gain merits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gain merits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of earning or accumulating advantages, benefits, or recognition, often in a moral or academic context. Example: "By volunteering at the local shelter, she hoped to gain merits that would enhance her college applications."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Get married early with an active player to gain merits periodically.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

By circumambulating a stupa, a person is said to gain merit and drive off negative forces.

The New York Times

Khru Ya, a retired teacher in Pattani, and a Muslim, told The Bangkok Post: "There is a saying among insurgents: 'Get Buddhists, gain merit.' They believe that if they kill Buddhists, they will go to heaven".

The New York Times

Seve Ballesteros felt that Lyle had been slightly hasty with his decision, an opinion that seemed to gain merit as Lyle subsequently shot 70-69-72-69 in the European Masters and finished eighth at the European Open.

The Guardian - Sport

"Gone where?" "Only seven of our group made it, out of 23 … We were told that if we bathed in Manasarovar, and finished the parikrama of Kailas, everything would be all right …" "That you would gain merit?

The Guardian - Travel

Some religions--notably, Christianity and Islam, teach that we gain merit in heaven by converting others to our religion.

Huffington Post

Years later, a Tibetan monk told me something that would have eased my worry: even if you had no faith, you could gain merit from making one circumambulation of a temple, like an ant floating around a stupa on a piece of dung in a flood.

Huffington Post

People go on pilgrimage to these sites to gain merit and blessing (chinlab) through ritual acts.

Human Ecology

Wishing someone compassion in order to gain merit for ourselves.

WikiHow

Although he has pretty limited qualifications, he is bright enough to be gaining merits and distinctions in the FE college business course he is studying.

Vice

Ryan is at the higher end of the scale academically in terms of the prisoners I teach; although he has pretty limited qualifications, he is bright enough to be gaining merits and distinctions in the FE college business course he is studying.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing actions with positive moral or spiritual implications, use "gain merits" to emphasize the accumulation of positive karma or blessings.

Common error

Avoid using "gain merits" in purely secular contexts where terms like "earn benefits" or "achieve advantages" would be more appropriate. It maintains the specific intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain merits" functions primarily as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it indicates the act of acquiring positive attributes, benefits, or recognition, often in a moral or spiritual context. It suggests an active effort to improve one's standing or accumulate favorable qualities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gain merits" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe acquiring positive attributes, often with moral or spiritual implications. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, noting its association with accumulating advantages, benefits, or recognition. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts, from news and media to wiki entries and scientific discussions. Remember to use it appropriately, considering the specific connotations it carries, and avoid overusing it in purely secular contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earn credit

Focuses on earning recognition or points, often in a formal or academic setting.

accrue benefits

Implies accumulating advantages or entitlements over time.

acquire advantages

Highlights the attainment of favorable positions or conditions.

accumulate karma

Specifically refers to accumulating positive actions with spiritual consequences.

reap rewards

Emphasizes the positive outcomes resulting from effort or good deeds.

attain virtue

Focuses on achieving moral excellence or righteousness.

build goodwill

Implies creating a positive reputation or favorable impression.

cultivate favor

Suggests actively seeking and developing support or approval.

amass prestige

Focuses on gaining respect and admiration through achievements.

garner accolades

Highlights the receipt of awards or recognition for accomplishments.

FAQs

How can I use "gain merits" in a sentence?

You can use "gain merits" to describe actions that increase one's positive standing in a spiritual or moral sense. For example: "By donating to charity, they sought to gain merits."

What is a synonym for "gain merits" that is suitable for formal contexts?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "earn credit" or "accrue benefits"/s/accrue+benefits depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "gain merits" appropriate for business writing?

While "gain merits" is grammatically correct, it's generally not suitable for business writing. Instead, use phrases like "achieve advantages" or "earn credit"/s/earn+credit which are more aligned with professional communication.

What's the difference between "gain merits" and "accumulate karma"?

"Gain merits" generally refers to acquiring positive qualities or advantages, often with a spiritual connotation. "Accumulate karma" specifically refers to accumulating the effects of one's actions, whether positive or negative, in a spiritual context.