a mere fragment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mere fragment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is only a small part of a whole, often implying that it is insignificant or incomplete. Example: "The report was based on a mere fragment of the data collected, leading to inconclusive results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Yet their limitlessness was a mere fragment of Phil's.

The Guardian - Film

But the show represents a mere fragment of the Phillips Collection's larger fragment.

The New York Times - Arts

That was a mere fragment of the vast throng that gathered in the same place four years ago.

The Economist

Probably his son's name, Shear-yashuv, meansomethingng like "a mere fragment will survive," but possibly it has a hopeful ring: no total disaster some shall survive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Only one exists; it is a mere fragment of the original; and many of its finest pages are at the Brooklyn Museum of Art in one of the more spectacular manuscript shows of recent New York seasons.

The New York Times - Arts

Current biology effectively explains individual facts and generalities of smaller scope, and the explanans can be a mere fragment of a theory (see, e.g., Schaffner 2006 on "patchy and fragmentary" reductions).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The dissolution of his first marriage is dealt with in a few sentences; the birth of his son garners a mere sentence fragment.

The New York Times - Books

He pulls the stick from his mouth and evaluates the diminished state of the confectionery, sucked down to a mere glistening fragment.

The New Yorker

More often than not, the fossils that we do find consist of mere fragments of an organism, rather than complete and intact animals or plants.

The Guardian

We may never know how the Denisovans earned a living, after all we have mere fragments of their anatomy at our disposal, let alone other populations that we may not even be aware of.

BBC

Bones the size of a child and others that are mere fragments have been examined, photographed, checked off lists, placed in cushioning cradles and packed in 16 wooded crates.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mere fragment" to emphasize the smallness or incompleteness of something, particularly when contrasting it with a larger whole or expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "a mere fragment" when the portion you're describing is actually substantial or important. This phrase is best suited for truly small or negligible parts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mere fragment" functions as a qualifier or descriptor, emphasizing the smallness or insignificance of a particular piece or part. It highlights that what is being referred to is just a small part of something larger or more complete. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mere fragment" is a grammatically sound phrase used to underscore the minimal or incomplete nature of something in relation to a larger whole. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts, it serves to diminish the significance of the described element. While not exceedingly common, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian lends credibility to its appropriate use. When writing, it is important to reserve the phrase for situations where the portion genuinely warrants such a description, avoiding overuse or misapplication to significant elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a fraction

Replaces "mere fragment" with a focus on the small proportion something represents.

only a small part

Emphasizes the limited scope or extent of something in relation to the whole.

a tiny piece

Highlights the diminutive size of the part being considered.

an insignificant portion

Stresses the unimportance or negligible nature of the part.

a limited segment

Focuses on the restricted or finite nature of the part.

a trace element

Suggests the presence of something minimal and barely detectable.

a scintilla

Implies something exists in only a very small amount or degree.

a shadow of

Indicates something is a reduced or weakened version of something else.

a sliver

Highlights the thin or narrow nature of the part.

a vestige

Suggests something is a remnant or trace of something that once existed more fully.

FAQs

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

Use "a mere fragment" to indicate that something is a very small or insignificant part of a larger whole. For instance, "The evidence presented was "a mere fragment" of what's needed to prove the case".

What are some alternatives to "a mere fragment"?

You can use alternatives like "just a fraction", "only a small part", or "a tiny piece" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a mere fragment" is suitable for formal writing when you want to emphasize the smallness or insignificance of something. Its use is grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts.

What is the difference between "a mere fragment" and "a small portion"?

"A mere fragment" emphasizes the incompleteness and insignificance of the piece, while "a small portion" simply indicates that it's not a large amount, without necessarily implying that it's insignificant.