he merits it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he merits it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that someone deserves something based on their actions or qualities. Example: "After all the hard work he put into the project, he merits it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Of course, he merits it all, but it can't be good for a man, can it?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

("I thought he merited it").

The New York Times

CHENEY: No, I thought he merited it at the time.

The New York Times

You can say Romney earned his wealth, but when you say 'earned' it means something different – it means he deserved it, he merited it, he worked for it in a way.

Forbes

He surely merits it.

The Guardian - Sport

The procedure is that we will have a hearing and, if it's determined that he has merited it, we will expel him from the party".

The New York Times

They opened with "Mystery Train," made famous by another Elvis, and then "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away," by the Beatles, and then a country lament that Costello had written, called "Down Among the Wines and Spirits": "Down among the wines and spirits / where a man gets what he merits / Once it was written in letters of nine feet tall / And now he finds how far he's fallen".

The New Yorker

It more than merits it.

The Guardian - Film

"[Though the production] has its merits," he says, "it left me strangely unmoved, largely because of a self-indulgent performance from Mark Rylance in the role of Hamm".

The Guardian

But it's too early to say whether he merits this particular honor.

The New Yorker

Mr. Relyea is a young bass who has quickly risen to prominence, and he certainly has the instrument to merit it, but he doesn't yet quite fill the shoes he's been given.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he merits it" when you want to express that someone deserves something based on their actions, qualities, or achievements. It carries a slightly formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "merit" as a direct synonym for "need" or "require". "He merits it" implies deserving something, not simply needing it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he merits it" functions as an affirmative statement indicating that someone is worthy or deserving of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, supporting its use in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he merits it" is a grammatically correct and acceptable expression used to convey that someone deserves something. While slightly formal, as Ludwig AI highlights, it is commonly found in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "he deserves it" or "he has earned it" offer similar meanings but may vary slightly in tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the implication of deservingness based on demonstrated qualities or actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he deserves it

A direct synonym, indicating someone is worthy of something.

he is deserving of it

Similar to "he deserves it" but with a slightly more formal tone.

he is worthy of it

Emphasizes the worthiness of the person receiving something.

he has earned it

Highlights that the person has gained something through effort.

he is entitled to it

Suggests the person has a right or claim to something.

he is justified in receiving it

Indicates there's a valid reason for the person to receive something.

he is qualified for it

Highlights that the person meets the requirements for something.

it is his due

Implies that something is owed to the person.

he is a good candidate for it

Suggests the person is a suitable choice for something.

he is the right man for it

Emphasizes that the person is particularly well-suited for something.

FAQs

What does "he merits it" mean?

The phrase "he merits it" means that someone deserves something due to their actions, qualities, or achievements. It suggests a sense of deservingness.

What can I say instead of "he merits it"?

You can use alternatives like "he deserves it", "he has earned it", or "he is worthy of it" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "he merits it"?

It's appropriate to use "he merits it" when you want to emphasize that someone is truly deserving of something, often due to significant effort or positive qualities. A more formal and slightly elevated expression than "he deserves it".

Is "he merits it" formal or informal?

The phrase "he merits it" is generally considered slightly more formal than alternatives like "he deserves it". It's suitable for professional or serious contexts.