eligible to vs Eligible for

Both are commonly used in English, but are used in different contexts. 'Eligible to' is used when referring to the ability or permission to do something, while 'eligible for' refers to meeting the requirements for something. Therefore, the choice between 'eligible to' and 'eligible for' depends on the specific context in which they're used.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 14, 2025 • 5795 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"eligible to"

Use 'eligible to' when referring to the ability or permission to do something. For example, 'You are eligible to apply for the scholarship.'

Examples:

You are eligible to participate in the competition.
She is eligible to vote in the election.
He is eligible to receive financial aid.
They are eligible to join the club.
The students are eligible to take the exam.

Show examples from the web [+]

The UK will remove this exemption once non-GB generators are eligible to apply for CfDs.
Candidate volunteers who have been identified and selected in accordance with Article 11 shall be eligible to participate in the training programme implemented by qualified organisations.
To maintain legal certainty, the countries eligible to participate in tenders relating to actions carried out under this Regulation must be defined.
Individuals and public bodies are not eligible to apply for this call.
Only the costs indicated in Annex II shall be eligible to the contribution.
Impairment losses on GGBs and loans eligible to PSI
Furthermore, pursuant to Council Decision 2001/822/EC [5], overseas countries and territories are eligible to participate in the Programme.
The following countries are eligible to take part in the workshop:
All suppliers should be eligible to ensure universal service.
You're not eligible to fight with me.
BAWAG-PSK is therefore eligible to rescue and/or restructuring aid according to paragraph 13 of the guidelines.
All commercial biodiesel producers were eligible to participate, provided they followed the application and reporting procedures described above.
All users of mineral oils were eligible to apply for reimbursement.
However, you're not eligible to withdraw until your 21st birthday.
So anyone eligible to donate blood should see me.
Ray Tatom was deemed eligible to play in last week's game.
Your daughter is eligible to get education
Once I turn 18, I'm eligible to know.
Only applicants legally established in one of the Programme Countries are eligible to apply.
Natural persons are not eligible to apply for a grant under this Programme.

Alternatives:

able to
permitted to
entitled to
qualified to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"Eligible for"

Use 'eligible for' when referring to meeting the requirements for something. For example, 'She is eligible for the scholarship.'

Examples:

He is eligible for promotion.
They are eligible for a discount.
She is eligible for a grant.
The students are eligible for the award.
You are eligible for membership.

Show examples from the web [+]

Millions of Uninsured in California - Many are Eligible for Coverage
Eligible for EU guarantee shall be EIB loans and loan guarantees for investment projects carried out in countries covered by this Decision, granted in accordance with the EIB's own rules and procedures
Eligible for State aid expenditure satisfies the requirements laid down in points 2 and 2(2) of Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 2792/1999.
Foreign companies and secondary lines are not eligible for inclusion.
Not all residents are eligible for all benefits.
Increased relative share of successful applications from MS eligible for capacity building.
Interventions related to private housing however are not eligible for co-financing.
Dual class shares are not eligible for inclusion.
There are 74,400 officially registered unemployed working age, of which 34,400 are eligible for unemployment benefits.
Eligible for parole in 18 months.
Who is Eligible for a Hungarian Pension?
Who is Eligible for Unemployment in Sofia?
Eligible for heaven: men, women, children and apes who use sign language.
Eligible for the scholarship are USI Alumni admitted to the Executive Master in Business Administration (EMBA) at USI, who make a specific request for the scholarship.
4. Eligible for the Community participation under this action shall be the expenses actually paid by the final beneficiary from 1 July 2001. The deadline for eligibility of the expenditure is fixed at 31 December 2003.
It has therefore taken a stand in favor of Merkel concerning the reception of asylum seekers in Europe, but at the same time calls for a strengthening of checks at the borders of the Schengen area and the return of migrants who are not Eligible for asylum.
it belongs to a variety listed in a national catalogue of a Member State or in the OECD List of Varieties Eligible for the Seed Certification;
Requirements for systems other than those with innovative features and concentration Eligible for incentive rates photovoltaic systems meet the following requirements:
Eligible for other discounts provided by Superfast ferries? ... no worries as the early booking discount can be combined with all other offers!
Apparently I'm eligible for unprecedented savings.

Alternatives:

qualified for
suitable for
entitled to
fit for

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eligible to vs Eligible for

"eligible to"

"Eligible for"

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