to deserve this

USAGE SUMMARY

"to deserve this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that someone has earned something through their own efforts or merits. For example, "She works incredibly hard and has really gone above and beyond what is expected of her - she truly deserves this reward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What did I do to deserve this?

The New York Times

He did nothing to deserve this".

The New York Times

What has Shearer done to deserve this?

Independent

What did we do to deserve this?

The New York Times

What had he done to deserve this?

The New Yorker

They did nothing to deserve this hell.

The Guardian

I didn't do anything to deserve this.

The Guardian

What did Assange do to deserve this?

The Guardian - Opinion

We did nothing to deserve this".

The New York Times

What have we done to deserve this?

The Guardian - Opinion

What had she done to deserve this?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to deserve this" to express a sense of justice, whether in response to positive or negative circumstances. Ensure that the context clearly establishes what actions or qualities warrant the outcome being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "to deserve this" without a clear link to the actions or circumstances that justify the outcome. Ensure the connection is logical and supported by evidence to avoid misrepresenting cause and effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to deserve this" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It expresses the idea that something is warranted or justified based on prior actions, qualities, or circumstances. As Ludwig AI explains, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to deserve this" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express whether an outcome is warranted based on prior actions or qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it often conveys a sense of justice, surprise, or questioning. When using this phrase, ensure a clear connection exists between the actions and the outcome to avoid misattribution. Consider alternatives like "to warrant this" or "to merit this" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to warrant this

Focuses on whether actions justify or call for a specific consequence.

to merit this

Highlights whether someone's qualities or actions make them worthy of something.

to be worthy of this

Emphasizes deservingness based on inherent qualities or actions.

to be entitled to this

Suggests a right or legitimate claim to something, often based on effort or position.

to have earned this

Directly states that something has been gained through effort or action.

to have a right to this

Indicates a justified claim, often legal or moral, to possess or receive something.

to be justified in receiving this

Emphasizes the fairness or righteousness of receiving something.

to have brought this upon oneself

Highlights personal responsibility for a negative consequence.

to have asked for this

Suggests that actions have directly led to an inevitable, often undesirable, outcome.

to be responsible for this

Attributes cause and accountability for a particular outcome or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "to deserve this" in a sentence?

You can use "to deserve this" to express that someone's actions or qualities warrant a particular outcome. For example, "After all her hard work, she truly "deserved this" promotion."

What is a good alternative for "to deserve this"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "to warrant this", "to merit this", or "to be worthy of this".

Which is correct, "to deserve this" or "deserving of this"?

Both "to deserve this" and "deserving of this" are correct, but they function differently. "To deserve this" is a verb phrase expressing the act of meriting something, while "deserving of this" is an adjective phrase describing someone or something as worthy. For example, "He "deserved this" award" versus "He is "deserving of this" award."

What does it mean when someone says, "What did I do to deserve this?"?

It usually expresses a feeling of being unfairly burdened or punished, questioning why they are experiencing a negative situation. It implies that they believe they have not acted in a way that warrants the hardship.