on individual merit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on individual merit" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to something that is being assessed or judged based on the individual's own qualities, rather than their context or external factors. For example, "The selection committee chose applicants based on individual merit, looking for evidence of their academic achievements and skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The Creek achieved status based on individual merit rather than by inheriting it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead, he is insisting on individual merit increases, with some workers getting raises and others receiving none.

The New York Times

Each of the shortlisted campaigns demonstrated innovation, creativity and insight, and was chosen based on individual merit, regardless of discipline, budget or channel.

The Guardian

Ms Padoan said the UNHCR believes all applications should be considered on individual merit but that the Government should also consider the changing security situation on the ground.

Independent

A truly productive approach for socially conscious investors would be to urge their mutual funds to buy into companies based on individual merit and then use their investment leverage to ensure that these companies are responsible stewards of the earth.

The New York Times

In addition, many successful blacks do not attach importance to entering "the so-called gilded WASP circle," said the society bandleader Bobby Short, who, like Miss Premice, crossed color barriers on individual merit.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Despite fears that affected customers would be in line for compensation of £1,000 each, TalkTalk said any payouts would be based on individual merits.

Independent

The hunters, who co-opt followers on the basis of individual merit, were finding it increasingly difficult to find new recruits.

The Guardian - Arts

It also impedes due process for these asylum seekers by pre-judging their claims as a whole, rather than on their individual merit, and denying them a full and fair hearing on their claims.

Forbes

Rights groups have questioned the wisdom of blocking people based on their nationality, and argued that each case needs to be assessed on its individual merit.

The Guardian

A spokeswoman for the Law Department said the city evaluated "each case based on its individual merit".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for fairness, use "on individual merit" to emphasize that opportunities and rewards should be based on personal achievements rather than group affiliation.

Common error

Ensure that when using "on individual merit", you're not limiting the criteria to academic achievements alone. Merit can encompass a broader range of skills, experiences, and personal qualities relevant to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on individual merit" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the basis for evaluation or decision-making. It indicates that assessment is based on personal qualities rather than external factors. Ludwig's AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on individual merit" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that advocates for fairness and objectivity in evaluations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and applicable across diverse contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, science, and to a lesser extent, academia. When using this phrase, ensure that your criteria for merit are clearly defined and encompass a range of relevant skills and qualities. Be aware of potential biases and strive for true equality of opportunity before applying merit-based assessments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on personal ability

Focuses more directly on the individual's capacity or skill.

according to one's own worth

Emphasizes the value or deservingness of the individual.

evaluated on individual capability

Highlights the assessment process and individual skills.

judged on personal attributes

Broadens the scope to include various qualities and characteristics.

assessed on individual accomplishments

Focuses on past achievements as the basis for evaluation.

considered for one's own qualities

Stresses the intrinsic characteristics of the individual.

ranked by personal competence

Highlights a hierarchical evaluation based on skills.

evaluated on a case-by-case basis

Highlights consideration of each individual situation separately.

on individual strengths

Focuses specifically on positive qualities and capabilities.

on one's own credentials

Emphasizes qualifications and achievements as the primary criteria.

FAQs

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

You can use "on individual merit" to emphasize that decisions should be based on someone's abilities and qualities, not on other factors like background or connections. For example, "The company promotes employees "on individual merits"".

What's the difference between "on individual merit" and "on individual merits"?

"On individual merit" refers to the principle of evaluating someone based on their own qualities. "On individual merits" is often used to mean the specific factors that contribute to someone's worthiness.

What are some alternatives to using "on individual merit"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "based on personal ability", "according to one's own worth", or "evaluated on individual capability".

Is it always fair to judge someone "on individual merit"?

While judging "on individual merit" promotes fairness, it's important to ensure equal opportunities exist beforehand. Systemic inequalities can prevent individuals from developing or demonstrating their true potential, making a purely merit-based assessment potentially biased.