earned the right

USAGE SUMMARY

"earned the right" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that someone has worked hard or proven themselves in some way to deserve a certain privilege or opportunity. Example: After years of training and dedication, she finally earned the right to represent her country in the Olympic Games.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He's earned the right".

The New York Times - Sports

You have not earned the right to patronise.

Independent

I suppose Wiseman has earned the right to this feast.

The New Yorker

Players like Teixeira have earned the right to stay home.

The New York Times - Sports

And the Giants have earned the right to dream.

The New York Times - Sports

We earned the right to be World Champs.

The New York Times

He's earned the right, just, to die on Egyptian soil.

The New York Times

Mr Silver has certainly earned the right to an audience.

The Economist

I waited in line and earned the right to fight".

Independent

But they earned the right for home-ice.

The New York Times - Sports

They have certainly earned the right to participate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earned the right" to clearly indicate that someone's current position or privilege is a direct result of their effort, achievement, or prior actions. This adds a layer of justification and respect to their status.

Common error

Avoid using "earned the right" when the entitlement is based on inheritance, luck, or other factors unrelated to personal merit. Ensure the right is genuinely a consequence of effort or achievement to maintain the phrase's integrity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earned the right" functions as a verb phrase that expresses entitlement or deservedness. It often highlights that a privilege, position, or opportunity has been gained through effort, merit, or prior actions. Ludwig confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "earned the right" is a commonly used phrase that signifies that an individual or entity deserves a particular privilege or opportunity due to their efforts, achievements, or qualifications. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across different media sources. The phrase's function is to convey justification and validation, and its register is typically neutral, allowing for versatile application in writing. Keep in mind the importance of accurately attributing the source of the right to ensure that the phrase genuinely reflects a consequence of merit or achievement. Consider alternatives like "deserved the privilege" or "qualified for the entitlement" based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deserved the privilege

Focuses on deserving a specific privilege due to merit or action, highlighting a reward or special benefit.

warranted the opportunity

Emphasizes that actions have justified the granting of an opportunity, suggesting fairness and appropriateness.

qualified for the entitlement

Stresses meeting specific requirements or conditions to gain an entitlement, indicating a formal qualification process.

become worthy of the advantage

Highlights personal growth or improvement leading to deserving an advantage, suggesting a transformation or development.

merited the concession

Indicates that a concession was granted due to deserving actions, often implying a negotiation or compromise.

gained the license

Similar to "earned the right" with an implication of formal permission or authorization.

become eligible for the benefit

Implies meeting specific criteria to receive a benefit, focusing on meeting eligibility standards.

become justified in receiving

Highlights that the receipt is considered just, right, or defensible.

proven deserving of the consideration

Focuses on proving worthiness to be considered for something, emphasizing demonstrated merit.

have a claim to the reward

Suggests a legitimate basis for receiving a reward, highlighting a justified expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "earned the right" in a sentence?

You can use "earned the right" to indicate that someone deserves something due to their efforts or achievements. For example, "After years of hard work, she "earned the right" to be called a partner."

What are some alternatives to "earned the right"?

Alternatives to "earned the right" include "deserved the privilege", "warranted the opportunity", or "qualified for the entitlement", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "earned the right" or "given the right"?

"Earned the right" implies deserving something through effort, while "given the right" suggests that someone was granted a privilege without necessarily earning it. The correct choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "earned the right" and "has a right"?

"Earned the right" emphasizes the process of deserving something through effort or achievement. "Has a right" indicates a legal or moral entitlement, regardless of how it was obtained. The subtle difference lies in the agency that determined the right.