What Does “Entitle sb to sth” Mean?
“Entitle sb to sth” means giving someone the legal or official right to have or do something.
Introduction
The phrase “entitle sb to sth” is commonly used in English to express that a person has the right or claim to receive something, often because of a rule, law, contract, or situation. Understanding the entitle sb to sth meaning helps learners use this phrase correctly in both spoken and written English. It often appears in formal contexts such as legal documents, workplace policies, or official communications, but it can also be used in everyday conversations. For example, if you buy a ticket, you are entitled to enter the event. This phrase connects a person (“sb” means somebody) with a specific right or benefit (“sth” means something).
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: entitle somebody to something
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to give someone the right to have or do something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Entitle” is a transitive verb and is usually followed by an indirect object (somebody) and a direct object (something).
- Pattern: entitle + somebody + to + something
- Example: The ticket entitles you to free entry.
- This phrasal verb is inseparable. You cannot separate “entitle” from “to”.
How to Use “Entitle sb to sth”?
Use “entitle sb to sth” when you want to say that a person has a right or claim to something, usually based on rules, laws, or agreements. It is often used with rights, benefits, privileges, or permissions.
For example:
- Employees are entitled to paid vacation.
- Owning a membership card entitles you to discounts.
Examples
Here are some examples of “entitle sb to sth” in real sentences to help you understand how it works.
- Buying this product entitles you to a two-year warranty.
- His years of service entitle him to a pension.
- Students are entitled to use the library facilities for free.
- The coupon entitles the holder to a 10% discount on all items.
- Being a member entitles you to attend exclusive events.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse the structure or misuse the phrase. Here are some common errors and how to correct them.
- Incorrect: The ticket entitles to you free entry.
Correct: The ticket entitles you to free entry. - Incorrect: She is entitled for a refund.
Correct: She is entitled to a refund. - Incorrect: Entitle him with the right.
Correct: Entitle him to the right.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases like “give sb the right to” or “authorize sb to” are close in meaning but slightly different in usage.
- Entitle sb to sth focuses on having a legal or official right.
- Authorize sb to sth emphasizes permission granted by an authority.
- Give sb the right to sth is more informal and broad.
For example, “The law entitles citizens to vote” means it is a right guaranteed by law, while “The manager authorized him to sign documents” means permission was given.
Common Collocations
The verb “entitle” often collocates with words related to rights, benefits, or privileges. Here are some common combinations:
- Entitle sb to compensation – the right to receive payment.
- Entitle sb to a refund – the right to get money back.
- Entitle sb to benefits – the right to receive advantages.
- Entitle sb to free access – the right to enter or use something without payment.
- Entitle sb to a pension – the right to receive retirement payments.
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “entitle sb to sth” naturally:
Anna: Does my membership entitle me to free parking?
John: Yes, it does. Members are entitled to free parking anytime.
Anna: Great! That will save me a lot of money.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “entitle sb to sth”.
- Buying a ticket ______ you ______ entry to the concert.
- Employees who work more than five years ______ ______ paid vacation.
- The warranty ______ the customer ______ free repairs.
FAQs
- What does “entitle sb to sth” mean? It means to give someone the right to have or do something.
- Is “entitle sb to sth” formal or informal? It is mostly used in formal or official contexts.
- Can I separate “entitle” and “to”? No, “entitle” and “to” are inseparable in this phrase.
- What is the difference between “entitle” and “authorize”? “Entitle” means having a right, while “authorize” means giving permission.
- Can “entitle” be used with pronouns? Yes, for example: “This card entitles you to discounts.”
