hold merit

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold merit" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is valid or has value. Example: His argument holds merit and should be seriously considered.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr. Boies did not criticize the idea in court and said it might hold merit, but added that the government was trying to reduce the complexity of its proposal.

The New York Times

Even if these rules seem silly or even outlandish, they hold merit in her world.

Huffington Post

We often think of romantic relationships as the bread and butter of connectedness and happiness (and those are certainly a big component) but this is evidence that all of our relationships hold merit.

Huffington Post

Further research is needed to determine whether these hypotheses hold merit.

Child and Youth Care Forum

Even though the overarching goal is to merge and compare qualitative and quantitative data, the findings from each domain still hold merit and can be interpreted separately.

BMJ Open

We must allow ourselves to 'know' these contexts better before assuming they are too different for any learning to hold merit [ 41].

Globalization and Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The resulting CNTs/Fe3O4@CuSilicate composites hold merits such as magnetic responsivity, good dispersibility, and large specific surface area.

Applied Surface Science

Functional validation of individual genes associated with root development through knockout or gain-of-function mutants still holds merit.

Rice

But the argument that medical facilities need a better way to keep credentials up-to-date still holds merit.

TechCrunch

Something needed to change, and all the excuses that previously held me back from pursuing my dream of travel no longer held merit.

BBC

Each of these emerging urban energy concepts holds merit when applied within a centralized grid paradigm, but very little research applies these approaches within the emerging energy landscape typified by a high penetration of distributed energy resources, prosumers (consumers and producers), interoperability, and big data.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold merit" to objectively assess the validity or worthiness of an idea, argument, or proposal, especially in academic, professional, or analytical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "hold merit" in casual conversations or informal writing; opt for simpler phrases like "makes sense" or "is a good idea" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold merit" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a particular idea, argument, or proposal possesses a certain degree of validity or worth. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold merit" is a grammatically sound and valid expression used to convey that something possesses worth or validity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct to use it in written English. While not extremely common, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. When aiming to express a similar idea, you can consider alternatives such as "have value" or "possess validity", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using it is important to remember that "hold merit" is more appropriate in formal and analytical contexts than in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have value

Focuses on the inherent worth of something.

possess validity

Emphasizes the correctness and legitimacy of something.

be of worth

Highlights the positive qualities and usefulness.

stand up to scrutiny

Implies that something can withstand examination and criticism.

warrant consideration

Suggests something is deserving of attention and thought.

prove worthwhile

Indicates that something will ultimately be beneficial.

have advantages

Focuses on the benefits and positive aspects.

carry weight

Emphasizes the importance and influence of something.

deserve recognition

Suggests something should be acknowledged and appreciated.

be worthy of note

Highlights that something is significant and should be mentioned.

FAQs

How can I use "hold merit" in a sentence?

You can use "hold merit" to suggest that an idea or argument has value or validity. For example: "The researcher's hypothesis "holds merit" and warrants further investigation."

What's a good alternative to "hold merit"?

Alternatives include "have value", "possess validity", or "be of worth", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "holds merit" or "has merit"?

Both "holds merit" and "has merit" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Holds merit" suggests a more active or ongoing assessment, while "has merit" is a more general statement of value.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "hold merit"?

The phrase "hold merit" is appropriate in formal writing, academic discussions, or professional settings where you want to express that an idea or proposal has validity and is worth considering.