legitimate institution

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "legitimate institution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this term when referring to institutions that are officially recognized or accepted as legal or authoritative. For example, "The university is a legitimate institution that offers high-quality academic courses."

✓ Grammatically correct

Accreditation

Political Science

Economics

Law

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Accreditation means, for a student, both that it's a legitimate institution and that they will find a job.

The New York Times

These were less reviled than "real" financiers whose speculations left notes worthless; many preferred a fake note bearing the name of a sound bank to one issued by a shaky, though legitimate, institution.

The New Yorker

Peru imposed travel and banking restrictions on Mr. Maduro and his cabinet, and several countries said they would recognize the opposition-controlled National Assembly as Venezuela's only legitimate institution.

The Washington Post

"In a way that occurred before but is rare in the United States, somebody came to power as a result of the illegitimate acts of a legitimate institution that had the right to put somebody in power," Judge Calabresi told an annual meeting of the American Constitution Society in Washington on Saturday, in remarks that were first reported by The New York Sun.

The New York Times

But this condition of corruption exists only relative to an uncorrupted condition, which is the condition of being a morally legitimate institution or sub-element thereof.

SEP

"A more open Fed, in my view, is both a more effective and more democratically legitimate institution," he explained in that same speech.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Ever more Russians want legitimate institutions.

The Economist

And all have to be embodied in functioning legitimate institutions.

The Guardian - Books

Iraq is a sovereign country with legitimate institutions; America cannot – and should not – take their place.

The Guardian

"We have made an impact throughout the world and have many legitimate institutions.

The Guardian

They need legitimate institutions — like clean courts to battle monopolies — and help building them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "legitimate institution", ensure that the context clearly supports the claim of legitimacy by providing evidence of accreditation, legal standing, or societal recognition.

Common error

Avoid using "legitimate institution" without providing supporting evidence or context. Overusing the phrase without proper justification can weaken your argument and raise doubts about the institution's actual legitimacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate institution" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "legitimate" modifies the noun "institution". It describes an institution that is recognized, authorized, or in accordance with accepted standards or laws, as supported by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legitimate institution" is a phrase used to describe an organization recognized as valid, authorized, and ethical, supported by accreditation and legal standing. Ludwig examples show it's most commonly found in news and media, science and formal business contexts. Although grammatically correct and understandable, be mindful of overuse. Consider using alternatives like "valid organization" or "accredited body" depending on the context. Ensure supporting evidence when using this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid organization

Focuses on the organizational aspect and its validity.

bona fide institution

Uses a Latin term to emphasize the good faith and genuineness of the institution.

accredited body

Specifically highlights accreditation, implying official recognition.

recognized authority

Emphasizes the institution's recognized power or influence.

lawful establishment

Stresses the legal aspect of the institution's existence.

certified organization

Indicates that the institution has met certain certification standards.

official entity

Highlights the official or governmental nature of the institution.

authorized agency

Emphasizes the authorization or permission granted to the institution.

duly constituted body

Highlights that the institution was properly formed and established.

rightful institution

Suggests that the institution has a just or moral claim to its position.

FAQs

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

You can use "legitimate institution" to describe organizations recognized for their legal and ethical operations. For example, "The university is a "legitimate institution" that provides quality education".

What are some alternatives to "legitimate institution"?

Alternatives include "valid organization", "accredited body", or "recognized authority", depending on the specific context.

What makes an institution "legitimate"?

Legitimacy is typically based on factors such as legal recognition, accreditation by recognized bodies, ethical conduct, and societal acceptance. These factors ensure that the institution operates within accepted standards.

Is there a difference between a "legitimate institution" and an "official entity"?

While similar, "legitimate institution" implies a broader sense of validity beyond just being official. An "official entity" is simply recognized by the government, whereas a "legitimate institution" has earned its respect through ethical practices and adherence to societal norms.