dependent on merit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dependent on merit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a system, process, or decision that is based on individual performance or qualifications rather than other factors. Example: "Promotions in this company are dependent on merit, ensuring that the most qualified employees are recognized for their hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For the first time, access to university-level education was no longer dependent on merit or means but simply on enthusiasm and commitment.

The Guardian

"So big picture success is that access to college (and success in life) becomes much less dependent on income and much more dependent on merit," Khan Academy Founder, Sal Khan, writes to me.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In 2008, President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed anger that success in the country was dependent not on merit but "largely on your social origin, the neighbourhood where you live, your name or the colour of your skin".

BBC

Adams's defines the concept of grace as "a disposition to love which is not dependent on the merit of the person loved" (Adams, 1972, 324).

SEP

While course admission into public medical schools is primarily based on academic merit, admission into private institutions is often dependent on relative academic merit, but also very much on the ability of the student to afford the education [ 10].

BMC Medical Education

Admission criteria to public medical schools are based on qualifying examination scores, while admission into private institutions is often dependent on relative academic merit, but also very much on the ability of the student to afford the education.

BMC Medical Education

He worked to abolish the feudal system and create a new nobility of merit, dependent on the ruler alone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both the effectiveness and costs of DDT are dependent on local settings and merit careful consideration in relation to alternative products or methods.

Environmental Health Perspectives

This definition can, to some extent, be criticised as dependent on behaviour but has the merit of incorporating an element of "clinical significance".

European Respiratory Journal

What is evident in Soble's description of eros is a shift away from the sexual: to love something in the "erosic" sense (to use the term Soble coins) is to love it in a way that, by being responsive to its merits, is dependent on reasons.

SEP

It is shown that the merit is strongly dependent on the angular (to the fourth power) and momentum (squared) acceptances, and it is shown that these acceptances must be very large for good performance.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dependent on merit", ensure the context clearly defines what 'merit' entails. Is it academic achievement, work performance, or a specific skill? Clarity enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that 'merit' is always objective. What constitutes 'merit' can vary widely depending on the field or organization. Explicitly state the criteria for merit to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dependent on merit" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the noun's state or outcome is determined by individual qualities, skills, or achievements. It describes a conditional relationship where value is placed on demonstrated competence, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dependent on merit" is grammatically sound and used to indicate that something is contingent upon individual skills, qualifications, or achievements. Ludwig AI highlights its usage across various contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias, with a tendency towards formal settings. While alternatives like "based on qualifications" or "determined by achievement" exist, it's essential to define the criteria for 'merit' clearly to avoid ambiguity. Ensuring clarity in defining what constitutes 'merit' makes the phrase impactful and prevents misunderstandings. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is appropriate and can be used in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on qualifications

This alternative emphasizes the formal assessment of someone's skills or credentials.

contingent on ability

This highlights that success or outcome relies on one's skills or capacities.

determined by achievement

This focuses on the outcomes and accomplishments as the basis for decisions.

subject to performance

This suggests that outcomes are directly influenced by how well someone executes a task.

reliant on skill

This emphasizes the dependence on a particular expertise or proficiency.

predicated on competence

This alternative implies that something is established or based on demonstrated ability.

governed by expertise

This indicates that decisions or outcomes are guided by specialized knowledge.

hinges on proficiency

This suggests that success or progress is critically reliant on a high level of skill.

conditional on aptitude

This means that something will occur only if there's a natural ability or talent.

tied to capability

This emphasizes that the connection is strictly due to inherent potential or capacity.

FAQs

How can I use "dependent on merit" in a sentence?

You can use "dependent on merit" to describe systems or decisions where outcomes are determined by individual qualifications or performance, like "Promotions in this company are "based on merit"" or "Access to the program is "contingent on ability"".

What's a good alternative to "dependent on merit"?

Alternatives include phrases like "based on qualifications", "determined by achievement", or "subject to performance", which all convey a similar meaning of outcomes relying on individual capabilities.

Is it more formal to say "dependent on merit" or "based on merit"?

Both phrases are suitable for formal contexts, but "dependent on merit" might sound slightly more academic, while ""based on merit"" is more commonly used in general professional settings. The choice depends on the specific tone you want to convey.

What does it mean for something to be "dependent on merit"?

When something is "dependent on merit", it means that its success, access, or outcome is determined by an individual's skills, qualifications, or achievements, rather than other factors like social status or connections. It emphasizes fairness and rewards based on demonstrable ability.