according to merit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to merit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing evaluations, decisions, or distributions that are based on an individual's abilities, achievements, or qualifications. Example: "Promotions in this company are awarded according to merit, ensuring that the most qualified candidates are recognized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

International posts should be filled according to merit.

The Economist

The money that any particular youth club obtains should vary according to merit.

The Guardian - Opinion

In return, teachers would lose tenure and be paid according to merit, measured in part by their students' results.

The Economist

The struggle by ethnic minorities who migrated to this country was always for equality - to be accepted, treated according to merit and to see an end to discrimination.

The Guardian - Opinion

They want everyone to have a slot who wants one, and they want the slots to be awarded according to merit.

The New Yorker

Their names are not necessarily the first that spring to mind when you think of US rowing, but if fame were measured according to merit, they would be.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The remaining $40 million will be split among the other six councils according to the merit of their plans.

The New York Times

In blaming the victim, the ideology attached to cancer mirrors the bootstrap individualism of the neoliberal order, in which the poor are poor because of their own weaknesses – and "failure" and "success" become the ultimate duality, dished out according to individual merit.

The Guardian - Opinion

They would have to be judged according to their merit.

BBC

Only if all applicants are equally qualified or there is no feasible and cost-effective way to distinguish among the applicants according to their merit would a lottery satisfy the ideal of equality of opportunity.

SEP

The appointees up until AKP came to power were mostly chosen according to scientific merit and academic research.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for fairness in evaluations or resource allocation, use "according to merit" to emphasize that abilities and achievements should be the primary consideration.

Common error

Avoid assuming that allocating resources "according to merit" automatically leads to equality. While merit-based systems aim for fairness, they can inadvertently perpetuate existing inequalities if access to opportunities and resources isn't equitable from the start. Remember to also consider equity when designing systems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to merit" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the basis or criteria for an action or decision. It specifies that something is determined or distributed based on individual qualities or achievements. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase appears in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "according to merit" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that advocates for fairness and objectivity by suggesting evaluations, decisions, or distributions should be based on demonstrable skills and achievements. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and the phrase is utilized in a neutral to formal register across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, consider potential common errors by remembering that allocating resources "according to merit" does not automatically equate to equality. Remember to consider equity when designing systems as well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on worthiness

Replaces 'merit' with 'worthiness', emphasizing moral or ethical deservingness.

in proportion to skill

Specifies 'skill' as the basis for distribution, narrowing the scope of 'merit'.

as justified by performance

Highlights 'performance' as the justifying factor, focusing on demonstrated results.

commensurate with competence

Uses more formal vocabulary ('commensurate', 'competence') to convey a similar meaning of proportional allocation.

dependent on aptitude

Focuses on 'aptitude' or natural ability as the determining factor.

guided by proficiency

Emphasizes 'proficiency' or developed expertise as the guiding principle.

premised on talent

Highlights 'talent' as the foundation for the distribution or judgment.

contingent on ability

Stresses that allocation is 'contingent' or dependent on individual 'ability'.

relative to qualification

Focuses on 'qualification' as the standard, implying a formal assessment or certification.

reflecting achievement

Underscores that what is being granted is related to specific achievements that have been made.

FAQs

How can I use "according to merit" in a sentence?

You can use "according to merit" to describe a system where rewards or opportunities are distributed based on someone's skills or achievements. For example, "Promotions in this company are awarded "based on merit", not seniority."

What are some alternatives to saying "according to merit"?

Alternatives include phrases like "based on skill", "in proportion to ability", or "as justified by performance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always fair to distribute resources "according to merit"?

While distributing resources "according to merit" can seem fair, it's important to consider whether everyone has had equal opportunities to develop their merits. A truly equitable system considers both merit and opportunity.

What's the difference between "according to merit" and "according to need"?

"According to merit" means distributing resources based on skills or achievements, while "according to need" means distributing them based on who requires them most. These are different principles that may lead to different outcomes.