merit the privilege

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merit the privilege" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing whether someone deserves or is worthy of a certain privilege or benefit. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, she has truly merited the privilege of leading the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Our grandfather," replied the Emperor, employing the royal plural according to custom, for this was not the time for his experiment with the singular — this wretch did not merit the privilege of witnessing it — "was a barbarian with a poet's tongue.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The department will almost certainly do what it does, almost reflexively, in all these cases, round up all the usual defenses that are designed to prevent the court from reaching the merits of the privilege claim.

Huffington Post

Reducing merit aid would also improve the narrative around college -- that going to college is the privilege itself and a form of merit aid as opposed to the current narrative that attending college is an entitlement whereby the merit aid is the privilege.

Huffington Post

Ultimately, this book demonstrates just how slippery the notions of race, merit, and privilege can be.

Harvard University

They talked about the university's history of access on merit, not privilege.

The Guardian

I believe in a country where hard work and merit, not privilege or background, determine success.

The Guardian

It is the kind of society in which people hope their children will do better than they have done themselves; which believes in merit, not privilege; competition, not inheritance; thrift, not conspicuous consumption; and which applauds personal effort rather than collective endeavour.

The Economist

The privilege should be in effect unless the government can prove with clear and convincing evidence that very clear and dangerous circumstances should merit an exception.

The Guardian - Opinion

Will some abuse the privilege?

The New York Times

Mostly, the privilege of aging".

The New York Times - Magazine

Thank you for the privilege.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merit the privilege" to emphasize that someone's actions or qualities have earned them a specific benefit or opportunity. It conveys a sense of deservingness based on demonstrable merit.

Common error

Avoid using "merit the privilege" in extremely casual contexts. While grammatically correct, it carries a slightly formal tone and is best suited for professional or academic writing where the concept of earned entitlement is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merit the privilege" functions as a declarative expression, asserting that someone or something has earned or is worthy of a specific advantage or opportunity. Ludwig provides examples that showcase its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merit the privilege" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey that someone deserves a specific benefit or opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its usage in contexts such as news and academic writing. While not overly common, the phrase offers a slightly formal tone, emphasizing earned entitlement. Alternatives like "deserve the privilege" or "earn the privilege" can be used to achieve similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Deserve the privilege

Replaces "merit" with "deserve", indicating entitlement based on actions.

Be deserving of the privilege

Similar to 'deserve', but adds emphasis.

Earn the privilege

Emphasizes effort and achievement as the basis for obtaining the privilege.

Be worthy of the privilege

Focuses on the worthiness of the individual to receive the privilege.

Have a right to the privilege

Emphasizes a legal or moral claim to the privilege.

Entitle to the privilege

Highlights a right or qualification that grants access to the privilege.

Qualify for the privilege

Highlights meeting specific requirements to be eligible for the privilege.

Be granted the privilege

Shifts focus to the act of bestowing the privilege by an external authority.

Warrant the privilege

Suggests the situation or actions justify the granting of the privilege.

Be suitable for the privilege

Implies that the individual's characteristics align with the privilege.

FAQs

What does it mean to "merit the privilege"?

To "merit the privilege" means to deserve or earn a particular benefit, advantage, or opportunity through one's actions, qualities, or achievements. It implies that the individual has demonstrated sufficient worth to be granted the privilege.

How can I use "merit the privilege" in a sentence?

You can use "merit the privilege" to describe a situation where someone has clearly earned a specific advantage. For example: "After years of dedicated service, she has truly merited the privilege of leading the team."

What are some alternatives to "merit the privilege"?

Alternatives include "deserve the privilege", "earn the privilege", or "be worthy of the privilege". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more correct to say "deserve the privilege" or "merit the privilege"?

Both "deserve the privilege" and "merit the privilege" are grammatically correct. "Merit the privilege" implies a more formal or reasoned justification for deserving the privilege, while "deserve the privilege" is slightly more general and can be used in a wider range of contexts.