In English, the verb ‘entitle’ is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It generally means to give someone a right or claim to something, or to assign a title to a book, topic, or piece of work. Understanding how to properly use this word in a sentence can improve your communication skills, especially in professional or academic writing. This topic will explore the different uses of the word entitle and provide various example sentences that demonstrate its meaning in context.
Understanding the Meaning of ‘Entitle’
Primary Definitions
The verb ‘entitle’ has two primary meanings:
- To give someone the right to do or have something.
- To assign a name or title to a work, such as a book or film.
These definitions are applicable in many situations. When used in legal, academic, or administrative settings, the word often refers to rights or privileges. In literary or creative fields, it refers to naming or labeling something formally.
Examples of ‘Entitle’ Used in Sentences
Using ‘Entitle’ to Indicate a Right
Here are several examples of how ‘entitle’ is used to express a person’s right or claim to something:
- Employees who work more than 40 hours a week are entitled to overtime pay.
- You are entitled to a full refund if the product arrives damaged.
- All citizens are entitled to equal protection under the law.
- Her disability entitles her to receive monthly support from the government.
- As a premium member, you are entitled to early access to new content.
In all these examples, the verb entitle gives the subject permission or a rightful claim to a benefit, privilege, or resource.
Using ‘Entitle’ to Assign a Title
The second common usage of the word refers to naming a piece of work. Below are some sample sentences:
- The author entitled her latest novel ‘A Journey Through Time.’
- This documentary is entitled ‘Voices of the Earth.’
- He wrote a research paper entitled ‘The Effects of Climate Change on Marine Life.’
- The painting was entitled ‘Sunset Over the Mountains’ by the artist herself.
- The album, entitled ‘Dreamscape,’ explores themes of memory and fantasy.
In these examples, ‘entitle’ is used in a creative context where a name or label is assigned to a specific work. It is more formal than simply saying ‘called’ or ‘named.’
Common Mistakes When Using ‘Entitle’
Confusing ‘Entitle’ with ‘Title’ or ‘Name’
Many people use the word ‘entitle’ when they mean ‘title’ or ‘name.’ While related, these words have subtle differences in usage:
- Correct: She is entitled to maternity leave by company policy.
- Incorrect: She is titled to maternity leave.
Also, some people incorrectly use ‘entitled’ when simply referring to a name:
- Correct: The book is entitled ‘Lost in the City.’
- Acceptable alternative: The book is called ‘Lost in the City.’
- Incorrect: The book is entitle ‘Lost in the City.’
Overusing in Casual Speech
In informal contexts, using ‘entitled’ can sound overly formal. For example:
- Formal: You are entitled to an extra day off this month.
- Casual: You can take an extra day off this month.
While both are grammatically correct, the second may sound more natural in everyday conversations.
Additional Example Sentences for Practice
Sentences Using ‘Entitle’ in Legal or Business Contexts
- Under the agreement, the contractor is entitled to receive payment within 30 days of completion.
- The shareholders are entitled to vote on major company decisions.
- According to labor laws, workers are entitled to at least one day off per week.
- Each participant is entitled to a certificate of completion at the end of the course.
- She was entitled to damages due to the breach of contract.
Sentences Using ‘Entitle’ in Creative or Academic Contexts
- The thesis is entitled ‘Digital Marketing Strategies in the Post-Pandemic World.’
- The documentary, entitled ‘Voices of Resistance,’ was released in over 20 countries.
- He published an topic entitled ‘Mental Health in the Workplace.’
- The song entitled ‘Forever Young’ became an instant hit.
- The professor wrote a book entitled ‘Philosophy of the Mind.’
Why Learning to Use ‘Entitle’ Matters
Clarity in Communication
Understanding how to use ‘entitle’ properly helps ensure your meaning is clear, especially in formal writing or speech. Whether you are explaining someone’s rights or referring to a title of a work, using this word appropriately shows command of the language.
Professional and Academic Utility
The word is frequently used in legal documents, academic writing, business correspondence, and government forms. Learning how to construct a sentence with ‘entitle’ is useful in job applications, research papers, and formal reports.
The word ‘entitle’ plays an important role in English, both in conveying rights and in naming works. By studying its definitions and reviewing various sentence examples, you can improve your vocabulary and writing precision. Whether you are preparing for an exam, writing an essay, or simply aiming to sound more professional, knowing how to make a sentence with ‘entitle’ will add value to your communication skills. Keep practicing with different sentence structures and scenarios to master its use effectively.