is illegitimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is illegitimate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not recognized as valid or lawful, often in legal, social, or moral contexts. Example: "The claim made by the organization is illegitimate and lacks any credible evidence to support it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What is "illegitimate rape"?

The New Yorker

"That is illegitimate.

The New York Times

The one we have now is illegitimate".

The Guardian

The clear implication is that Egypt's current parliament is illegitimate.

The Economist

So is telling the agent that he is illegitimate.

The New Yorker

He claims that some of this is "illegitimate".

The Economist

"We do not want to legitimize what is illegitimate".

The New York Times

Seen this way the entire Iranian Islamic revolution is illegitimate.

The Guardian

The fundamental argument now is that he is illegitimate.

The New York Times

Today, the very idea of such a sphere is illegitimate.

The Guardian - Books

Like Clinton, Bush is hated because he is illegitimate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is illegitimate", ensure that the context clearly defines what standards or laws are being violated. Be specific about the reasons for illegitimacy to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "is illegitimate" as a blanket statement without providing concrete evidence or reasoning. Substantiate your claim with facts, logical arguments, or references to relevant laws or standards to avoid accusations of bias or unfounded judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is illegitimate" functions as a predicate adjective, attributing a quality of invalidity or illegality to a subject. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase commonly asserts that something lacks proper authorization or justification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is illegitimate" functions as a predicate adjective expressing that something is not valid, legal, or authorized. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and very common, predominantly used in News & Media and Science contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clear justification to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "is unlawful" or "is invalid" offer similar meanings, but "is illegitimate" carries a specific connotation of lacking proper authorization. In summary, understanding the proper use and context of "is illegitimate" is crucial for effective communication and argumentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not legitimate

A more explicit and less concise version of the original phrase.

is unlawful

Focuses specifically on the legal aspect of illegitimacy.

is illegal

Similar to "is unlawful" but perhaps more commonly used and understood.

is invalid

Highlights the lack of validity or correctness of something, often in a more formal or technical context.

is unauthorized

Emphasizes the lack of permission or approval.

is unwarranted

Implies a lack of justification or need.

is groundless

Suggests a lack of factual basis or foundation.

is unfounded

Similar to "is groundless", indicating a lack of support or evidence.

is without basis

Expresses the idea that something lacks foundation or support.

is spurious

Suggests that something is fake, false, or not genuine.

FAQs

How can I use "is illegitimate" in a sentence?

You can use "is illegitimate" to describe something that doesn't conform to established rules, standards, or laws. For example: "The coup attempt "is illegitimate" because it violates the country's constitution".

What are some alternatives to "is illegitimate"?

Some alternatives include "is unlawful", "is invalid", or "is unauthorized", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "is illegitimate" or "is not legitimate"?

"Is illegitimate" and "is not legitimate" are generally interchangeable, but "is illegitimate" can sound more formal and direct. The best choice depends on the desired tone and style of your writing.

What's the difference between "is illegitimate" and "is illegal"?

"Is illegal" refers specifically to violations of the law, while "is illegitimate" can apply more broadly to anything that deviates from accepted norms, standards, or principles. Something can be illegitimate without necessarily being illegal.