proof of merit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proof of merit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you need to demonstrate or validate someone's qualifications, abilities, or worthiness for a particular role or opportunity. Example: "The committee requires proof of merit from all applicants to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are considered for the scholarship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Conservative, tending to see success (non-distress) as proof of merit, deserving of further reward.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Except for weight-loss gurus, toupee salesmen and the occasional iconoclastic maker of vacuum cleaners or electric razors, hardly any advertisers promote their experiences with their wares as proof of their merit.

The New York Times

Zheng's performance is already being called a psychological boost for China as the Olympics draw near and as proof of the merits of the country's sporting system.

The New York Times - Sports

With a second independence referendum again high on the agenda after Scottish voters opted to remain in the EU, David Mundell, the Scottish secretary, said the contract was proof of the merits of staying in the UK.

The Guardian

Although the commission may like the idea of providing citizens with proof of the merits of EU membership in the form of lower call charges, that hardly makes for wise policy.But the main reason why a heavy-handed approach is unnecessary is that prices are finally coming down, as operators introduce new pricing schemes such as Passport.

The Economist

The attorney's own principled view of constitutional guarantees meshes with Spielberg's own vision of rules and systems as markers for competence and proofs of professional merit, of rule-breakers disregarding the constraints of systems mainly to make up for their own inadequacies.

The New Yorker

He went on to rubbish the idea of a "smoking gun" and said that the special clause was "to protect itself against exactly the kind of meritless claims Norex is bringing".. Privately BP executives dismissed the Norex documents as old material and pointed to previous failed attempts to bring legal action in the US against TNK as proof of their lack of merit.

The Guardian - Business

That this comparison was as likely to be invoked by supporters of Quinn's as by those of de Blasio may be proof of its improbable merits.

The New Yorker

"This may be attributable to injustices in the system, or lack of merit or proof of the alleged wrongdoing," Professor Thornton said.

The New York Times

He and Richard Savage, his protege, made a habit of vagrant conversations in which they invoked nightwalking as proof of their status as "men of merit without riches".

The Guardian - Books

A third competition was also under way, this one closer to home, in products to enhance the everyday life of the average citizen as the ultimate proof of a country's merits.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proof of merit", ensure that the evidence provided clearly and directly supports the claimed merit, avoiding ambiguity or indirect connections.

Common error

Avoid presenting subjective opinions or weak indicators as definitive "proof of merit". Instead, rely on quantifiable achievements, verifiable skills, or recognized credentials.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proof of merit" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to denote tangible evidence or confirmation of one's qualifications or deserving attributes. As seen in Ludwig, it highlights the validation or demonstration of value within a specific context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proof of merit" serves as a strong phrase to indicate evidence that validates someone's worth or qualifications. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound but rare in usage. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When deploying this phrase, writers should ensure that the evidence cited genuinely demonstrates the merit in question, avoiding subjective claims. Alternatives such as "evidence of capability", "validation of worthiness", and "demonstration of competence" can offer nuanced options depending on the intended message. Overall, while not exceedingly common, "proof of merit" is a useful and precise phrase for contexts where validation of skills or achievements is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evidence of capability

Focuses on demonstrating the ability to perform effectively.

validation of worthiness

Emphasizes the act of confirming someone's deserving qualities.

demonstration of competence

Highlights the display of necessary skills and knowledge.

attestation of qualification

Stresses a formal declaration of meeting required standards.

confirmation of eligibility

Highlights that someone fulfills necessary prerequisites.

credentials of achievement

Emphasizes prior accomplishments as evidence of merit.

testament to skill

Focuses on skills being proven.

corroboration of aptitude

Highlights the verification of natural talent or ability.

substantiation of value

Focuses on proving the inherent worth of someone or something.

affirmation of talent

Highlights recognition and support of someone's natural abilities.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to using "proof of merit"?

You can use alternatives like "evidence of capability", "validation of worthiness", or "demonstration of competence" depending on the context.

How can I use "proof of merit" in a sentence?

You might say, "The scholarship committee requires applicants to submit "proof of merit" to be considered".

Is "proof of merit" the same as "grounds of merit"?

Not quite. "Proof of merit" refers to concrete evidence demonstrating someone's worth or qualifications, while "grounds of merit" refers to the basis or reasons why someone is considered deserving.

What kind of documentation can serve as "proof of merit"?

Examples could include certifications, awards, performance reviews, or published works, depending on the field or context.