Be legitimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be legitimate" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you want to encourage authenticity or validity. For example, "In order to gain trust, you must be legitimate in your dealings." Alternative expressions include "Be genuine," "Be authentic," and "Be valid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In other words, he will be legitimate.

The New Yorker

That has to be legitimate".

The New York Times - Arts

All appeared to be legitimate.

The New York Times

"We want this election to be legitimate".

The New York Times

Journalists now appeared to be "legitimate targets", he said.

The Guardian

In some cases this may still be legitimate.

The Economist

Some of the group's businesses appear to be legitimate.

The Economist

But trying to be legitimate brings problems too.

The New York Times - Books

The I.R.S. does not consider either shelter to be legitimate.

The New York Times

Some use by city employees may be legitimate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

If the coercion of the law is to be legitimate if government is to be legitimate the legal rules need to be publicly justified.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for transparency and building trust, using "be legitimate" reinforces the idea of complying with established rules and standards. This is especially useful in formal communication or business contexts.

Common error

While "be legitimate" is generally appropriate, using it excessively in casual conversation can sound overly formal or even suspicious. Opt for more natural alternatives like "be real" or "be genuine" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be legitimate" is to serve as a predicate, indicating a state or condition of being lawful, valid, or genuine. It asserts that something meets established standards or requirements, as shown in the Ludwig examples where elections and business practices need to "be legitimate".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

21%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be legitimate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that signifies the need for something to be lawful, valid, or authentic. Ludwig AI indicates its strong presence across News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, highlighting its versatility. When writing, it's important to ensure the appropriate context, favoring formality and transparency while avoiding overuse in casual conversations. Alternatives such as "be authentic", "be valid", and "be genuine" offer nuanced options for different situations. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, writers can effectively use "be legitimate" to convey credibility and trustworthiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be authentic

Emphasizes genuineness and originality, shifting focus from legality to inherent truth.

be valid

Highlights the correctness or factual basis, often used in arguments or formal settings.

be genuine

Stresses sincerity and honesty, implying freedom from deceit.

be lawful

Specifically focuses on adherence to legal standards and regulations.

be rightful

Indicates a just or deserved claim or status.

be bona fide

Formal term emphasizing good faith and absence of deception, often used in legal or business contexts.

be sanctioned

Implies official approval or authorization.

be authorized

Highlights the permission or right to do something, emphasizing delegated authority.

be permissible

Focuses on whether something is allowed or tolerated within specific rules or guidelines.

be justified

Highlights the reasons or evidence that support the action, making it acceptable.

FAQs

How can I use "be legitimate" in a sentence?

You can use "be legitimate" to express the need for something to be lawful, valid, or authentic. For example, "The company needs to "be legitimate" in its business practices" or "For the election to be considered fair, it must "be legitimate"".

What are some alternatives to "be legitimate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be authentic", "be valid", "be genuine", or "be lawful".

When is it appropriate to use "be legitimate"?

It is appropriate to use "be legitimate" when you want to emphasize adherence to laws, rules, or accepted standards. It is often used in formal, professional, or academic contexts to convey the idea of validity and trustworthiness.

What is the difference between "be legitimate" and "be authentic"?

"Be legitimate" often refers to complying with established rules or laws, while "be authentic" emphasizes genuineness and originality. Something can "be legitimate" without being authentic, and vice versa.