is not without merit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not without merit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge that something has value or positive aspects, even if it may have flaws or drawbacks. Example: "While the proposal has some weaknesses, it is not without merit and deserves further consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

And this is not without merit.

The New York Times

THE book is not without merit.

The New York Times

That interpretation is not without merit.

The New York Times

The initiative is not without merit.

The Guardian

The angst is not without merit.

The New York Times

The book is not without merit.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Yet Mawby says the idea isn't without merit.

The Guardian

UKCFA's code of conduct isn't without merit.

TechCrunch

Stovall notes that the idea of January having some predictive value isn't without merit, but says a down January doesn't really mean anything.

Forbes

However, the buzz around artificial intelligence and cryptography isn't without merit, as these technologies are much more than just one more thing to be mansplained.

Forbes

Rosen's point isn't without merit.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not without merit" to acknowledge positive aspects of an idea or proposal even when you intend to critique it. It demonstrates balanced assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "is not without merit" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "it's good" or "it has some good points" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not without merit" functions as a means of qualified endorsement. It serves to acknowledge the presence of positive aspects or value in a subject while implicitly or explicitly recognizing potential drawbacks or limitations. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not without merit" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates something has value or positive aspects, even if it also has flaws. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a useful phrase for acknowledging value while maintaining a balanced viewpoint. Predominantly found in news and media, and formal writing contexts, it's best used to offer a nuanced perspective, signaling that despite shortcomings, the subject possesses some degree of worth. While it's an accepted expression, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has some value

Emphasizes the presence of value, but is less formal.

possesses certain advantages

Highlights advantages specifically, making it more direct.

holds some promise

Focuses on potential future benefits or success.

has its strengths

Directly points out the positive attributes or capabilities.

offers some benefits

Highlights the positive outcomes or advantages it provides.

contains elements of validity

Suggests that there's truth or accuracy to some extent.

presents some positive aspects

Focuses on the presence of favorable features or qualities.

carries a degree of usefulness

Highlights the practical application or helpfulness it offers.

demonstrates limited utility

Suggests some, but not extensive, practical value.

shows flashes of brilliance

Emphasizes moments of excellence or insight, implying inconsistency.

FAQs

How can I use "is not without merit" in a sentence?

Use "is not without merit" to acknowledge that something has positive aspects or value, even if it also has flaws. For example: "While the plan has risks, it "is not without merit" and deserves careful consideration."

What phrases can I use instead of "is not without merit"?

Alternatives to "is not without merit" include "has some value", "possesses certain advantages", or "holds some promise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is not without merit" or "has merit"?

"Is not without merit" and "has merit" are similar, but "is not without merit" implies a more balanced assessment, acknowledging potential drawbacks alongside the positive aspects. "Has merit" is a more direct affirmation of value.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is not without merit"?

The phrase "is not without merit" is suitable in formal writing and discussions where you want to acknowledge the value or positive aspects of something, even while presenting criticisms or reservations.