be earned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be earned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing something that can be obtained or achieved through effort or merit. Example: "In this organization, respect must be earned through hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It must be earned".

The New York Times

It has to be earned.

The New York Times

Yes, that must be earned.

Independent

Applause must be earned.

The Guardian - Opinion

They must be earned.

The Guardian - Tech

Respect must be earned rather than demanded.

Independent

Or must it be earned?

The New York Times - Magazine

"Commissions have to be earned.

The Guardian

That has to be earned".

The New York Times

But trust must be earned.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He seems to be earning his keep.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be earned" to emphasize that something valuable must be obtained through hard work, skill, or merit rather than being freely given or easily acquired.

Common error

Don't use "be earned" in contexts where something should be freely available or is a basic human right. Using it incorrectly can suggest that people must prove their worth to receive necessities or fundamental entitlements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be earned" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject receives something as a result of effort or merit. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where things like respect, trust, or rewards are shown to be earned through specific actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be earned" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that stresses the importance of effort and merit in acquiring something valuable. Ludwig AI’s analysis, supported by numerous real-world examples, highlights its versatility and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and general writing. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it is crucial to avoid using it in situations that imply basic rights or necessities should be earned, as this could be misinterpreted as suggesting people must prove their worth to receive them. Consider alternatives like "be deserved" or "be merited" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be deserved

Replaces "earned" with "deserved", emphasizing the rightness or appropriateness of receiving something.

be merited

Uses "merited" instead of "earned", focusing on deservingness based on actions or qualities.

be won

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of gaining something, suggesting a victory through effort.

be attained

Focuses on the achievement of reaching a certain level or goal through persistent effort.

be achieved

Highlights the accomplishment of something significant through dedication and work.

be gained

Suggests acquiring something, often through effort or experience.

be secured

Indicates that something is obtained and protected through effort and diligence.

be realized

Focuses on making something a reality through effort and perseverance.

be justified

Highlights the righteousness or fairness in receiving something based on one's actions.

be warranted

Implies that there is a good reason or justification for receiving something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be earned" is used to emphasize that something valuable must be acquired through effort, skill, or merit. For example, "Respect must "be earned", not demanded."

What is a good alternative to "be earned"?

Alternatives to "be earned" include "be deserved", "be merited", or "be won" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something has to "be earned"?

When something has to "be earned", it means it requires effort, skill, or merit to obtain it. It's not freely given but rather a reward for certain actions or qualities.

In what situations is it appropriate to say that something must "be earned"?

It's appropriate to say something must "be earned" when discussing achievements, rewards, respect, trust, or other things that are typically not given freely but are gained through effort and dedication.