has to be earned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has to be earned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that requires effort or merit to obtain, such as respect, trust, or a reward. Example: "In our organization, trust has to be earned through consistent performance and integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has to be earned.

The New York Times

That has to be earned".

The New York Times

Respect has to be earned.

The Guardian - Sport

Our place has to be earned.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, forgiveness has to be earned.

The Guardian

The audience has to be earned every day.

The New York Times

Trust is something that has to be earned.

The Guardian - Opinion

Obviously, that has to be earned with actual behaviour.

The Economist

"The public trust has to be earned," he said.

The New York Times

Loyalty has to be earned and not bought.

The Guardian

Like anything good, self-respect has to be earned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the importance of effort and merit, use "has to be earned" to convey that something is not a right or entitlement, but rather a reward for dedication and hard work.

Common error

Avoid using "has to be earned" when describing things that are inherently rights or should be freely accessible. Overusing this phrase can create a sense of distrust or negativity, implying that basic needs or courtesies are not readily available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has to be earned" functions as a modal phrase expressing necessity or obligation. It indicates that something is not freely given but requires effort, merit, or action to obtain. According to Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used in various contexts to emphasize the importance of deserving something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has to be earned" is a commonly used modal phrase that emphasizes the necessity of effort and merit to obtain something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the implications and avoid overuse to maintain a balanced tone. Remember, using alternatives like "must be deserved" or "needs to be gained" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be deserved

Emphasizes the deserving aspect, highlighting that something is not automatically given but contingent on worthiness.

needs to be gained

Focuses on the action of gaining something, implying that it requires effort or work.

must be merited

Stresses the importance of deserving something through one's actions or qualities.

should be acquired through effort

Highlights the process of acquiring something and the importance of putting in effort.

is contingent on effort

Emphasizes that obtaining something depends on the application of effort.

is conditional on merit

Similar to 'must be merited' stressing the requirement of deserving something.

is only obtained by deserving it

Highlights the obtained aspect stressing that the only way to get something is by deserving it.

requires dedication

Focuses on the necessary commitment and perseverance to achieve something.

is not freely given

Emphasizes that something is not given without any effort or requirement.

demands hard work

Highlights the demanding nature of achieving something, emphasizing the need for significant effort.

FAQs

How can I use "has to be earned" in a sentence?

You can use "has to be earned" to emphasize that something requires effort, merit, or hard work to obtain. For example, "Respect "has to be earned" through consistent actions and integrity."

What are some alternatives to "has to be earned"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "must be deserved", "needs to be gained", or "must be merited" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to say something "has to be earned"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Consider the context and the implications of suggesting that something is not a right but a privilege. Overusing this phrase might create a negative tone. Make sure the context implies you're discussing something that is really earned.

How does "has to be earned" differ from "is automatically given"?

"Has to be earned" emphasizes that effort and merit are required, whereas "is automatically given" implies that something is provided without any specific action or qualification. For example, trust "has to be earned", while some basic human rights are automatically given.