is legitimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is legitimate" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that something is legally or morally valid or acceptable. Example: "The new company policy is legitimate, as it follows all the laws and regulations set by the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Protest against Israel is legitimate.

Independent

There is legitimate criticism.

The Guardian - Tech

"This council is legitimate".

The New York Times

This is legitimate anger.

The New Yorker

Which government is "legitimate"?

The New York Times

This is legitimate resistance," he said.

The New York Times

So a certain eclecticism is legitimate.

The New York Times

Lt-Gen Lt-Gen Carterern is legitimate.

Independent

It is legitimate to feel anger.

The New York Times

The desire is legitimate, but comes late.

The New York Times

Perhaps most glaringly, there is "legitimate rape".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is legitimate", ensure the context clearly defines what standard or authority the subject is considered legitimate under (e.g., law, ethics, tradition).

Common error

Avoid using "is legitimate" without specifying the context. What might be legitimate in one culture or legal system could be completely invalid in another. Provide clarity to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is legitimate" functions as a predicate adjective, where "is" serves as a copular verb linking the subject to the adjective "legitimate". It asserts a quality or state of being regarding the subject. Ludwig confirms that this usage is common and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is legitimate" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is valid, legal, or in accordance with established standards. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and acceptability. While versatile, it's important to provide context to clarify the specific standards being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases such as "is valid" or "is legal" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the context. Understanding these nuances ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is valid

Replaces "legitimate" with "valid", focusing on the soundness or correctness of something.

is legal

Substitutes "legitimate" with "legal", emphasizing compliance with the law.

is lawful

Similar to "is legal", but can also imply adherence to a set of rules or principles beyond just legal statutes.

is justifiable

Suggests there are valid reasons or grounds to support or defend something.

is acceptable

Indicates that something meets the required standards or is considered satisfactory.

is permissible

Emphasizes that something is allowed or not forbidden.

is authorized

Implies that something has been officially approved or sanctioned.

is recognized

Focuses on the acknowledgment or acceptance of something as valid or genuine.

is bona fide

Uses a Latin term to stress the genuine and authentic nature of something.

is in order

Indicates that something is appropriate or suitable for the given context.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is legitimate"?

When something "is legitimate", it means that it is in accordance with the law, accepted rules, or standards. It implies validity and authenticity.

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

You can use "is legitimate" to describe actions, claims, or entities that meet certain criteria of acceptability or legality. For example, "The government's authority "is legitimate" because it was elected democratically".

What can I say instead of "is legitimate"?

You can use alternatives like "is valid", "is legal", or "is justifiable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "is legitimate" differ from "is legal"?

"Is legal" specifically means that something conforms to the law. "Is legitimate" is broader and can refer to conformity with any set of accepted rules, principles, or standards, not just legal ones. Therefore, something can be legitimate without being strictly legal, and vice versa.