earn the privilege

USAGE SUMMARY

"earn the privilege" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone has worked hard to reach a milestone or achieved something special, and as a result, they have earned the right to have a certain privilege. For example, "After months of hard work, Steve earned the privilege to take a day off from work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Martin claimed Diaz told him he had to earn the privilege.

The New York Times

What has the movie done, you may ask, to earn the privilege of a Second Coming?

The New Yorker

In theory, any team can earn the privilege of playing against a trio of world champions.

The New York Times - Travel

"He told me I had to earn the privilege," said Martin, who drew a walk and scored a run Wednesday.

The New York Times

"He had to earn the privilege of doing it, by doing well at school," Mr. Russell said with pride.

The New York Times

To earn the privilege to drill for oil in public waters, it must engage in what the commission calls an "internal reinvention".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Kate Bush has earned the privilege of working in geological time.

The Guardian - Music

"Then after that maybe some time on the Xbox, if you've earned the privilege.

Independent

For $1 million, Pom Wonderful earned the privilege of having its name on the marquee in front of the title of this $1.5 million film.

The New York Times

America has earned the privilege of using its excellence and proven moral character toward an exemplary and rewarding goal: global collaboration.

The New York Times

Some residents, who have earned the privilege of leaving campus, are given special passes with elaborate procedures for signing in and out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earn the privilege" to highlight that a right or benefit is not given freely but is achieved through dedication and hard work.

Common error

Avoid using "earn the privilege" when the right or benefit is automatically granted or easily obtained, as it undermines the sense of achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earn the privilege" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of gaining a specific right or benefit through effort, merit, or meeting certain requirements. Ludwig's examples show it is often used to describe situations where something is not given freely but must be worked for.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "earn the privilege" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize that a specific right or benefit is achieved through effort and dedication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it highlights that something is not automatically granted but requires hard work. It is used in various contexts, from news and media to everyday conversations, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, remember to highlight the efforts required to achieve the specific privilege. Some alternatives are "deserve the privilege", "gain the privilege", and "win the privilege".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deserve the privilege

Emphasizes moral rightness and justification for receiving the privilege, rather than active earning.

gain the privilege

Focuses on the act of obtaining the privilege, often through a specific action or event.

acquire the privilege

Highlights the process of coming into possession of the privilege, suggesting a more formal or legal context.

win the privilege

Implies obtaining the privilege through competition or some form of contest.

be granted the privilege

Highlights that the privilege is given by someone else, emphasizing the act of bestowing.

secure the privilege

Focuses on the effort and strategy involved in making the privilege certain.

be entitled to the privilege

Suggests a legal or moral right to the privilege, often based on status or condition.

merit the privilege

Similar to "deserve", but emphasizes the qualities or achievements that make one worthy of the privilege.

qualify for the privilege

Indicates meeting specific requirements or standards to be eligible for the privilege.

become eligible for the privilege

Focuses on the process of meeting the criteria to receive the privilege.

FAQs

How can I use "earn the privilege" in a sentence?

You can use "earn the privilege" to describe a situation where someone has to work hard or meet certain requirements to gain a special right or benefit. For example, "After a stellar performance review, she "deserved the privilege" of choosing her next project".

What are some alternatives to "earn the privilege"?

Alternatives include phrases like "deserve the privilege", "gain the privilege", or "win the privilege", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "earned the privilege" or should it be "earn the privilege"?

Both forms are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Earn the privilege" is often used as a general statement or instruction, while "earned the privilege" refers to a specific past event when someone successfully gained a privilege.

What's the difference between "earn the privilege" and "be entitled to the privilege"?

"Earn the privilege" implies that the right or benefit is achieved through effort or merit. In contrast, "be "be entitled to the privilege"" suggests a legal or moral right, often based on status or condition, without necessarily requiring any specific effort.