being entitled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being entitled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's rights or claims to something, often in a context of privilege or expectation. Example: "She has been feeling frustrated lately, as she believes she is being entitled to a promotion without having to put in the necessary work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(It does not seem coincidental that young people would be criticized for being entitled at a time when people are being stripped of their entitlements).

The New Yorker

He also proposes schools or local authorities being entitled to bring prosecutions against parents of truants.

The Guardian

Being entitled to lock-ins and late "afters" used to feel like a special advantage.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She enjoys this on top of being entitled (quite rightly) to health services back in Greece.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cameron said that Chris Grayling's comment about B&B owners being entitled to turn away gay couples was "wrong".

The Guardian

Indeed, part of her impetus in writing "Adulting" was to defend millennials against their reputation for being entitled and self-absorbed.

The New York Times

He said despite the government holding a 40% share in Actis, and being entitled to 80% of its profits, it had not seen a penny.

The Guardian

There is a bit about member states being entitled to ask for help in the event of a natural disaster or attack, but only at their own initiative.

The Economist

This was despite being entitled to both the maximum maintenance loan and maximum maintenance grant as a student from a low-income family.

The Guardian

Despite being entitled to get on the flight she refused, insisting she would not leave the rest of the patrol without a medic.

Independent

The discrimination is perpetuated by some government officials, who uncritically regard such girls as "dependants" rather than being entitled to entry into the child demobilisation programme.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being entitled" to discuss legitimate rights and entitlements, and avoid using it to describe perceived arrogance or undue expectations unless that is the specific meaning intended.

Common error

Avoid using "being entitled" in casual conversation when a simpler term like "deserving" or "allowed" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being entitled" functions primarily as a gerund phrase. It often serves as a subject or object, describing the state or condition of possessing a right or claim. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe both legitimate rights and perceived undue privilege.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

27%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being entitled" is a versatile gerund phrase that describes the state of possessing a right or claim, or sometimes, a perceived sense of privilege. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very commonly used, predominantly in news and media and scientific contexts. While "being entitled" can objectively describe a legitimate right, it often carries a negative connotation, suggesting arrogance or undue expectation. When writing, it's important to consider the context and ensure that the usage aligns with the intended meaning. Remember that related terms like "having the right to" or "being deserving of" can provide alternative shades of meaning, depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having the right to

Focuses on the legal or moral basis for a claim or privilege.

being eligible for

Emphasizes meeting the requirements or qualifications for something.

being deserving of

Highlights the worthiness or merit associated with receiving something.

having a claim to

Indicates a legitimate demand or expectation for something.

being authorized to

Stresses the official permission or approval to do something.

being privileged to

Suggests a special advantage or opportunity granted to someone.

being qualified for

Highlights the skills or attributes that make someone suitable for something.

having access to

Focuses on the opportunity or ability to use something.

being sanctioned to

Implies formal approval or endorsement for an action or entitlement.

being empowered to

Suggests the authority or capacity to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "being entitled" in a sentence?

You can use "being entitled" to describe someone's legitimate right or expectation, as in "She is "being entitled" to a refund after receiving a faulty product" or to describe a perceived sense of privilege, as in "Some accuse millennials of "being entitled" and expecting success without effort".

What is a good alternative to "being entitled"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "being entitled" include "having the right to", "being eligible for", or "being deserving of".

What's the difference between "being entitled" and "feeling entitled"?

"Being entitled" refers to a legitimate right or expectation, whereas "feeling entitled" describes a subjective sense of deservingness that may or may not be justified. For example, a citizen is "being entitled" to certain legal protections, but someone might "feeling entitled" to special treatment without any valid basis.

Is it always negative to say someone is "being entitled"?

No, "being entitled" is not always negative. It can describe a factual situation where someone has a legitimate claim or right. However, it often carries a negative connotation when it implies an excessive or unjustified sense of privilege.