a mere connection

USAGE SUMMARY

'a mere connection' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the minimal type of relationship that two parties may have with each other. For example: "He was only a mere connection to me, so I had no connection to his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

His message is clear: this is not about one Pope; it's part of a Catholic tradition of seeing the earth as a sacrament and recognizing a "covenant" (not a mere connection) between human beings and nature.

The New Yorker

This was supposed to become more than a mere connection to the Internet.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The very transformation of the seventeen-year-old Gatz into Gatsby, "in the service of a vast, vulgar, and meretricious beauty," would have been a big story — the mere connection of the prodigal farm boy's mercantile impulses and precocious aesthetic visions would have filled a chapter or two.

The New Yorker

And yet we have sacrificed conversation for mere connection.

The New York Times

The sociologist Sherry Turkle, author of the recent book Alone Together, worries that "we have sacrificed conversation for mere connection.

The Guardian - Tech

But the mere connection between Mr. Whitman and Parsons, however tangential, has led leaders of the state workers union to call for a federal investigation of the Parsons contract.

The New York Times

My girlfriend had a high-speed Ethernet connection through a college and was constantly logged on, while I, stuck with a mere dial-up connection, frequently logged on and off.

The New York Times - Tech

On TV, relaying anything that has the merest connection to the internet isn't easy, more often than not coming across like an uncle trying to talk about Drake.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was a telling choice of words — an utterance so evocative of gallant sacrifice and heroic last stands, yet made in connection with a mere business issue.

The New York Times - Sports

Many feel that a mere donor has no meaningful connection with the child who results.Now that anonymity is no longer possible, there has been a huge decline in the number willing to donate.

The Economist

This service relies on a mere 56kbps modem for the connection and costs $70 a month.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mere connection" when you want to downplay the importance or significance of a relationship or link between two or more things. It suggests that the connection is minimal and not substantial.

Common error

Avoid using "a mere connection" when the relationship is actually important or consequential. Doing so can undermine your message and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mere connection" functions as a noun phrase, where "mere" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "connection". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. Its purpose is to describe a relationship or link in a way that downplays its significance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mere connection" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, employed to diminish the importance of a relationship or link. While its usage is relatively rare, predominantly appearing in news and media contexts, the phrase effectively conveys the idea of a minimal or superficial association. When writing, it's best to leverage this phrase when accuracy involves downplaying links; however, avoid it if the relationship is important. Alternatives include "a superficial link" or "a tenuous association", offering nuanced ways to express the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a superficial link

Emphasizes the lack of depth or significance in the relationship.

a tenuous association

Highlights the fragility and uncertainty of the bond.

a slight affiliation

Indicates a formal but minimal association.

a casual acquaintance

Focuses on the informal and superficial nature of the relationship between people.

a basic linkage

Stresses the fundamental and uncomplicated nature of the connection.

a distant relationship

Highlights the emotional or physical separation between the parties.

a passing interaction

Emphasizes the brief and fleeting nature of the connection.

a formal contact

Highlights the impersonal nature of the connection.

a remote tie

Similar to 'distant relationship', suggesting a lack of closeness.

a nominal association

The connection exists in name only, lacking real substance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mere connection" to emphasize the insubstantial nature of a link or relationship. For example, "Their involvement was "a mere connection", with no real impact on the outcome."

What's the difference between "a mere connection" and "a strong connection"?

"A mere connection" implies a weak or insignificant relationship, while "a strong connection" suggests a substantial and important bond.

What are some alternatives to using "a mere connection"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a superficial link", "a tenuous association", or "a slight affiliation".

Is it appropriate to use "a mere connection" in formal writing?

Yes, "a mere connection" can be used in formal writing, especially when you want to objectively describe a relationship as weak or insignificant. However, consider the connotations and ensure it aligns with your intended tone.