on artistic merit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on artistic merit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the value or quality of an artwork based on its artistic qualities rather than commercial or popular appeal. Example: "The jury will evaluate the submissions solely on artistic merit, ensuring that creativity and originality are prioritized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But on artistic merit?

The Guardian - Music

But what if the war had been decided on artistic merit?

The New York Times

The Polaris music prize recognises the Canadian album of the year, judged solely on artistic merit rather than sales.

The Guardian - Music

Several of these road presenters said in interviews that touring potential was a factor in their Tony votes, but noted that they voted chiefly on artistic merit.

The New York Times

The album was chosen by a panel of 21 judges, from a shortlist of nine, as the best album of 2018 based on artistic merit.

The Guardian - Music

Over the last decade, however, the endowment has been reduced to supporting mainstream institutions, making grants based more on political considerations than on artistic merit.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It isn't with well-meaning films that Hollywood can help; it's with wide-ranging attention to good, boldly original, and challenging films — including ones that confront the unquestioned and enfeebled assumptions of artistic merit on which Hollywood itself currently runs.

The New Yorker

It isn't with well-meaning films that Hollywood can help; it's with wide-ranging attention to good, boldly original, and challenging films including ones that confront the unquestioned and enfeebled assumptions of artistic merit on which Hollywood itself currently runs.

The New Yorker

Because today Germany take on USA! USA!! USA!!! in the first match ever to be contested on the grounds of artistic merit.

The Guardian - Sport

They select the winners purely on the basis of artistic merit.

The New York Times - Books

By encouraging freedom of expression, staging the works of talented young writers, and choosing plays solely on the basis of artistic merit, the little theatres provided a valuable early opportunity for such playwrights as Eugene O'Neill, George S. Kaufman, Elmer Rice, Maxwell Anderson, and Robert E. Sherwood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on artistic merit" when you want to emphasize that a decision or evaluation is based solely on the aesthetic and creative qualities of a work, not on external factors like popularity or commercial success.

Common error

Avoid using "on artistic merit" when you actually mean to refer to technical skill or craftsmanship. "Artistic merit" encompasses the broader creative and aesthetic value, while "technical merit" refers to the skill and proficiency in using the medium or tools.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on artistic merit" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the basis or criteria for judgment or evaluation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes how something is assessed, emphasizing the importance of creative and aesthetic qualities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Music

25%

Sport

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on artistic merit" is a prepositional phrase used to specify that an evaluation is based on the artistic qualities of something, rather than other considerations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, and less so in encyclopedias, wikis, or scientific publications. While the phrase is not very frequent, it is a useful term to use when talking about evaluation, and is suitable for neutral or professional registers. Remember to use "on artistic merit" when emphasizing the creative qualities, and consider alternatives like "based on aesthetic value" when seeking to refine your meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evaluated on artistic grounds

Very similar, replaces 'merit' with 'grounds', referring to the basis of judgment.

evaluated for artistic qualities

Focuses specifically on the qualities of the art.

assessed by aesthetic standards

Similar meaning, but focuses on applying specific aesthetic criteria.

judged by artistic principles

Focuses on the adherence to specific artistic principles.

based on aesthetic value

Focuses on the aesthetic qualities rather than overall artistic merit.

assessed for creative worth

Replaces "merit" with "worth", stressing value.

judged on creative excellence

Emphasizes the creativity aspect, shifting the focus from general artistic qualities.

based on artistic vision

Emphasizes the artist's conceptual or imaginative skill.

evaluated for technical skill

Highlights the technical aspects of the art, rather than its overall artistic value.

considered for creative contribution

Places emphasis on the novel contribution an artwork makes.

FAQs

How can I use "on artistic merit" in a sentence?

You can use "on artistic merit" to emphasize that a judgment is based solely on artistic qualities, for example: "The submissions will be judged "on artistic merit", disregarding commercial appeal".

What does it mean to judge something "on artistic merit"?

Judging something "on artistic merit" means evaluating it based on its inherent artistic qualities, such as creativity, originality, and aesthetic value, rather than external factors like popularity or sales.

What are some alternatives to "on artistic merit"?

Some alternatives include "based on aesthetic value", "judged on creative excellence", or "evaluated for technical skill depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize. "based on aesthetic value", "judged on creative excellence", or "evaluated for technical skill".

Is there a difference between evaluating something "on artistic merit" versus "on technical skill"?

Yes, evaluating "on artistic merit" considers the overall aesthetic and creative value, while evaluating "on technical skill" focuses on the proficiency in using a particular medium or technique.