to be eligible for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to be eligible for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is dependent on specific criteria or requirements being met. For example, "In order to be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I considered converting, so as to be eligible for sainthood.

The New Yorker

Today is the deadline for teams to add players to be eligible for the postseason roster.

The New York Times - Sports

Between 160 and 320 are thought to be eligible for a bionic eye operation.

The Guardian

Users may present too late to be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV transmission".

The Guardian

A team must win six games to be eligible for bowls.

The New York Times - Sports

But she needed the union hours to be eligible for her health insurance.

The New York Times

A bill still must navigate the committee process to be eligible for such a vote, though.

The New York Times

Gymnasts must turn 16 during the Olympic year to be eligible for the Games.

The Guardian - Sport

Sasaki, 34, was going to be eligible for free agency after this season.

The New York Times - Sports

Now he is likely to be eligible for all the major championships next season.

The Guardian - Sport

To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, a player must be retired for five seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the criteria for eligibility are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about who or what qualifies and under which conditions.

Common error

Avoid vague statements of eligibility. Instead of saying "Many are eligible", specify the exact conditions that determine who qualifies. For instance, state "To be eligible for the program, applicants must reside in the state for at least one year".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be eligible for" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adjective. It modifies a noun or pronoun, specifying the requirements or conditions needed to attain a certain status, benefit, or position. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be eligible for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to define the conditions one must meet to qualify for something. As noted by Ludwig, it is indeed correct. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and business contexts, its usage ranges from neutral to formal. For clarity in your writing, always precisely define the criteria for eligibility to ensure your audience understands the requirements. Consider using synonyms like "to qualify for" or "to meet the requirements for" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to meet the requirements for

Directly addresses the act of fulfilling necessary conditions.

to qualify for

Focuses more on meeting specific qualifications or criteria.

to be entitled to

Emphasizes having a right or claim to something.

to be considered for

Highlights the process of evaluation and assessment.

to be in line for

Suggests being in a position to receive something.

to be acceptable for

Suggests meeting a standard or level of approval.

to be permitted to

Indicates having permission or authorization.

to have access to

Implies possessing the means or opportunity.

to gain access to

Focuses on obtaining entry or availability.

to be appropriate for

Highlights the suitability or fitness for a particular purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "to be eligible for" in a sentence?

Use "to be eligible for" to describe the requirements someone or something must meet in order to qualify for something. For example, "Applicants must have a master's degree "to be eligible for" the program".

What can I say instead of "to be eligible for"?

You can use alternatives like "to qualify for", "to be entitled to", or "to meet the requirements for depending on the context.

Which is correct, "to be eligible for" or "to become eligible for"?

"To be eligible for" describes the state of meeting requirements, while "to become eligible for" describes the process of meeting those requirements over time. Both are correct depending on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "to be eligible for" and "to be qualified for"?

"To be eligible for" often refers to meeting specific criteria or conditions, while "to be qualified for" often refers to possessing the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience.