to be deserving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be deserving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing whether someone or something is worthy of a particular quality, reward, or recognition. Example: "She worked tirelessly for the community, and she is truly deserving of this award."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

In such contexts, we may want to know (a) who is the deserver; (b) what the deserver is said to deserve; (c) upon what basis the deserver is said to be deserving of that desert; (d) from whom the deserver is said to be deserving.

SEP

The client complained "with such vehemence as to be deserving of further inquiry," Justice Carruthers said.

The New York Times

They've got to be deserving — a word that means a different thing depending on the night.

The New Yorker

Michael Apted's Up series aside, it's an unprecedented piece of art, and emotionally rich enough to be deserving of multiple Oscars.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Gephardt and Mr. Clay said, "Judge Ronnie White is a qualified and accomplished jurist who continues to be deserving of an appointment to the federal bench".

The New York Times

If anybody in the world could be said to be deserving of 161 million quid, which of course they can't, because the whole thing is completely and utterly bonkers, it's the Weirs of Largs.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

A. One, it needs to be deserved.

The New York Times

The people who can't afford to be deserve to be a little more protected".

BBC

Start giving the appropriate credit to whom it is deserved.

WikiHow

Two things are deserved to be mentioned.

Boundary Value Problems

This attention appears to be well deserved.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be deserving", ensure that the object or quality being deserved is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "to be deserving of praise" rather than just "to be deserving".

Common error

Avoid assuming that you are entitled to something based on superficial qualities or without demonstrating actual merit. People are not "to be deserving" without concrete actions or contributions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be deserving" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adjective complement describing a noun or pronoun. Ludwig examples show it expressing qualification or suitability. It clarifies the grounds upon which someone or something merits a particular treatment or outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be deserving" is a commonly used infinitive phrase that indicates someone or something warrants a particular outcome due to their qualities, actions, or characteristics. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting into various contexts from news reporting to academic discourse. While "to be deserving" is widely accepted, being clear about what one is deserving of enhances the phrase's impact. Knowing alternative phrases, like "to be worthy of", allows for more nuanced expression. This phrase, while seemingly simple, carries considerable weight in discussions of merit, justice, and recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be worthy of

This phrase explicitly includes "of", emphasizing the object or quality for which someone is considered deserving.

to have earned

This emphasizes the effort or actions taken to deserve something, focusing on achievement.

to merit

This alternative uses a single verb to convey the idea of earning or warranting something, simplifying the expression.

to be justified in receiving

This conveys the act of legitimately receiving something, linked to "to be deserving".

to warrant

A more formal term indicating justification or entitlement to something.

to be entitled to

This suggests a legal or moral right to something, adding a layer of obligation.

to have a right to

This emphasizes the moral and legal validity that could be linked to "to be deserving".

to be qualified for

This suggests meeting the necessary criteria or requirements, focusing on competence.

to be suitable for

This indicates appropriateness or fitness for a particular purpose or role.

to rate

A concise way of expressing that something or someone is valued at a certain level or deserves a specific consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "to be deserving" in a sentence?

You can use "to be deserving" to indicate that someone or something merits a particular reward, quality, or recognition. For example, "She worked tirelessly for the community, and she is truly "to be deserving" of this award".

What are some alternatives to "to be deserving"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to be worthy of", "to merit", or "to warrant", which all convey a similar sense of earning or deserving something.

Is it always necessary to specify what someone is "to be deserving" of?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what someone is "to be deserving" of provides clarity and avoids ambiguity. It makes your writing more precise and impactful. For example, specify "to be deserving of praise" rather than just stating someone is "to be deserving".

What's the difference between "to be deserving" and "to be entitled to"?

"To be deserving" suggests earning something through merit or effort, while "to be entitled to" implies a legal or moral right, regardless of effort. One is earned, the other is a conferred right.