has its merits

USAGE SUMMARY

'has its merits' is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it when you want to say something has advantages or is worth considering. For example: "This proposal has its merits, but it needs a few adjustments before we can move forward with it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Sure, it has its merits, but it fell short of the science-fiction holy grail.

The New York Times - Tech

It's subjective, I admit, but it has its merits".

The Guardian - Sport

As a maxim, it has its merits.

The New York Times

It might not have been the best film before the Film Federation of India jury, but it has its merits.

The New York Times

While this conservative approach has its merits, it also carries huge strategic risks.

Forbes

While this is a rather cynical perspective, it has its merits.

Huffington Post

This has its merits, but it has taken some getting used to.

The Guardian

This idea has its merits, but it should be qualified.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This view has its merits, but in the context of this article the sequence of events is somewhat reversed.

Biology Direct

Each degree has its merits for entrepreneurship, and each gives you skills and experience totally missing from the other.

Science Magazine

"Each has its merits," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, be specific about what the merits are. Avoid vague statements; provide concrete examples or explanations.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "has its merits" without explaining what those merits actually are. Provide specific examples to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has its merits" functions as an acknowledgment or concession. It concedes that something possesses positive attributes or value, even when there may be drawbacks or limitations. Ludwig confirms this by providing numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

24%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has its merits" is a common and versatile expression used to acknowledge the positive aspects of something, even when discussing its drawbacks. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an acknowledgment or concession, presenting a balanced perspective. The phrase is appropriate for neutral registers and is frequently found in news, science, and academic contexts. While alternatives like "offers benefits" or "includes positive aspects" exist, "has its merits" provides a balanced and comprehensive evaluation. Remember to be specific about what those merits are to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has positive attributes

Highlights the inherent positive qualities of something.

includes positive aspects

Directly points out the existence of positive elements or features.

exhibits strengths

Formal and focuses on the strengths that are displayed or demonstrated.

offers benefits

Focuses specifically on the benefits that something provides.

carries advantages

Implies that the advantages are inherent and travel with the subject.

possesses advantages

Emphasizes the presence of advantages rather than a balanced view of merits and demerits.

presents advantages

Similar to "possesses advantages" but suggests a more active presentation of the advantages.

boasts good qualities

More emphatic, suggesting pride in the positive qualities.

comes with upsides

Informal and highlights the positive aspects, often in contrast to potential downsides.

is not without value

Understates the positive aspects, often used for a more nuanced assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "has its merits" in a sentence?

You can use "has its merits" to acknowledge the positive aspects of a plan, idea, or approach, even when discussing its potential drawbacks. For example, "While the proposal is risky, it "has its merits" because it could significantly increase revenue."

What are some alternatives to saying "has its merits"?

Alternatives to "has its merits" include phrases like "offers benefits", "includes positive aspects", or "presents advantages" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "has its merit" instead of "has its merits"?

While grammatically, "merit" is the singular form, the phrase "has its merits" is much more common and idiomatic. Using "has its merit" might sound unusual to native English speakers, even if it's technically understandable.

What is the difference between "has its merits" and "has its advantages"?

"Has its merits" acknowledges the valuable or worthwhile aspects of something, while "has its advantages" focuses specifically on the benefits or superior aspects it offers. The phrases are similar, but "has its advantages" emphasizes the favorable position or gains something provides.