues" to connect it to a related concept. Instead, use prepositions like "of", or rephrase to use constructions like "focus on virtues" to maintain grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtues on" functions as a prepositional phrase. However, its grammatical correctness is questionable. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is "not correct" and lacks clear meaning in written English. It requires rephrasing for clarity and grammatical accuracy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

17%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "virtues on" is grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity in standard English. As Ludwig AI notes, it's advisable to avoid this phrase and instead opt for more precise alternatives like "virtues of" or rephrased constructions such as "focus on virtues". While the phrase appears in various contexts, including News & Media and Science, its usage is uncommon and can lead to misinterpretations. Therefore, prioritizing grammatical accuracy and clarity is crucial for effective communication. Remember to consider your audience and the formality of the context when discussing virtues to ensure your message is well-received and understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtues of

Uses 'of' to show possession or association with virtues.

focus on virtues

Highlights the act of concentrating on virtues.

emphasis on virtues

Similar to focusing, but stresses the importance.

qualities of

Replaces 'virtues' with a more general term and uses 'of' to indicate association.

aspects of virtue

Emphasizes the different facets or components of virtue.

virtues in

Changes the preposition to indicate virtues contained within something.

principles of virtue

Shifts the focus to the fundamental principles underlying virtue.

importance of virtues

Adds emphasis on the significance of virtues.

value of virtues

Replaces 'importance' with 'value', emphasizing the worth of virtues.

benefits of virtues

Highlights the positive outcomes or advantages resulting from virtues.

FAQs

What's a more grammatically sound way to use the phrase?

Instead of "virtues on", consider using "virtues of" or rephrasing to "focus on virtues" for better clarity and adherence to standard English grammar.

Is "virtues on" considered formal or informal?

Due to its grammatical ambiguity, "virtues on" is generally unsuitable for formal writing. Opt for more precise and widely accepted phrases like "virtues of" across all registers.

Can I use "virtues on" in academic writing?

It is advisable to avoid "virtues on" in academic writing. Use alternatives like "emphasis on virtues" or "focus on virtues" to maintain credibility and clarity.

What does "virtues on" even mean?

While the intended meaning might vary based on context, "virtues on" is not a standard or clear English phrase. It could be interpreted as virtues related to or acting upon something, but it's better to use clearer alternatives like "virtues of".