legitimately entitled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legitimately entitled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that has the right or authorization to do something. For example: The company's employees are legitimately entitled to 8 hours of paid vacation a year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Customer service is the toughest part of this," Mr. Bowman said, "but we're very reluctant to let people in who are not legitimately entitled to watch".

The New York Times

"They owe us an answer," said Ho. "We are legitimately entitled to be notified about the status of Hong Kong citizens who are being detained in China".

The Guardian

To oversimplify: according to Nozick, the only things a person is legitimately entitled to are things he creates by "mixing" his own labor with something that no one else possesses, such as unclaimed land or resources, and things thus created which the person acquires through exchange or as gifts.

The New Yorker

It served as a sexual fence for people, enforcing monogamy as a way to enforce ownership, but also as a way to ensure that any children produced were legitimately entitled to any sort of land transfer or inheritance.

Huffington Post

Previous speakers have said that, if we in Europe offer US citizens the same level of personal data protection that we offer European citizens under the principle of reciprocity, we are legitimately entitled to claim the same, namely that European citizens in the USA should enjoy the same level of data protection as that offered to US citizens.

EU Parlament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Yet, in a sign of the dilemma facing the party over the next two years, some Democratic leaders argued that Mr. Gore could legitimately claim to be entitled to the nomination given the circumstances of his loss, even as they expressed doubt he could win a rematch.

The New York Times

The new arrangement under discussion would help formalize such cooperation and give Moscow the kind of decision-making role it is entitled to on issues that legitimately concern it.

The New York Times

Those who don't follow the rules are entitled to their opinions, but cannot legitimately claim to be participating in a scientific debate.

Huffington Post

They say many ordinary people are legitimately angry with world leaders over the financial crisis, and should be entitled to express this anger.

The Guardian

"Presuming the plaintiffs have no Seminole Indian blood," the lawyers wrote, "they cannot legitimately claim harm from exclusion of funds to which they are not entitled".

The New York Times

After stating that this controversy between the several states and the United States had been compromised, the court thought it necessary to notice the Indian title, which, although entitled to the respect of all courts until it should be legitimately extinguished, was declared not to be such as to be absolutely repugnant to a seisin in fee on the part of the state.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "legitimately entitled" to convey that someone has a genuine and justifiable right to something, based on established rules, laws, or principles. For example, "Employees are legitimately entitled to overtime pay for hours worked beyond their regular schedule."

Common error

Avoid using "legitimately entitled" when simply expressing a personal feeling of deserving something without a clear basis in rules or laws. Entitlement needs to be grounded in something tangible, not just a subjective feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimately entitled" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating that someone or something has a valid and justifiable right or claim. It suggests that this right is based on established rules, laws, or principles. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "legitimately entitled" signifies a justifiable right or claim based on established rules or laws. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While not extremely common, the phrase is valuable for precisely conveying the validity of an entitlement. Related phrases such as "rightfully entitled" and "justifiably entitled" offer similar meanings with subtle differences. When using the phrase, ensure it is grounded in tangible rules rather than subjective feelings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Rightfully entitled

Emphasizes the correctness and justification of the entitlement.

Duly entitled

Highlights that the entitlement is according to what is required or appropriate.

Justifiably entitled

Focuses on the fairness and reasonableness of the entitlement.

Validly entitled

Stresses the legitimacy and legal basis of the entitlement.

Properly authorized

Highlights the formal permission or approval for the entitlement.

Fairly entitled

Underscores the impartiality and equity of the entitlement.

Lawfully authorized

Indicates that the entitlement is based on legal grounds.

Genuinely deserving

Emphasizes the authenticity and sincerity of deserving the entitlement.

Truly warranted

Highlights that the entitlement is justified and necessary.

Deservedly qualified

Focuses on fulfilling the necessary criteria to be entitled.

FAQs

How can I use "legitimately entitled" in a sentence?

Use "legitimately entitled" to describe someone or something that has a genuine and justifiable right to something. For example, "Only citizens are legitimately entitled to vote in national elections."

What are some alternatives to "legitimately entitled"?

You can use alternatives like "rightfully entitled", "justifiably entitled", or "duly entitled" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "legitimately entitled" and "legally entitled"?

"Legally entitled" specifically refers to rights granted by law. "Legitimately entitled" is broader, encompassing rights based on laws, rules, or widely accepted principles. Someone might be "legitimately entitled" based on company policy, even if it's not legally mandated.

Is it better to use "entitled" or "legitimately entitled"?

Using "legitimately entitled" clarifies that the entitlement is not merely claimed, but justified. "Entitled" alone can sometimes imply a sense of undeserved privilege, so "legitimately entitled" provides a more precise and defensible claim.