merit a response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merit a response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is worthy of a reply or consideration. Example: "The concerns raised in the meeting merit a response from the management team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

It doesn't merit a response.

The New York Times

Three others, however, do merit a response.

The New York Times

-What specific points raised in the article do you feel merit a response?

The New York Times

Judge Eismann said Justice Silak's assertion did not merit a response.

The New York Times

Isn't the letter's demagoguery precisely what requires (even if it doesn't "merit") a response?

The New Yorker

State department spokesman Jeff Rathke told reporters in Washington the allegations were "ridiculous," and didn't "merit a response".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

John C.P. Goldberg, On the Merits: A Response to Professor Sherry, 50 Vand.

Harvard University

It was hand written, so that meant it merited a response from the senator – a form letter response.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The use of chemical weapons on the scale that we have seen... merits a response," Carney says.

The Guardian

The incident we're talking about now is of a much more grave and broader scale, and merits a response accordingly".

The Guardian

Patricia Boyle's July 2 letter in reference to the article on the shortage of minority teachers in Connecticut classrooms ("White Faces at the Blackboard," June 11) merits a response.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merit a response" when you want to convey that a specific point or issue is important enough to warrant a thoughtful and articulated reply. This phrasing is suitable for formal communication where precision and consideration are valued.

Common error

Avoid using "merit a response" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "worth replying to" or "should be addressed" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merit a response" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something is worthy or deserving of a reaction or answer. Ludwig examples confirm its function in various contexts. Ludwig AI validates the expression as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "merit a response" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon expression used to indicate that something is worthy of a reply or consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig, its primary function is to emphasize the importance or relevance of a particular point or issue. While versatile, it leans toward a neutral to formal register and is most frequently found in news and media sources. When writing, consider the context to ensure its formality aligns with your intended audience, and remember that simpler alternatives like "warrant a reply" or "deserve consideration" may be more appropriate for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be worthy of a response

Directly states the worthiness of receiving a response.

deserve a reply

Simple and direct alternative, focusing on the act of replying.

warrant a reply

Emphasizes the justification for a reply, similar to "merit a response".

justify a response

Highlights the reason or basis for giving a response.

deserve consideration

Focuses on the worthiness of being considered, rather than specifically replied to.

require a response

Implies that a response is necessary or obligatory.

call for a response

Suggests that a situation or statement necessitates a response.

necessitate a reply

Indicates that a response is essential or unavoidable.

demand a response

Suggests a strong need or expectation for a response.

warrant attention

Shifts the focus to attention rather than a direct reply.

FAQs

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

You can use "merit a response" to indicate that something is worthy of a reply due to its importance or relevance. For example, "The concerns raised by the community members truly merit a response from the city council."

What can I say instead of "merit a response"?

You can use alternatives like "deserve consideration", "warrant a reply", or "justify a response" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "merit a response" or "merits a response"?

"Merit a response" is used in hypothetical or general statements (e.g., "Does this merit a response?"). "Merits a response" is used when referring to a specific case in the third person singular (e.g., "His argument merits a response").

What's the difference between "merit a response" and "require a response"?

"Merit a response" suggests that something is worthy of a reply, while "require a response" indicates that a response is necessary or obligatory. The former implies value, while the latter implies a need.