eligible to

USAGE SUMMARY

"eligible to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is allowed to do something or receive something. For example, "She is eligible to apply for a scholarship" or "He is eligible to receive the award".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who should be eligible to receive funds?

The New York Times

WHEN will you be eligible to vote?

The New York Times

He's still eligible to play".

The New York Times - Sports

He is eligible to return on August 2.

The New York Times - Sports

Who is eligible to catch it?

The New York Times - Magazine

RICK REED remains eligible to file.

The New York Times - Sports

"These people are not eligible to vote.

The Guardian

Lincoln is eligible to receive $2.5 billion.

The New York Times

He is eligible to return Dec. 13.

The New York Times

The Hamms aren't eligible to vote yet.

The New York Times - Sports

He was ruled eligible to work.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "eligible to", clearly state the criteria or conditions that make someone or something eligible. For example, instead of saying "They are eligible to apply", specify "They are eligible to apply if they meet the age requirements".

Common error

Avoid using "eligible to" without specifying what the person or thing is eligible for. For instance, saying "He is eligible" is incomplete; clarify with "He is eligible for the scholarship" or "He is eligible to vote".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eligible to" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun (person, thing, etc.) meets the necessary requirements or conditions to perform a specific action or receive a particular benefit. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "eligible to" is a grammatically correct and very common way to express that someone or something meets the requirements for a particular action or benefit. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in written English. It is used across a variety of contexts, from academic writing to news reports. When using "eligible to", ensure that you clearly specify the criteria for eligibility and what the subject is eligible for. Consider alternatives such as "qualified to" or "entitled to" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

qualified to

Focuses on meeting specific criteria or requirements.

entitled to

Emphasizes a right or legal claim.

permitted to

Highlights authorization or allowance.

authorized to

Implies formal approval or sanction.

allowed to

Suggests a general permission or lack of restriction.

able to

Indicates capability or capacity.

fit to

Focuses on suitability or appropriateness.

capable of

Highlights inherent ability or potential.

empowered to

Suggests being given the power or authority.

in a position to

Indicates the existence of necessary conditions or resources.

FAQs

How to use "eligible to" in a sentence?

Use "eligible to" to indicate that someone or something meets the requirements or conditions to do something or receive something. For example, "Students are eligible to apply for the grant".

What can I say instead of "eligible to"?

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

Which is correct, "eligible to apply" or "eligible for applying"?

"Eligible to apply" is the correct and more common construction. "Eligible for applying" is grammatically awkward.

What's the difference between "eligible to" and "liable to"?

"Eligible to" implies meeting requirements for something beneficial, while "liable to" suggests being subject to something, often undesirable, like a penalty or debt.