Even merely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Even merely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a minimal or insignificant action or condition, often to highlight that even the smallest effort or instance is noteworthy. Example: "Even merely suggesting the idea sparked a lively discussion among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even merely at an environmental level, boys appear to suffer more from asthma, exposure to lead, insecticides and plasticisers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even merely smiling or saying "good morning!" to someone can pick your mood up.

Huffington Post

He did not just look good, or even merely exceptional.

The Guardian - Sport

And there is not even merely one kind of multiverse but four, described in detail!

Independent

I wanted to prevent myself from becoming merely a Negro; or, even, merely a Negro writer.

The New Yorker

Mr. Pretor-Pinney resists the idea that cloudspotting is merely funny, or even merely fun.

The New York Times - Science

It seemed defiantly, even merely contrarian, in terms of art-world fashion.

The New Yorker

Songs about islands, or even merely composed on islands, were fair game.

The New York Times

Where democratic institutions — or even merely transparent processes — don't exist, the lure to corruption is powerful.

The New York Times - Magazine

With this in mind, Babbage wonders seriously whether getting a university degree, even merely a baccalaureate, is worth it nowadays.

The Economist

Those who found sex with their partners "extremely pleasurable" or even merely "satisfying" had a higher risk than others.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Even merely" to underscore that even the smallest action or consideration can have a significant impact or relevance in a given situation.

Common error

Avoid using "Even merely" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or overly emphatic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "just" or "simply" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even merely" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding emphasis to a statement by highlighting that something is true even in a minimal or insignificant sense. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English, and examples show it used to underscore a minimal action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "even merely" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize the significance of a minimal action or condition. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, the phrase is relatively rare. It appears in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic sources, maintaining a neutral register. When writing, use "even merely" to highlight the surprising relevance of something seemingly insignificant, but be mindful of overuse and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Even just

Emphasizes simplicity and ease, implying minimal effort required.

Even simply

Highlights the uncomplicated nature of the action or condition.

Even only

Focuses on the singularity or exclusiveness of the action.

Merely

Directly indicates that something is nothing more than what is stated.

Even in the slightest

Emphasizes that something is applicable even in the smallest degree.

Even remotely

Suggests a distant or improbable connection or possibility.

Even a little

Highlights a small amount or degree of something.

Even by a hair

Stresses the narrowness of a margin or difference.

At the very least

Highlights the minimum requirement or expectation.

If only

Implies that a single condition or action is sufficient for a desired outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "Even merely" in a sentence?

You can use "Even merely" to emphasize that even the smallest action or instance is sufficient or noteworthy. For example, "Even merely suggesting the idea sparked a lively discussion."

What phrases are similar to "Even merely"?

Alternatives to "Even merely" include "even just", "even simply", or "merely", each providing a slightly different nuance to the emphasis.

Is it redundant to use "Even merely" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "Even merely" can sometimes sound redundant. Consider whether the "even" adds significant emphasis or if a simpler word like "merely" would suffice.

What's the difference between "Even merely" and "Just"?

"Just" implies simplicity and directness, while "Even merely" adds an extra layer of emphasis, suggesting that the action or condition is minimal yet still important. You could say "Just suggesting the idea" or "Even merely suggesting the idea" depending on if you want to add that emphasis.