it is without merit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is without merit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a claim, argument, or action lacks value or justification. Example: "The complaint was dismissed because it is without merit and does not warrant further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Lloyds says it is without merit.

The Guardian - Business

"While we have not even seen a copy of the complaint, we are confident that it is without merit".

The New York Times

Assuming the point to have been properly raised below, which is by no means clear, it is without merit.

Cornell University

That is why it is without merit to argue that civil and political rights can cure the ills of poverty, exclusion, and marginalization.

The Economist

"I am not going to respond to a lawsuit I have not yet seen," Ms. Wachner said, "but it is without merit".

The New York Times

It is without merit.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

When the rape story resurfaced last summer, Ivana issued a statement saying that it was "without merit".

The New Yorker

14 June The supreme court rejects a move by Assange to reopen his appeal against his extradition, saying it was "without merit".

The Guardian

In a statement, Suthers said the state was not surprised by the lawsuit, but claimed it was "without merit".

Vice

In 2015, after the allegation resurfaced, she said it was "without merit" and that she had made it "at a time of very high tension during my divorce from Donald".

Los Angeles Times

LinkedIn is contesting the lawsuit, which it argues is "without merit".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is without merit" to formally dismiss an argument or claim when you want to emphasize that it lacks any valid foundation or supporting evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "it is without merit" in casual conversations. Its formal tone can sound overly critical or pretentious in everyday settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "that's not true" or "that doesn't make sense" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is without merit" functions as a dismissive statement, used to reject an argument, claim, or suggestion as having no value or valid basis. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its use in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is without merit" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to dismiss claims or arguments as lacking value or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While prevalent in formal contexts like news, academic writing, and business communication, it should be used cautiously in informal settings to avoid sounding overly critical. Alternatives such as "it is baseless" or "it lacks substance" may offer more flexibility depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's meritless

A more direct synonym, emphasizing the absence of value or worth.

it has no basis

This alternative emphasizes the lack of foundation or support for a claim.

it's groundless

This alternative focuses on the absence of valid reasons or evidence.

it's baseless

Similar to 'groundless', this highlights the lack of a base or foundation.

it lacks substance

This alternative suggests the claim is empty or lacks meaningful content.

it's unfounded

This term indicates the claim has no factual support.

it's invalid

This term implies the claim is legally or logically unsound.

it is untenable

This suggests that the position or claim cannot be defended or maintained.

it doesn't hold water

This idiomatic expression suggests the argument is weak and easily refuted.

it's a non-starter

This phrase indicates the idea or proposal is unlikely to succeed or be accepted.

FAQs

How can I use "it is without merit" in a sentence?

You can use "it is without merit" to express that something lacks value or justification. For example, "The complaint was dismissed because "it is without merit" and does not warrant further investigation."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is without merit"?

You can use alternatives like "it is baseless", "it lacks substance", or "it is unfounded" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "that is without merit" instead of "it is without merit"?

Yes, "that is without merit" is also correct. The choice between "it" and "that" often depends on what you are referring to. "That" is frequently used when referring to something previously mentioned or understood.

What's the difference between "it is without merit" and "it is baseless"?

While both phrases convey a lack of justification, "it is without merit" is generally more formal. "It is baseless" can be used in slightly less formal settings, but both are suitable for expressing that a claim or argument has no valid foundation.