a mere message

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mere message" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the simplicity or insignificance of a message in comparison to something more substantial. Example: "In the grand scheme of things, it was just a mere message that changed the course of our conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Baudrillard thought photography could be "unintelligible" in a good way if it could avoid being assimilated to a mere message.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

If you're looking to send more than a mere text message, you'll now have the ability to create your own comic on a mobile phone.

TechCrunch

Here's a cool way for music artists to reward their biggest fans and get some Viral Marketing® in return: drummer Travis Barker and turntablist DJ-AM (aka Adam Goldstein) are offering their just-released second mixtape, "Fix Your Face Vol. 2 – Coachella '09", up for free download in exchange for a mere Twitter message.

TechCrunch

Far from being a mere ephemeral messaging app, Snapchat's Stories tool allows users to craft narratives and artworks for friends and followers alike, as A.M. Darke recently demonstrated.

Vice

Though it was originally inspired by Kik, and had similar features to WhatsApp, it evolved from mere messaging to becoming an integral part of the Chinese connected lifestyle.

TechCrunch

The launch of calling for iOS is the latest in a steady stream of updates aimed at making WhatsApp more useful than a mere free text message replacement.

TechCrunch

"It's possible to think deeply while surfing the net," Carr admits on page 116, thus momentarily torpedoing the determinism on which his jeremiad is predicated, before he gets back on message a mere three pages later, accusing the net of "preventing our minds from thinking either deeply or creatively".

The Guardian - Books

Like others, it is trying to change the system from being a mere means of distributing messages to becoming a lure that brings together seekers of knowledge and collaborators.

The Economist

Done the right way, an advertising message would no longer be a mere ad but personalized content, Strietzel contends, one that might benefit both consumers and advertisers.

Forbes

The trust and faith that Juggalos have put in the duo is unlike any other fan base on the planet, and ICP feels more like a mere vessel to get the messages across to the people that need to hear whatever they need to say.

Huffington Post

"The decision to suspend Mr. Rice for a mere two games sends the inescapable message that the NFL does not take domestic or intimate-partner violence with the seriousness they deserve," the senators wrote.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mere message" to downplay the importance or complexity of something communicated, especially when contrasting it with something more substantial or significant.

Common error

Avoid using "a mere message" when the message actually carries significant weight or impact. It can diminish the perceived importance of a communication that deserves more attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mere message" primarily functions as a noun phrase modifier, adding emphasis to the noun "message". It suggests that the message is insignificant or simple, as Ludwig confirms the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a mere message" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to diminish the importance of a message, especially when juxtaposed with more significant elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to downplay or contrast, and it appears across various contexts, including news and media, wiki entries, and scientific publications. When writing, it's important to ensure that the context justifies minimizing the message's importance, as overstating its insignificance could mislead the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a message

Emphasizes the simplicity and lack of importance of the message.

simply a message

Highlights the basic nature of the message, devoid of any complexity.

only a message

Focuses on the limited scope and impact of the message.

a trivial message

Indicates the message is unimportant or insignificant.

an insignificant message

Stresses the lack of consequence or importance of the message.

a slight message

Suggests the message is minimal and carries little weight.

a basic message

Conveys the message is rudimentary and lacks detail.

a routine message

Implies the message is commonplace and not out of the ordinary.

a standard message

Indicates the message conforms to a typical pattern or format.

a common message

Highlights the message is frequently encountered or shared.

FAQs

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

Use "a mere message" to indicate that something is just a simple communication, especially when compared to something larger or more significant. For example, "The problem was far more complex than "a mere message" could convey."

What are some alternatives to "a mere message"?

You can use alternatives such as "just a message", "simply a message", or "only a message", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the simplicity or insignificance of a message in contrast to something more substantial or complex. For example, if a complex issue is being reduced to "a mere message", it implies that the simplification is inadequate.

Is "a mere message" formal or informal?

"A mere message" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The key is the intent to downplay or minimize the perceived importance of the message itself.