merit basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merit basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a system or approach that evaluates individuals based on their merits or qualifications rather than other factors. Example: "The organization promotes hiring on a merit basis to ensure the most qualified candidates are selected for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Political considerations were divorced from personnel appointments, and promotions were placed on a merit basis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If the defects are minor you will have to pay your original builder on a merit basis for the work he did, less the cost of having the defects put right.

The Guardian - Money

The staff is recruited on a merit basis, with regard to equitable geographic distribution, and its members are required to take an oath of loyalty to the United Nations and are not permitted to receive instructions from their home governments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One thing I do know is that states are giving more and more aid on a merit basis, and lots of times that goes to students who have the ability to pay.

The New York Times

The only thing I can do is look at it from a merit basis.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The 2013 reform ushered in evaluations, proposed making merit the basis for promotions, and ended common practices such as teachers selling the positions to others.

Vice

"The selection of appointable candidates is made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition".

The Guardian

In a statement, Adam Rothberg, a spokesman for Simon & Schuster said, ""We believe the case is without merit or any basis in the law and intend to vigorously contest it.

The New York Times

ReprintsModern America has had to face the unhappy over-extension of this theory: an explosion of race-and gender-based sensitivity, the endless drawing-out of death-row appeals, the downgrading of merit as the basis for advancement, self-interest masquerading as liberty.

The Economist

These figures of merit are the basis for a novel procedure for designing annular binary filters with desired focal volume characteristics.

Optics Communications

The first minister added: "Every member of the cabinet is part of this government's top team on merit, on the basis of the excellent work they have already done as ministers.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing hiring or promotions, clarify what specific metrics constitute "merit" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Ensure that the criteria used to define "merit" are free from biases that may disadvantage certain groups. Regularly review evaluation processes to promote fairness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merit basis" functions as a noun phrase typically used to describe the foundation or principle upon which decisions are made, particularly in contexts involving selection, promotion, or evaluation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "merit basis" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe decisions based on qualifications and achievements, as confirmed by Ludwig. While relatively rare in occurrence, it is most often found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When using "merit basis", ensure that the criteria defining "merit" are clear and unbiased. Related phrases include "based on merit" and "on a merit-based system". It's crucial to guard against implicit biases in evaluation processes to maintain fairness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on merit

Reverses the word order for a slightly different emphasis.

on a merit-based system

Adds the concept of a structured system for applying merit.

according to merit

Uses a different preposition to convey the same meaning.

by virtue of merit

Emphasizes that merit is the cause or reason for something.

on the strength of one's merits

Highlights individual accomplishments as the determining factor.

merit-driven

Uses an adjective to describe something motivated by merit.

performance-based

Focuses on demonstrated performance as the basis for evaluation.

qualification-based

Emphasizes formal qualifications as the primary criterion.

competency-based

Highlights assessed competencies as the foundation for judgment.

on the grounds of merit

Uses "grounds" to suggest a justification or reason based on merit.

FAQs

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

You can use "merit basis" to describe a system where decisions are made based on qualifications and achievements. For example, "The company hires employees on a "merit basis", not on personal connections."

What are some alternatives to saying "merit basis"?

Alternatives include phrases like "based on merit", "on a merit-based system", or "according to merit", depending on the specific context.

Is it more common to say "merit basis" or "merit-based"?

"Merit-based" is generally more common as an adjective describing a system or approach, while ""merit basis"" functions as a noun phrase. Both are grammatically correct, but their usage differs.

What does it mean to be evaluated on a "merit basis"?

Being evaluated on a ""merit basis"" means that your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments are the primary factors considered, rather than irrelevant factors like personal connections or biases.