a mere object

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mere object" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the simplicity or insignificance of something, often in a philosophical or critical context. Example: "In the artist's view, the sculpture was not just a mere object, but a representation of deeper emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Objectify: (verb) to treat something as a mere object, to deny its dignity.

The Guardian - Opinion

A woman is thrown down by her lover, or carried naked on his shoulders, a mere object.

The New York Times - Arts

He said that anything larger would have implied the work was a monument and anything smaller would have made it a mere object.

The New York Times - Arts

Too much neatness and fuss makes a sculpture into a mere object – that is the silent advice Michelangelo's work offers to students at the Royal Academy.

The Guardian - Arts

The rational being, he recognizes, must be treated always as an end in himself, as something of intrinsic value, and never as a mere object to be disposed of according to purposes that are not its own.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He nodded to a series of recent scientific claims by mentioning human cloning, saying it, along with abortion and euthanasia, "risk reducing the human person to a mere object".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

A risk of absurdity always attends the willingness to surrender oneself to the spell of any mere object: the dirtied swatch of cloth that is a painting, for example.

The New Yorker

It seems, for example, that what comes into existence on the above account of the generating process (which talks of authors' conceiving of their literary creations) is not a fictional object as such, but rather a (mere) intentional object, the target of a certain authorial thought.

SEP

Now this, the dreaming breathing bodylying right besidemy own, just think — at any given instantit might undergo a change soenormous that nothing is left of it but mere object, a thingto be taken away from me, neverto be seen again, never.

The New Yorker

Now this, the dreaming breathing body lying right beside my own, just think — at any given instant it might undergo a change so enormous that nothing is left of it but mere object, a thing to be taken away from me, never to be seen again, never.

The New Yorker

A mere intentional object is not yet a fictional object, as Thomasson (1999 89) agrees, so what makes it one?

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mere object" to express that something is being treated as less than it should be, lacking inherent value or dignity. This phrase is effective in philosophical, ethical, or critical discussions where the reduction of something to a basic or dehumanized state is being highlighted.

Common error

Avoid using "a mere object" when simply describing an object's physical attributes or function. This phrase carries a connotation of reduced value or mistreatment, and it's unsuitable for neutral descriptions. Instead, opt for descriptive adjectives like "simple", "basic", or "ordinary" if you don't want to imply judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mere object" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or an object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms it often highlights the diminished value or importance of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a mere object" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that conveys a critical perspective by emphasizing the reduction of something's value or dignity. According to Ludwig AI, it's often deployed in ethical, philosophical, and critical discussions to highlight injustice or mistreatment. While the phrase is considered correct, it's essential to use it judiciously to ensure you want to convey the intended tone. While often found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, avoid overusing it in simple descriptive contexts to prevent unintended judgmental connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just an object

Replaces "mere" with "just", implying a similar sense of simplicity or insignificance.

simply an object

Uses "simply" instead of "mere" to convey the basic or uncomplicated nature of the object.

only an object

Emphasizes the object's lack of additional qualities or importance beyond its basic function.

a simple object

Focuses on the object's lack of complexity, highlighting its elementary nature.

a basic object

Similar to "simple object", but emphasizes the object's fundamental or essential characteristics.

a plain object

Highlights the object's lack of ornamentation or elaboration, suggesting a lack of special features.

a common object

Indicates that the object is ordinary and frequently encountered, diminishing its uniqueness.

an insignificant object

Directly states the object's lack of importance or consequence, reducing its perceived value.

a trivial object

Emphasizes the object's unimportance or lack of serious value, suggesting it is not worth considering.

a negligible object

Indicates that the object is so small or unimportant that it can be safely disregarded.

FAQs

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

Use "a mere object" to emphasize that something is being treated without the respect or value it deserves. For instance, "The company viewed its employees as "a mere object" for profit, disregarding their well-being".

What are some alternatives to "a mere object"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "just an object", "simply an object", or "a simple object". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a simple object" or "a mere object"?

While both phrases describe something as basic, "a mere object" implies a reduction in value or dignity, often with a critical undertone. "A simple object" is more neutral and describes something lacking complexity without necessarily implying mistreatment or belittlement. Choose "a mere object" when you want to express disapproval of something's reduced status.

What does it mean to objectify someone or something as "a mere object"?

To objectify someone or something as "a mere object" means to treat them as if they have no inherent worth or dignity beyond their usefulness or physical attributes. It reduces their value to a single dimension, ignoring their complexity and intrinsic value.