on merit basis

USAGE SUMMARY

"on merit basis" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a process where individuals are judged for something based on their merits, such as a job application or a competition. For example: "We review all job applications on merit basis, taking into account the applicant's qualifications, experience and skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

FLAS Fellowships are awarded competitively on merit basis through an annual fellowship competition administered by the Title VI National Resource Center.

University of California, Berkeley

FLAS Fellowships are awarded competitively on merit basis through an annual fellowship competition administered by the Title VI National Resource Centers.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Political considerations were divorced from personnel appointments, and promotions were placed on a merit basis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If the defects are minor you will have to pay your original builder on a merit basis for the work he did, less the cost of having the defects put right.

The Guardian - Money

The staff is recruited on a merit basis, with regard to equitable geographic distribution, and its members are required to take an oath of loyalty to the United Nations and are not permitted to receive instructions from their home governments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One thing I do know is that states are giving more and more aid on a merit basis, and lots of times that goes to students who have the ability to pay.

The New York Times

External fellowships are awarded on a competitive or merit basis by non-university entities and are sponsored by both public and private agencies.

Princeton University

"The selection of appointable candidates is made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition".

The Guardian

The first minister added: "Every member of the cabinet is part of this government's top team on merit, on the basis of the excellent work they have already done as ministers.

BBC

"The new cabinet team I have announced today will pursue these priorities with verve, vigour and determination". The first minister added: "Every member of the cabinet is part of this government's top team on merit, on the basis of the excellent work they have already done as ministers.

BBC

In the worst cases, pension trustees dole out investment business not on merit, but on the basis of who gave them money.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on merit basis", ensure the criteria for merit are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity and promote fairness.

Common error

Avoid selecting candidates or awarding opportunities based on popularity or personal connections rather than demonstrable achievements and skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on merit basis" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action (such as awarding a fellowship or making an appointment) is carried out. As Ludwig AI points out, it emphasizes that decisions are based on qualifications and achievements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

50%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on merit basis" signifies that decisions are made based on qualifications and achievements. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and usable phrase, although it's relatively rare. It is most frequently used in academic and news contexts to communicate fairness and objectivity. When writing, ensure that the criteria for merit are well-defined. Related phrases include "based on qualifications" and "according to merit", offering similar ways to express the concept of merit-based selection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on qualifications

Focuses on the specific qualifications as the deciding factor.

according to merit

A more formal phrasing emphasizing the importance of merit.

on the strength of merit

Emphasizes the robustness and validity of merit.

by virtue of merit

Highlights that merit is the primary cause of selection.

through a merit-based system

Specifically describes the presence of a structured system evaluating merit.

assessed on merit

Highlights the act of assessment in the selection process.

judged by merit

Focuses on the judgment aspect in determining the outcome.

evaluated on capabilities

Shifts the focus slightly towards capabilities as the basis for judging.

selected on competence

Emphasizes competence rather than general merit.

chosen for excellence

Highlights excellence as the reason for selection.

FAQs

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

You can use "on merit basis" to describe decisions made according to someone's abilities or achievements. For example, "Scholarships are awarded "on merit basis", recognizing academic excellence".

What are some alternatives to saying "on merit basis"?

Alternatives include "based on qualifications", "according to merit", or "through a merit-based system", each emphasizing the importance of achievements.

Is it better to say "on a merit basis" or "on merit basis"?

While both forms are understandable, "on a merit basis" is grammatically more standard. However, the shorter form "on merit basis" is also used.

What does it mean when something is awarded "on merit basis"?

It means the award is given based on someone's skills, achievements, or qualifications, rather than other factors like social status or personal connections.