if deserved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if deserved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing whether something should be granted or given based on merit or worthiness. Example: "He will receive a promotion if deserved, based on his performance over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Rovers picked up an unlikely, if deserved, point against the title chasers after James Coppinger cancelled out Kevin Nolan's early opener.

Independent

Return and reward the child with an extra marshmallow if deserved.

WikiHow

There are lots of ways you can interact with your dog, some are; Take it out for a walk about once or twice a day, praise it if deserved, keep it regularly fed and watered, have it sit/lay with you, play with it, train it and feed it daily treats.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

As if I deserved it.

Princeton University

As if she deserved it.

The Guardian - Books

"If anybody deserved success, it was him.

The New York Times

It was if I deserved it".

The Guardian

As if we deserved this treatment.

The Guardian - Travel

Asked if he deserved clemency, she said, "Absolutely not".

The New York Times

When asked if he deserved the technical, Thomas said, "Maybe".

The New York Times - Sports

Does it matter if he deserved what he got?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if deserved" to clearly link rewards, praise, or opportunities to specific efforts or qualities. It adds a layer of fairness and accountability to the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "if deserved" in situations where it's already obvious that something is earned. Overusing it can make your writing sound condescending or insincere. Instead, trust that your audience understands the underlying principle of merit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if deserved" functions as a conditional clause, modifying a main clause by specifying the circumstances under which the action in the main clause will occur. It introduces a condition of merit or worthiness, as illustrated by Ludwig examples where rewards or praise are given only under qualifying conditions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if deserved" functions as a conditional clause that specifies a condition based on merit or worthiness. As shown by Ludwig's analysis, it serves to emphasize fairness and accountability, and while it's grammatically correct, its overuse can be redundant. The phrase finds usage across various contexts, from news media to wikis, maintaining a generally neutral tone. While Ludwig's assessment affirms its grammatical correctness, the limited examples suggest it's a less common expression. Considering alternatives like "if warranted" or "if merited" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if merited

Replaces "deserved" with a synonym emphasizing that something is justified or warrants a particular action.

if warranted

Similar to "if merited", suggesting the action is justified by the circumstances or person's qualities.

if earned

Focuses specifically on the idea that something must be worked for to be received.

if justified

Highlights the fairness or righteousness of the action, suggesting it's morally correct.

if appropriate

Indicates that the action should only be taken if it is suitable or fitting for the situation.

if befitting

Implies the action is suitable for the person or situation, often with a sense of tradition or propriety.

if they warrant it

This alternative rephrases the condition to focus on the recipient's actions determining the outcome.

should it be merited

More formal phrasing, inverting the sentence structure for emphasis on the condition.

contingent on merit

Emphasizes that the outcome is dependent on the individual's qualities or achievements.

provided it is earned

Specifies that the receipt of something is conditional upon it being worked for.

FAQs

How can I use "if deserved" in a sentence?

You can use "if deserved" to indicate that something will be given or granted only when someone has earned it through their actions or qualities. For example, "He will receive recognition "if deserved", based on his contributions to the project."

What are some alternatives to saying "if deserved"?

Alternatives to "if deserved" include "if merited", "if warranted", or "if earned", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state "if deserved"?

No, it's not always necessary. In many contexts, the idea of something being deserved is implied. Overusing the phrase can sometimes sound redundant or patronizing. Consider whether the condition of being deserved is already understood.

What's the difference between "if deserved" and "if necessary"?

"If deserved" implies that something is granted based on merit or worthiness, while "if necessary" indicates that something will be done only when it is required or essential. They address different conditions for action.