eligible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eligible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that meets the necessary requirements or qualifications for a particular opportunity or status. Example: "To apply for the scholarship, you must be eligible based on your academic performance and financial need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Last summer the Electoral Commission said 7.5 million eligible voters were not registered, with poor, black and young people least likely to be on the electoral roll.

The Guardian

Today some 23.7 million Hispanics are eligible to vote, an increase of more than 4 million since 2008.

The Guardian

"Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union?" As things stand, this is the question that is to appear on the ballot papers of those eligible to vote in the in/out referendum to be held before the end of 2017.

The Guardian

And third, the government is introducing a range of support for students from less affluent families for which she may well be eligible.

The Guardian

He said the Queensland government would "continue to provide concessions to eligible Queensland pensioners".

The Guardian

"He was one of the players recruited from abroad that the Polish media and fans were complaining about before the tournament - he was born and raised in France but was eligible because his grandfather was Polish.

The Guardian - Sport

The prisoner deal clearly meant Megrahi would be eligible for transfer back to Tripoli.

The Guardian

It is still the case that a child eligible for free school meals in one part of the country can attract almost twice as much money as in another.

The Guardian

While Beijing has agreed to grant Hong Kong universal suffrage in the 2017 election, meaning that more than 5 million eligible voters will have their say on who is chosen as Hong Kong's leader, all candidates will face screening by a majority pro-Beijing committee.

The Guardian

Officials believe that those whose terms were up before the summer of 2014 managed to get out, but the rest have been forced to stay behind even if their sentences have since ended, or they have become eligible for parole.

The Guardian

"There was much discussion this year about whether certain books, which superficially appeared eligible, actually contained writing about sex that was bad enough for them to be shortlisted".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When determining eligibility, clearly state the specific criteria that must be met. This prevents ambiguity and ensures fair application of the standards.

Common error

Avoid using "eligible" interchangeably with "entitled". "Eligible" means meeting the requirements, while "entitled" implies a guaranteed right, even if requirements aren't fully met. Always verify the actual right, and not only the abstract possibility.

Linguistic Context

The word "eligible" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they meet the necessary conditions or requirements for something. Ludwig confirms that this usage is correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "eligible" signifies meeting the required conditions for something, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's a common term, frequently found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it can adopt a more formal register depending on the subject matter. Remember to clearly define the eligibility criteria when using this word, and be mindful of the distinction between "eligible" (meeting requirements) and "entitled" (having a guaranteed right). By understanding these nuances, you can ensure precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

qualified

Indicates meeting the specific requirements or standards to be considered suitable.

entitled

Suggests having a right or legitimate claim to something.

permitted

Implies being allowed or authorized to do something based on specific criteria.

suitable

Refers to being appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose or role.

acceptable

Indicates meeting a minimum standard or level of approval.

appropriate

Means fitting or right for a particular situation or purpose.

worthy

Suggests deserving respect, admiration, or support.

authorized

Implies having official permission or approval.

cleared

Suggests having passed necessary checks or requirements.

sanctioned

Indicates having official approval or authorization, often from a higher authority.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "eligible" for something?

To be "eligible" means that you meet the necessary conditions or qualifications to participate in, receive, or be chosen for something. It indicates a potential to receive a benefit or opportunity, pending further processes or decisions.

What can I say instead of "eligible"?

You can use alternatives like "qualified", "entitled", or "suitable" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "eligible" and "qualified"?

"Eligible" generally refers to meeting the basic requirements for something, while "qualified" often implies possessing the necessary skills, experience, or training. One might be "eligible" to apply for a job but not "qualified" if they lack the required expertise.

What are some common examples of "eligibility" criteria?

Common examples include age requirements, residency status, income levels, academic qualifications, or membership status. For instance, to be "eligible to vote", one must typically be a citizen and of legal voting age.