little merit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little merit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has minimal value or worth, often in a critical context. Example: "The proposal was reviewed, but it was found to have little merit in addressing the core issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Their complaints, though, seem to have little merit.

The New York Times - Sports

He appears to see little merit in checks and balances.

The Economist

But there is very little merit to these arguments.

The New York Times

The portrait of the simpering woman has little merit other than Schiele's name attached to it.

The New York Times - Arts

In a 2008 interview with Word magazine, Mr. Ayers said he saw little merit in ambition.

The New York Times - Arts

You're both moving on to new lives and there's little merit in storing up resentment.

Independent

Indeed, clinical tests are of little merit when their value is undermined through misinformation.

The New Yorker

However, it turns out that they have little merit on which to stand.

The Guardian

He hates the man, who is a popular writer, but one with very little merit.

The New Yorker

The short-term disruptions would be outweighed by long-term gains.Most businesspeople see little merit in devaluation.

The Economist

I think that especially for TV viewing, 3-D may have little merit and may even spoil the atmosphere.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "little merit", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the subject lacks value in relation to. Providing specific reasons enhances the impact of your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "little merit" when the subject actually possesses significant flaws. Reserve the phrase for cases where the value is genuinely low, not nonexistent or severely compromised.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little merit" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically to express a negative assessment of the noun's value or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little merit" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey a lack of value or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it appears in a wide array of contexts, from News & Media to scientific publications. When using "little merit", it's crucial to provide context for clarity. While alternatives like "limited merit" or "minimal merit" exist, "little merit" remains a direct and effective way to express a critical assessment. Remember to reserve it for situations where the value is genuinely low, avoiding overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited merit

Uses "limited" instead of "little", emphasizing the restricted amount of value.

insufficient merit

Directly states that the merit is not enough or adequate.

small merit

Indicates a slight or insignificant degree of worth.

minimal merit

Emphasizes that the merit is at the lowest possible level.

little worth

Replaces "merit" with "worth", highlighting the lack of value or usefulness.

little virtue

Replaces "merit" with "virtue", focusing on the lack of moral or beneficial quality.

little benefit

Focuses on the absence of positive outcomes or advantages.

little relevance

Indicates that something has very little connection or importance to the matter at hand.

little validity

Indicates a lack of soundness or factual support.

little accomplishment

Focuses on the absence of achievement or successful outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "little merit" in a sentence?

You can use "little merit" to express that something lacks value or importance. For example, "The proposal was found to have "little merit" after a thorough review".

What can I say instead of "little merit"?

Alternatives to "little merit" include "limited merit", "minimal merit", or "little worth", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "has little merit"?

Yes, "has little merit" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that something possesses minimal value or importance.

What's the difference between "little merit" and "no merit"?

"Little merit" suggests a small degree of value, while "no merit" implies a complete absence of value. The choice depends on whether there's any redeeming quality, however small, to acknowledge.