entitled to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entitled to know" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone's right to be informed of something. For example, "The workers are entitled to know about any changes to company policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But the public is entitled to know.

The New York Times

"But I don't feel entitled to know".

The New York Times

The audience is entitled to know.

The Guardian

We are entitled to know the answers.

The New York Times

"Katharine Gun is entitled to know - and perhaps more importantly, the public are entitled to know".

The Guardian

The public is entitled to know the complete truth.

The New York Times

"That is what happened and people are entitled to know.

The Economist

Are we entitled to know what goes in our food?

The New York Times

"These are things that Americans are entitled to know — and they are entitled to know right now.

The New York Times

They see that as something they're entitled to know".

The New York Times

People are entitled to know what the priorities are?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "entitled to know", ensure it's clear why the person or group has that right. Providing the basis for the entitlement strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "entitled to know" when the information is merely desired but not genuinely a right. Misusing the phrase can make you sound demanding or unreasonable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entitled to know" functions as a declarative expression, asserting a right or justification to possess specific information. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and commonly used. It is used to emphasize that individuals or groups are deserving of information, often due to their position, involvement, or relevant circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "entitled to know" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to assert a right or justification for accessing information. Ludwig AI states that this is the correct way to refer to someone's right to be informed of something. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it often appears in discussions around transparency, accountability, and ethical considerations. While similar phrases exist, like "have a right to know", the specific choice depends on the desired emphasis and formality. When using "entitled to know", ensure the basis for the entitlement is clear to avoid sounding demanding. Being mindful of these nuances will allow for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a right to know

Emphasizes a legal or moral claim to information.

be justified in knowing

Highlights the fairness or reasonableness of seeking information.

be permitted to know

Indicates that there is no prohibition against knowing something.

be allowed to know

Suggests permission or authorization to access information.

have grounds to know

Implies that there are sufficient reasons to warrant knowing.

be privy to

Indicates being among a select group with access to certain information.

be informed of

Focuses on the act of receiving information rather than the right to it.

have access to

Highlights the ability to obtain information.

be aware of

Emphasizes the state of knowing, without necessarily implying a right.

be in the loop

Suggests being included in communications and decision-making processes.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "entitled to know"?

Use "entitled to know" when someone has a legitimate right, whether legal, ethical, or based on a specific agreement, to be informed about something. This suggests a justification beyond mere curiosity.

What are some alternatives to "entitled to know" that don't imply a right?

If you want to express the desire to know something without implying a right, consider using phrases like "interested in knowing", "would like to know", or "curious about".

Is there a difference between "entitled to know" and "have a right to know"?

"Entitled to know" and "have a right to know" are very similar, but "have a right to know" often implies a stronger, perhaps legally protected, entitlement. "Entitled to know" can also refer to expectations based on fairness or established norms.

Can "entitled to know" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "entitled to know" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing rights, transparency, and accountability. However, ensure the context clearly establishes the basis for the entitlement.