merits attention

USAGE SUMMARY

"merits attention" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when describing or referring to something that is deserving of careful consideration or attention. For example, "Her thoughtful proposal merits attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The irony of this scene merits attention.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Against this background, Dahl's apostasy merits attention.

The New Yorker

Still, Sweden's new Nordic model merits attention.

The New York Times

Quite apart from its cinematic significance, the cemetery merits attention.

The New York Times - Travel

"Our history merits attention," Mr. Korematsu's brief says.

The New York Times

To the south, Ramses III dedicated a temple to Khons, the moon god, which merits attention.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet Barclays Capital merits attention not because of its size, but its scope.

The Economist

But one specific recommendation included in two of these books merits attention.

Harvard Business Review

So it merits attention, though not necessarily wholesale panic and despair.

The Guardian - Opinion

The flavour, however, merits attention of its own: clean, grassy and verdant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If not all that innovative, Briggs's juicy work still merits attention (Glueck).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merits attention" when you want to emphasize the importance of something being carefully considered or examined. It's suitable for formal writing and presentations where you need to highlight a topic's significance.

Common error

While "merits attention" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in informal conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "worth a look" or "interesting" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merits attention" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating that a subject is deserving of focus or consideration. It implies that something is significant enough to warrant careful examination, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "merits attention" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to highlight that something deserves careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, further supported by numerous examples across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, the phrase carries a neutral to formal register. When aiming for emphasis in your writing, "merits attention" is a strong contender, though be mindful of the context to maintain appropriate tone. Alternatives such as "deserves consideration" or "warrants scrutiny" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deserves consideration

This alternative emphasizes the need for thoughtful deliberation.

warrants scrutiny

This phrase suggests a need for careful and critical examination.

is worthy of note

This alternative highlights the importance or significance of something.

is deserving of focus

This emphasizes the act of concentrating on something specific.

calls for observation

This implies a need for close monitoring or surveillance.

is important to consider

This phrase suggests that something should be taken into account.

requires thought

This alternative indicates a need for careful thinking and reflection.

bears investigation

This implies a need for further inquiry or research.

is significant

This simple alternative underlines the importance of something.

is noteworthy

This highlights that something is interesting or remarkable.

FAQs

How can I use "merits attention" in a sentence?

You can use "merits attention" to highlight the importance of a topic or issue. For instance, "The environmental impact of this policy /s/merits+attention". This indicates that the impact should be carefully considered.

What are some alternatives to "merits attention"?

Alternatives include "deserves consideration", "warrants scrutiny", or "is worthy of note", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "deserves attention" instead of "merits attention"?

Yes, "deserves attention" is a perfectly acceptable and more common alternative to "merits attention". Both phrases convey the same basic meaning, although "merits attention" can sound slightly more formal.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "merits attention"?

The phrase "merits attention" is most appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, or professional presentations where you want to emphasize the significance of a particular issue, topic, or finding. It conveys that something is worthy of careful consideration and should not be overlooked.