a legitimate one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a legitimate one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is valid, acceptable, or authorized, often in discussions about arguments, claims, or identities. Example: "His argument was well-structured and presented a legitimate one that could not be easily dismissed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In November, McAfee found an evil app that copied a legitimate one found on Google Play for reading the Bible in Korean.

Forbes

An attacker can therefore create a service with the same name as a legitimate one, and rely on the fact that adequate checks on those certificates will not be made.

Forbes

But if you're anything like Daniel, a 25-year-old recent university graduate from Montreal, any reason to get your buzz on is a legitimate one.

Vice

Consider a single threat, that posed by phishers who trick us into clicking to a site designed to mimic a legitimate one in order to harvest our log-on information.

The New York Times - Tech

There is a career angle, and a legitimate one at that: This research project is based on an unusual collaboration.

Science Magazine

Of course, it's incredibly easy to fake social media accounts on any platform, or claim ownership of a legitimate one.

TechCrunch

That point you make is probably a legitimate one.

The Washington Post

The claim is not that one or the other of these outlooks is a legitimate one.

Yale University

But as the 1997 trial proved, a balanced jury is not necessarily a legitimate one.

The New York Times

I would not consider his candidacy to be a legitimate one.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Glatch's nifty slice sets her apart from the rest of the American contingent; it's a legitimate one-hander, one that looks honed through the years, not added in haste late in the game.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a legitimate one" to clearly convey that something is valid, authorized, or in accordance with established rules or norms. Ensure the context makes it clear what the 'one' refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "a legitimate one" in highly informal settings where simpler alternatives like "valid" or "real" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a legitimate one" functions as a nominal phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or object complement. It identifies a specific item, argument, or reason as valid, acceptable, or authorized, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a legitimate one" is a versatile expression used to validate something as acceptable, authorized, or in compliance with established rules or norms. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, academic discussions, and professional settings. While the phrase is widely used, be mindful of the setting and consider whether a simpler term might be more appropriate in informal conversations. Remember that the meaning may vary slightly depending on what aspect you're emphasizing: validity, acceptability, or conformity to laws or standards.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valid one

Focuses on the validity of something, implying it's well-founded or justifiable.

an acceptable one

Highlights the acceptability or permissibility of something.

a justified one

Emphasizes that something is supported by reasons or evidence.

a rightful one

Suggests that something is in accordance with justice or law.

a genuine one

Indicates that something is authentic and not counterfeit.

a real one

Emphasizes the authenticity and tangibility of something, implying it's not fake or imaginary.

an authentic one

Stresses the genuineness and originality of something, often in contrast to imitations.

a lawful one

Implies adherence to the law, highlighting the legality of something.

a permissible one

Focuses on the allowance or authorization of something, suggesting it's not prohibited.

a sound one

Highlights the reliability or reasonableness of something, implying it's well-considered and trustworthy.

FAQs

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

You can use "a legitimate one" to refer to something valid, acceptable, or authorized. For instance, "His reason for being late was "a legitimate one" because he had a flat tire".

What can I say instead of "a legitimate one"?

You can use alternatives like "a valid one", "an acceptable one", or "a justified one" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "a legitimate one" or "a legit one"?

"A legitimate one" is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing. "A legit one" is an informal version and should be used only in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "a legitimate one" and "a valid one"?

While similar, ""a legitimate one"" often implies compliance with rules or laws, while ""a valid one"" generally means well-founded or logically sound.