something legitimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something legitimate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an item, idea, or action that is valid, acceptable, or authorized. Example: "We need to find something legitimate to support our claims in the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

There was the kernel of something legitimate in what he was trying to say, but it came out wrong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is something legitimate in mourning Smarty Jones's defeat, but the blow to romanticism is largely an exaggerated result of the sport's need to fill excessive broadcast time.

The New York Times - Sports

Should Baltimore be able to pull something legitimate off (a bigger splash than Scott Feldman) they'll have a legitimate shot at re-joining the AL elite in 2014.

The Guardian - Sport

Storytelling is a totalitarian exercise, but if you want a shot at doing something legitimate, you have to do the work".

The New York Times

He was on to something legitimate when, in his 20s during the early '60s, he took the ambitions of the rapidly maturing music of the rock generation as a challenge to produce ambitious criticism.

The New York Times - Books

Pressed by Mr. Peskanov to play something "legitimate," Mr. Eggar said from the stage, he took up a tenor violin for a cheeky account of Paganini's Variations on One String.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"He wanted proof that the person asking for something was legitimate, that the cause was worthwhile".

The New York Times

Both sides are offering something of legitimate value — from the workplace, experience and connections; from colleges, credits that lead to degrees — even as they also help their bottom lines.

The New York Times

For them, there is something fully legitimate about taking the traditional sense of branding and reversing it: instead of dreaming up ideas to attach to products, they are starting with ideas and then dreaming up the products to express them.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It grew into something somewhat legitimate.

BBC

"I've talked to parents who've had very direct experience of this happening, where the children were looking for something totally legitimate but ended up with, you know, some pretty horrible things in front of them and so this is a problem and that's why this whole issue of filters and filters for the internet are so important".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking to convey the sense of validity or authorization, use "something legitimate" to add weight to your argument or statement. For example, "We need to find "something legitimate" to prove our claim."

Common error

Avoid using "something legitimate" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "a valid basis" or "an authorized procedure" for enhanced clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something legitimate" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It describes a thing, idea, or action that is considered valid, acceptable, or authorized. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across diverse contexts, from news reports to personal opinions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something legitimate" is a versatile phrase used to describe items, ideas, or actions that are valid, authorized, or acceptable. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently encountered in news, media, and general writing contexts. When writing, consider the level of formality required by your audience and choose a more precise alternative if necessary. While common, avoiding overuse will ensure its impact when you need to convey validity or authorisation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something valid

Focuses on the validity or soundness of the item or action.

something authentic

Emphasizes the genuineness and lack of falsification.

something justified

Highlights the righteousness or defensibility of the item or action.

something bona fide

Uses a more formal term to indicate good faith and authenticity.

something permissible

Indicates that the item or action is allowed or authorized.

something lawful

Highlights the adherence to laws and regulations.

something sanctioned

Implies official approval or authorization.

something allowable

Suggests that the item or action is within acceptable bounds.

something rightful

Emphasizes the just or equitable nature of the item or action.

something kosher

An informal way of saying something is acceptable or genuine.

FAQs

How can I use "something legitimate" in a sentence?

You can use "something legitimate" to refer to a valid item, idea, or action. For example, "The investigation needs "something legitimate" to justify the search warrant."

What are some alternatives to "something legitimate"?

Alternatives include "something valid", "something authentic", or "something justified", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "something valid" or "something legitimate"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "something legitimate" implies authorization or legality, while "something valid" simply suggests soundness or correctness. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

How formal is the phrase "something legitimate"?

The phrase "something legitimate" is generally considered neutral in formality. It's suitable for a wide range of contexts, but highly formal or academic settings might benefit from more precise vocabulary.