Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Chan-Seung Lee]

Which one is correct in the following examples?
Can you tell me the reason for the correct example?

1) I don't think he deserves the prize.

2) I don't think he merits the prize.

Thanks.

[MrPedantic]

Hello CSL

If you "deserve" a prize, you have done something which makes a prize appropriate.

If you "merit" a prize, you have a particular quality which makes a prize appropriate.

Here are some examples:

1. You deserve a reward for all your hard work. (He has done something for which a reward is appropriate.)

2. He doesn't merit a place in the team. (He isn't a good enough footballer for the team.)

3. He doesn't deserve a place in the team. (He hasn't played very well lately.)

However, many native speakers would see little or no difference between "deserve" and "merit".

MrP