vital quality

USAGE SUMMARY

"vital quality" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to an essential or necessary characteristic or attribute of something or someone. Example: One vital quality of a good leader is the ability to communicate effectively with their team.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

apparently lacks one vital quality: talent.

The New York Times

The final vital quality provided by design in our work is that it is supremely mindful of providing public access.

The Guardian

A vital quality for marketers in the fast-changing digital environment is curiosity, rather than any specific technical knowledge, said Adobe digital marketing director John Watton.

The Guardian

But judging by the uproar over his receipt of a coveted bullfighting prize, Francisco Rivera Ordóñez apparently lacks one vital quality: talent.

The New York Times

Yet these traditional images are continually validated by their alignment with Yeats's own personal experience, and it is this that gives them their peculiarly vital quality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the New York Times Book Review, for example, the novelist Merritt Tierce praised it thus: "It is a unique and vital quality of Mar's approach that in her taking her subjects so seriously, we take her seriously in turn".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Stamina and resilience are vital qualities in any dramatist; and Howard Brenton has them in spades.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has lost the three vital qualities that kept it alive and vibrant.

The Economist

Ravel learned vital qualities from Fauré's music: among them balance, control, concision and a sinewy, pure-sounding variety of sensuality.

Independent

When some item in a work of art is construed as a symbol, it is always infused with these vital qualities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our work depends upon co-operation, trust and mutual respect, and if we are distorting people's lives to meet our needs, then we cannot expect those vital qualities to be maintained.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a core competency, use "vital quality" to underscore its fundamental and indispensable nature to the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "vital quality" when the importance is already implied. Overusing it can weaken your writing, so ensure its use adds meaningful emphasis and isn't merely repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vital quality" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "vital" modifies the noun "quality". It emphasizes that the described quality is essential or necessary. Ludwig AI confirms this with various examples showcasing this descriptive function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vital quality" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes an essential or necessary attribute. Ludwig AI's analysis highlights its use across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. Its function is descriptive, emphasizing the importance of the quality being discussed. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid redundant usage and to select it when the intention is to truly emphasize necessity. Alternative phrases, such as "essential attribute", offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember to use "vital quality" judiciously for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential attribute

Focuses on the attribute being necessary, similar to quality but highlighting a specific characteristic.

crucial characteristic

Emphasizes the importance of the characteristic.

key feature

Highlights an important aspect, differing from quality by specifying a feature.

necessary component

Focuses on the element as a required part of a whole.

fundamental aspect

Highlights the underlying and basic nature of the aspect.

indispensable element

Stresses that the element is crucial and cannot be done without.

critical factor

Highlights the importance of the factor in determining an outcome.

important trait

Emphasizes a distinguishing quality or characteristic.

significant property

Focuses on a noteworthy attribute or characteristic.

prime virtue

Highlights the excellent or admirable quality.

FAQs

How can I use "vital quality" in a sentence?

You can use "vital quality" to describe an essential attribute. For example, "Patience is a "vital quality" for a teacher".

What are some alternatives to "vital quality"?

Alternatives include "essential attribute", "crucial characteristic", or "key feature".

Is it redundant to say "very vital quality"?

Yes, saying "very vital quality" is often redundant. The word "vital" already implies a high degree of importance, so using "very" is usually unnecessary.

What's the difference between "vital quality" and "important quality"?

"Vital quality" suggests something is absolutely necessary, whereas "important quality" implies something is significant but not necessarily indispensable.