Even a mere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Even a mere" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the insignificance or minimal nature of something in comparison to a larger context. Example: "Even a mere suggestion can lead to significant changes in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Even a mere Under-Secretary-General has the authority to order fleets of warships, squadrons of planes, and teams of crack commandos into action.

The New Yorker

Even a mere 10 seconds of this song makes me want to set fire to the recording studio it was created in, or better yet, go back in time and prevent humanity from inventing musical instruments.

The Guardian - Music

Even a mere 5percentt drop in the value of those holdings could dent the scant $15 million equity cushion the company has before it would have to invade its minimum capital mandated by regulation.

The New York Times

Even a mere innovative approach to data visualization, for example, can help to see the benefits of the given data from a completely new perspective.

Data Science and Engineering

Even a mere rating downgrade of Ukraine a few days ago had a shocking effect on financial markets in Emerging Europe--and even in the E.U.

Forbes

Even a mere picture with the girls  comes at a price.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

He was comforting even through a mere television set.

The New York Times

But even at a mere 18 tonnes, Apatosaurus would still have been an awesome sight.

The Economist

EVEN at a mere three months' distance, Bill Clinton's first term has acquired the aura of a golden age.

The Economist

Even as a mere spectacle, it's absolutely breathtaking and a fitting finale for a strange, immense and unforgettable event.

The Guardian - Travel

By the early 00s, "creative destruction" had caught on, and even I, a mere digital consumer, knew enough to short Kodak stock.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even a mere" to emphasize that something has an effect or significance despite being small or seemingly unimportant. This can add persuasive power to your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "even a mere" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "just a" or "only a" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even a mere" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the surprisingly impactful nature of something small or insignificant. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage. It typically precedes a noun, highlighting its minimal quality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "even a mere" is a grammatically correct intensifier used to emphasize that something has an impact despite being small or seemingly insignificant. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across various contexts. While it is more common in news and media, science, and academic writing, overuse in informal contexts can sound stilted. Consider simpler alternatives like "just a" or "only a" for casual conversations. Remember that this phrase highlights the surprisingly impactful nature of something minimal, thus adding persuasive weight to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Even the smallest

Emphasizes the minimal size, implying that even at its smallest, it has an impact.

Just a simple

Replaces "even a mere" with an emphasis on simplicity and lack of complication.

Only a slight

Focuses on the small degree or extent of something.

Barely a

Stresses that something almost doesn't exist or is at a very low level.

A tiny

Uses a more informal and direct term to indicate smallness.

Merely a

A more formal alternative, stressing the bare minimum.

Even a hint of

Focuses on a slight indication or suggestion of something.

A negligible

Highlights that something is so small it's practically insignificant.

Simply a

Similar to 'just a', but can sometimes imply a sense of belittling.

Just a touch of

Highlights a small amount or degree of something, suitable for describing flavors or qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "even a mere" in a sentence?

Use "even a mere" to emphasize that something seemingly insignificant still has an impact. For example, "Even a mere suggestion can lead to significant changes."

What are some alternatives to "even a mere"?

You can use alternatives like "just a simple", "only a slight", or "even the smallest" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "even a mere"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that even something small or insignificant can have a noticeable effect or consequence. It is suitable in formal writing but can sound stilted in casual speech.

Is "even a mere" considered formal or informal language?

The phrase "even a mere" leans towards the more formal side, better suited for academic writing, news reports, or business communications, but can be replaced by alternative phrases for more informal writing.