are deserving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are deserving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone or something is worthy of a particular quality or treatment. Example: "The volunteers are deserving of our gratitude for their selfless contributions to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

AZ are deserving champions.

The Guardian - Sport

But other historical offerings are deserving of the name.

The New Yorker

Alabama and L.S.U. are deserving, but when L.S.U.

The New York Times

People are deserving of our help but also our respect.

The Guardian

Well, Celtic were superb and are deserving winners.

The Guardian - Sport

But the fact is all children are "deserving".

The Guardian

"There were many other people who are deserving.

The New York Times - Sports

America's armed forces are deserving of our respect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some of the lesser-known pitchers are deserving of special mention.

The New Yorker

THE PREPARATION Once you've decided that you are deserving, take the time to build your case.

The New York Times

Yes, the patients are deserving of sympathy, but they also do some pretty eccentric things.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are deserving" to emphasize that someone or something has earned or warrants a specific treatment or outcome based on their actions or qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "are deserving" in very informal conversations where simpler alternatives like "deserve" or "should get" might sound more natural. The phrase carries a slightly formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are deserving" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It attributes a quality of worthiness or entitlement to the subject of the sentence. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase indicates that someone or something has earned or merits a particular outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are deserving" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that someone or something is worthy or entitled to a particular treatment or outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase functions as a predicate adjective phrase and is most commonly found in news and media contexts, but is also present in academia, formal business, and other sources. While largely neutral in register, it can be replaced with alternatives like "are worthy" or "merit" depending on the desired nuance. When using the expression, remember that "are deserving" implies a state of being worthy and should be used accurately based on the context. Keep in mind it's better to avoid it in informal context where simple alternatives sound more natural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are worthy

Emphasizes moral or inherent value, implying a fundamental right to something.

merit

Highlights earning something through actions or qualities, focusing on achievement.

are entitled to

Focuses on having a legitimate claim or right, often based on rules or agreements.

are qualified for

Stresses meeting specific requirements or standards for a particular role or opportunity.

are fit for

Indicates suitability or appropriateness for a specific purpose or situation.

are commendable

Highlights praiseworthiness and admiration for positive actions or qualities.

are laudable

Similar to commendable but suggests a higher degree of formal praise.

have earned

Emphasizes the effort and actions that resulted in gaining something.

are justified in

Highlights the legitimacy and fairness of a particular action or belief.

are privileged to

Indicates a special right or advantage granted to someone.

FAQs

What does "are deserving" mean?

The phrase "are deserving" means that someone or something has qualities or actions that warrant a particular outcome, treatment, or reward. It implies worthiness or entitlement based on merit.

How can I use "are deserving" in a sentence?

You can use "are deserving" to express that someone has earned or merits something, such as "The team members "are worthy" of recognition for their hard work".

What are some alternatives to "are deserving"?

Alternatives to "are deserving" include "are worthy", "merit", or "are entitled to", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "deserve" or "are deserving"?

The choice between "deserve" and "are deserving" depends on the subject and tense. Use "deserve" with plural nouns or pronouns (e.g., "They deserve praise"). Use "are deserving" to describe the state of being worthy of something (e.g., "They are deserving of praise").