merit of having

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merit of having" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the value or worthiness of possessing something or a particular quality. Example: "The merit of having a diverse team is that it brings different perspectives to the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"It is a riddle which shares with the universe the merit of having no answer".

The New York Times - Books

"They said, 'We can't give you a job on merit of having done a good job before.

The Guardian

He did not come to a Socialist solution, but he had the great merit of having considered afresh the foundations of society.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The merit of having a precise and meaningful relationship between two basic energy indicators, the energy efficiency index and the energy savings due to efficiency improvement, is elaborated.

Energy Economics

Hitchcock offers the fundamental idea of directing as creating; he has the prime merit of having become the cinema's exemplary adjective.

The New Yorker

Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who became President in 2009, is a former Islamist radical turned moderate who bears the historic merit of having overseen Somalia's emergence from a charnel ground into a place where a semblance of stability has begun to emerge.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But all Pakistanis can appreciate the merits of having better government.

The Economist

— Sarah Philips In my eighth grade U.S. history class, we debate the merits of having a 9/11 national holiday through a 3-corner debate.

The New York Times

Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Commissioner Paul Tagliabue has discussed the merits of having the Super Bowl in New York or Washington and the resulting economic impact.

The New York Times - Sports

And now, with Bush v. Gore more than ten years in the past, growing numbers of Republicans are willing to examine the merits of having our national leader chosen in a national election after a national campaign on national issues.

The New Yorker

4 Constitutional Debate in Kenya The debate over how to revamp Kenya's colonial-era Constitution has ranged from lofty discussions of the merits of having a prime minister to rock throwing, chair hurling and fruit tossing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "merit of having", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being possessed and why it is valuable. For example, "The merit of having a strong support network is invaluable during challenging times."

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple clauses with "merit of having", which can lead to convoluted sentences. Break down complex ideas into simpler sentences for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merit of having" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, emphasizing the advantageous aspect associated with possessing something. This construction is commonly used to highlight the positive qualities or benefits derived from a particular attribute, skill, or resource.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merit of having" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to underscore the advantages associated with possessing a certain quality or resource. As affirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts from news and media to scientific publications. While generally neutral to formal, clarity and conciseness should be prioritized in writing. Consider alternatives like "advantage of having" or "benefit of having" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advantage of having

Focuses on the beneficial aspects of possessing something.

benefit of having

Highlights the positive outcomes resulting from possessing something.

value of having

Emphasizes the worth or importance of possessing something.

desirability of having

Indicates how much something is wanted due to its perceived benefits.

virtue of having

Suggests a positive moral quality or advantage from possessing something.

worthiness of having

Highlights the deserving nature of possessing something.

upside of having

Informal way to describe the positive aspects associated with possession.

asset of having

Focuses on the positive characteristics of an individual or entity.

strength of having

Emphasizes the empowering attributes of the item or quality being discussed.

plus of having

Simple and direct term for a positive trait. Highly informal.

FAQs

How can I use "merit of having" in a sentence?

Use "merit of having" to highlight the advantages or benefits of possessing something. For example, "The "advantage of having" prior experience made the transition smoother."

What are some alternatives to "merit of having"?

Alternatives include "advantage of having", "benefit of having", or "value of having", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "merit of having" formal or informal?

"Merit of having" is generally considered neutral to formal and can be used in various contexts, though alternatives might be more appropriate in extremely informal settings.

What's the difference between "merit of having" and "merits of having"?

"Merit of having" refers to a singular advantage, while "merits of having" refers to multiple advantages or benefits. The choice depends on whether you are emphasizing a single, primary benefit or several benefits.