sheer privilege

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheer privilege" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has an unearned advantage or benefit, often in a context discussing social issues or inequalities. Example: "He was able to attend the best schools and travel the world, all due to sheer privilege."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The sheer privilege and almost disbelief at seeing Mr. Robards from second row center was magic.

The New York Times

It's a sheer privilege to tap into some great laughs from some fantastic books".

The Guardian

The movie targets viewers who want to be kidded into believing in their own sophistication by the sheer privilege of having been born later, flattered into belief in their own progressiveness because of their greater fund of knowledge, because of their awareness — or, rather, belief, as reinforced in a movie such as "Brooklyn" — in the mentally impoverished naïveté of the modern past.

The New Yorker

Comic and broadcaster Mel Giedroyc, another of this year's judges, said it was a "sheer privilege to tap into [the] fantastic books" nominated.

BBC

The truth is, I don't believe in that line or label, and I actually feel that emotionally, I have become more of a "man" out of the sheer privilege of identifying with others than the physical toll life has taken.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Fleming, Mr. Winder writes, was a decaying remnant of the defunct British Empire — a "cynical upper-class waster" and "banal philandering toff," who was raised with "sheer imbecile levels of privilege" and wrote his fantasies of Bond to stroke his own ego.

The New York Times

"When I got past [So You Think] it was sheer joy - it was a privilege to be in such a great race.

BBC

Furthermore, we think that the sheer scale of Radio 2's audience alongside the privilege of licence fee funding gives the BBC an opportunity to raise the bar of distinctiveness even further.

The Guardian

Trump's "incredible cocoon of privilege and ego... blinds him to the sheer horror of his statements in defense of Mr. Porter," Rather said.

Huffington Post

Playing there is such a privilege — not only for professional reputation but also for the sheer pleasure of playing extra-long sets in a wild and tasteful place — that no one wants to be subject to a Hausverbot.

The New Yorker

I have had the privilege of working with many of these painters and can assure you, the dedication, the sheer amount of hours this group spends painting would probably strike you as unbelievable.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing societal issues, use "sheer privilege" to highlight how certain individuals or groups benefit from advantages that are not equally accessible to others.

Common error

Avoid attributing someone's accomplishments solely to "sheer privilege" without acknowledging their hard work or talent. Acknowledge the role of privilege, but also recognize individual effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer privilege" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "sheer" acts as an adjective intensifying the noun "privilege". It is used to describe a situation or condition of unearned advantage stemming from social, economic, or other factors. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer privilege" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase employed to denote unearned advantage. While its frequency is rare, primarily appearing within news and media contexts, it serves the communicative purpose of critiquing inequalities. Ludwig AI has confirmed the validity of this term, further reinforcing its appropriate usage in formal, analytical discussions. Alternatives like "unadulterated advantage", "pure advantage", or "absolute advantage" can be used depending on the context. Remember to acknowledge the role of privilege without dismissing individual effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sheer advantage

This alternative focuses on the simple, unqualified nature of the advantage.

unadulterated advantage

This alternative emphasizes the pure and unmixed nature of the advantage.

pure advantage

This option stresses the unmixed and absolute quality of the advantage.

undiluted advantage

This phrase highlights that the advantage is not lessened or weakened in any way.

absolute advantage

This option conveys the complete and unrestricted nature of the advantage.

unmitigated advantage

This highlights the advantage without any reduction or lessening of its impact.

unquestioned entitlement

This option underlines that the entitlement is accepted without challenge or doubt.

complete entitlement

This alternative emphasizes the comprehensive and unquestionable nature of the entitlement.

unadulterated entitlement

Here the focus is on the purity and genuineness of the entitlement.

pure entitlement

This option emphasizes the simplicity and unmixed nature of the entitlement.

FAQs

How can I use "sheer privilege" in a sentence?

You can use "sheer privilege" to describe a situation where someone benefits from advantages not available to others, such as "His access to elite education was due to "sheer privilege"".

What's a good alternative to "sheer privilege"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives such as "unadulterated advantage", "pure advantage", or "absolute advantage".

Is it correct to say someone has "sheer privilege"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe the concept of unearned advantages. Ludwig AI also confirms its validity. Examples in news and media showcase its appropriate usage.

How does "sheer privilege" differ from "hard-earned success"?

"Sheer privilege" implies advantages gained without personal effort, whereas "hard-earned success" signifies achievements resulting from dedication and work. They represent opposing concepts in the context of achievement and opportunity.