it merits it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it merits it" is not correct in standard English usage.
The expression is redundant because "merit" already implies deserving something, so the second "it" is unnecessary. Example: "This project deserves recognition because it merits praise for its innovation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

To the Editor: Regarding "Virginia's Lost History" (Nov. 25), I think a reason Virginia isn't visited as often as it merits (it is one of the most beautiful and historic states on the Eastern Seaboard), and the Northern Neck in particular, is evident in many of the comments on the Travel Web site: the abiding haze of slavery surrounds so many of the historic areas and sites.

The New York Times - Travel

I hope you're fortunate enough to have a principal investigator or adviser who acknowledges and praises your work when it merits it.

Science Magazine

He did not want to "diminish the importance of design" but to "establish three things in defense of color: first, that color is just as necessary to the art of painting as design; secondly, that if we diminish the worth of color, we thereby also diminish the worth of painters; and thirdly, that color merited the praise of the Ancients, and that it merits it again in our own age" (AT, 178-179).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"If you take the name off the application and analyze it on its merits, it just doesn't make sense".

The New York Times

If Mr. Summers's statement falls on its merits, it will be because it will be thoroughly investigated and then summarily rejected.

The New York Times

I was actually embarrassed that he gave us the penalty because I don't think it merited it.

BBC

However, since the single had clearly not received the attention it merited, it could be argued that George was simply husbanding his resources carefully".

Wikipedia

Sure, it has its merits, but it fell short of the science-fiction holy grail.

The New York Times - Tech

The "tofu and yoga health plan" that's been my default for so long has its merits, but it will it be of little use the day one is run over by the proverbial bus.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The idea was raised with us and I am not opposed to it, it has its merits but one of the problems we will look into is potentially how much it will cost – but we are not ruling it out," Christensen said.

The Guardian

When the NSA reviews a communication it believes merits further investigation, it issues what it calls a "report".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the redundant phrase "it merits it". Instead, use "it deserves it" or simply state what it merits directly, for example, "it merits consideration".

Common error

Do not repeat the pronoun "it" after "merits". "Merit" already implies deserving something, so the repetition is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect. Using the correct formulation improves clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it merits it" functions as a statement of deserving, but is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It's a redundant construction where the second "it" is unnecessary, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. A correct usage would simply state what "it" merits.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it merits it" is grammatically incorrect due to its redundant nature. While the intention is to express that something deserves a particular action or consideration, the phrasing is awkward and diminishes the message's impact. As Ludwig AI points out, it's better to use alternatives like ""it deserves it"" or to directly state what something merits, such as ""it merits consideration"". Paying attention to grammatical correctness improves clarity and conciseness in writing, reinforcing the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it deserves it

Direct replacement using 'deserves' instead of 'merits'.

it warrants it

Substitutes 'merits' with 'warrants', implying justification.

it is deserving of it

Rephrases using a different adjective form of 'deserve'.

it justifies it

Replaces 'merits' with 'justifies', emphasizing the righteousness of the action.

it has earned it

Indicates the action or thing was gained through effort.

it has a right to it

Suggests an entitlement to something.

it calls for it

Emphasizes the necessity or appropriateness of the action.

it is worthy of it

Highlights the value or excellence of the subject.

it is entitled to it

Suggests a legitimate claim or privilege.

it merits consideration

It expresses that the subject deserves to be seriously considered.

FAQs

What does "it merits" mean?

The phrase "it merits" means that something deserves or warrants a particular action, recognition, or consideration. It implies that the subject has qualities or characteristics that make it worthy of something.

Is "it merits it" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "it merits it" is grammatically incorrect and considered redundant. The verb "merit" already implies deserving something, so the additional "it" is unnecessary. You should use "it deserves it" or simply "it merits" followed by the object of merit.

What can I say instead of "it merits it"?

Instead of "it merits it", you can say "it deserves it", "it warrants it", or "it merits consideration". The best alternative depends on the specific context and what you want to emphasize.

How do I use "it merits" in a sentence?

To use "it merits" correctly, follow it with the thing it deserves. For example, "This proposal merits careful consideration." Do not use the redundant phrase "it merits it".