are well earned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are well earned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something, such as a reward or recognition, has been deserved or merited through effort or achievement. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, her accolades are well earned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"And if they are true, then his shame and banishment are well earned".

Huffington Post

The celebrations are well earned.

The Economist

The outcome is that increasing rarity, a proper children's film; even the tears are well earned.

The New Yorker

Rather, it makes us feel that our own is equally so, and as a result its hanky-wringing emotions are well earned.

The New York Times

It is still unclear how much America has really changed since September 11th (see article), but Mr Bush certainly has, at least in the eyes of those who once thought him gauche or inadequate.So the president's high opinion-poll ratings are well earned.

The Economist

The plaudits are well earned.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The perception is well earned.

The New York Times

It was well earned.

The New York Times - Sports

Hungary's reputation has been well earned.

The New York Times

But it was well earned.

The Guardian

His eminence is well earned.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are well earned" to clearly convey that recognition, rewards, or praise are genuinely deserved due to effort, skill, or achievement. For instance, "After years of dedicated service, her retirement benefits are well earned."

Common error

Avoid using "are well earned" in contexts where the deserving nature is already obvious or implied. Overusing it can make your writing sound redundant or insincere. Instead, let the context speak for itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are well earned" functions as a predicative adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something has been merited through effort or achievement. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87.5%

Encyclopedias

12.5%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are well earned" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-registered expression used to convey that something is deserved due to effort or achievement. Ludwig indicates that this phrase functions as a predicative adjective and serves to acknowledge and validate accomplishments. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, making it a reliable choice for expressing well-deserved merit. Alternatives such as "are well deserved" offer similar nuances for varied contexts. When using the expression, ensure it aligns with the tone and context, avoiding overuse in simple situations where deservingness is already implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are rightly deserved

Emphasizes the justice and appropriateness of something being deserved.

are justly merited

Highlights the fairness and righteousness in deserving something.

are fairly won

Focuses on the equitable process through which something was earned.

are rightfully gained

Stresses the legal or moral entitlement to something acquired.

are richly deserved

Indicates that something is exceptionally deserving of praise or reward.

are duly credited

Highlights that one's accomplishments are appropriately recognized and acknowledged.

are appropriately recognized

Emphasizes the suitable acknowledgement of achievements or qualities.

are completely justified

Highlights that something is absolutely warranted or validated.

are fully warranted

Emphasizes that one's actions or achievements are completely justifiable or authorized.

are undeniably merited

Stresses the indisputable and unquestionable deservingness of something.

FAQs

How can I use "are well earned" in a sentence?

You can use "are well earned" to indicate that something has been deserved through effort or achievement. For example: "The team's victory and celebration "are well earned" after a season of hard work."

What phrases can I use instead of "are well earned"?

You can use alternatives like "are well deserved", "are justly merited", or "are rightfully gained depending on the context".

Which is correct, "are well earned" or "are well deserved"?

Both "are well earned" and "are well deserved" are correct and often interchangeable. However, "are well earned" might slightly emphasize the effort involved, while "are well deserved" focuses more on the inherent right to the reward.

Is there a difference in formality between "are well earned" and similar phrases?

While subtle, "are rightfully gained" or "are justly merited" might sound slightly more formal than "are well earned". Choose the phrase that best fits the overall tone of your writing.