a mere expression of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mere expression of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is simply a statement or representation without deeper significance or value. Example: "His apology was nothing more than a mere expression of regret, lacking any real sincerity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

That it should be "retributive", a mere expression of society's rage, is primitive theology.

The Guardian - Opinion

It cannot be stripped of all unpleasantness and made a mere expression of pique, eccentricity, or generalized political frustration.

The New Yorker

Or was it a mere expression of the deeply ingrained belief, shared by Christian and Jew alike, that money has to stay in the family?

The New Yorker

The world has to give the final answer to the two parties, Mr. Ben-Ami said: "President Bush should say, 'The Clinton peace package of 2000 was not a mere expression of presidential will.

The New York Times

Here we need to distinguish between a corrupt action that has no effect on an institutional process or on another person, but which contributes to the corruption of the character of the would-be corruptor; and a non-corrupt action which is a mere expression of a corrupt moral character but which has no corrupting effect either on the agent or on anyone or anything else.

SEP

In our view the readout of convergence on the MAPKs level might be a mere expression of the convergence on the ACs.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Liberal political theory needs a theory of culture and agency that is viscous enough to matter normatively, but loose enough to give its core foci-the individual and the political system-room to be effective independently, not as a mere expression or extension of culture.

Harvard University

The frills on her frock, and the cell phones and legal details in his novel, are equally the mere expression of an an entire way of life, and, seen artistically, even of an entire life.

The New Yorker

As a composer, his favourite mode was improvisation on the piano, for him a communion with a transcendent reality and not the mere expression of his private feelings and impressions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By that definition, the mere expression of a personal antipathy to the president would hardly count as hate speech, no more than vandalizing a former spouse's car would count as a hate crime.

The New York Times

This is underscored by the finding that the mere expression of a single Stat5 target genes such as c-myc, bcl-xL, bcl-2, cyclin D2, cyclin D3 or CIS could not replace Stat5 expression.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a mere expression of", ensure that the context clearly indicates the simplicity or lack of depth you intend to convey. Avoid using it when a more substantial or meaningful action is expected.

Common error

Avoid using "a mere expression of" when the action or statement carries significant weight or consequence. It can diminish the impact and misrepresent the true importance of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mere expression of" functions as a qualifier, typically preceding a noun or noun phrase. It serves to diminish the significance or impact of the noun it modifies. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mere expression of" is a phrase used to downplay the importance or sincerity of something, suggesting it lacks depth or substance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and usability. It's most frequently found in science, news and media, and academic contexts and serves to convey skepticism or criticism. While grammatically sound, its effectiveness hinges on precise application to avoid unintended diminishment of truly significant actions or statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply a reflection of

Focuses on the idea of mirroring or representing something without adding anything new.

just a superficial display of

Highlights the lack of depth or substance in the expression.

nothing more than a basic statement of

Emphasizes the fundamental and uncomplicated nature of the expression.

merely a token gesture of

Suggests that the expression is a symbolic act done to fulfill a requirement or expectation.

purely a verbal indication of

Indicates that the expression is limited to words and lacks concrete action or evidence.

only a faint semblance of

Implies that the expression barely resembles the real thing or intention.

hardly a substantial demonstration of

Underlines the insubstantial or inadequate nature of the expression.

scarcely an adequate representation of

Conveys that the expression falls short of accurately portraying something.

just a symbolic utterance of

Implies that the expression is a symbolic act done to fulfill a requirement or expectation.

at best, a shallow show of

Indicates that the expression is only skin deep and lacks genuine emotion or commitment.

FAQs

How can I use "a mere expression of" in a sentence?

You can use "a mere expression of" to describe something that is only a statement or representation, lacking depth or real action. For example: "His apology was "a mere expression of" regret, with no sincerity behind it."

What are some alternatives to "a mere expression of"?

Alternatives include "simply a reflection of", "just a superficial display of", or "nothing more than a basic statement of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a mere expression of"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the lack of substance or genuine feeling behind something that is outwardly presented as meaningful. Use it to suggest that something is perfunctory or insincere.

What's the difference between ""a mere expression of"" and "a genuine expression of"?

"A mere expression of" suggests something is superficial and lacks depth, while "a genuine expression of" implies sincerity and authenticity. The former is often used critically, while the latter is typically positive.