a mere solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mere solution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that a solution is simple, insignificant, or lacking in depth or complexity. Example: "While the proposal seemed appealing, it was ultimately just a mere solution to a much larger problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In general, this problem is much more difficult than finding a mere solution.

Advances in Difference Equations

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A plug-in hybrid is a mere interim solution on the way to an all electric future, Musk says.

Forbes

By combining sophisticated sensors with computer vision technology, the Lighthouse team hopes to deliver an experience that brings more day-to-day value than a mere home security solution.

TechCrunch

[Hint from a mere mortal: Newtie is not His solution.].

Huffington Post

Yet the list also highlights a mere fraction of the problems — numerous though they are — instead of the solution.

Huffington Post

The entire imaging solutions division, which includes the company's cameras, generates a mere 13percentt of revenue.

The New York Times

Heuristic solution approaches to the design of Pedibus lines have been proposed in the literature, considering Pedibus as a mere application of the school bus routing problem.

Transportation Research Procedia

I consulted YouTube for a solution, eventually deciding to heed the advice of an excitable Russian who had successfully opened a bottle with a mere door key.

Vice

The skilled architect is able to build an everyday reality founded on cultural sustainability, safeguarding architecture from becoming a mere solution the métier as the key to the future.

Columbia University

Not a "mere" tweaker.

The New Yorker

A mere handful.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mere solution" when you want to downplay the effectiveness or significance of a proposed solution. It's effective for conveying that something is insufficient or simplistic.

Common error

Avoid using "a mere solution" when the solution is actually comprehensive or significant. This phrase can undermine your credibility if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mere solution" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "solution". The adjective "mere" diminishes the significance or effectiveness of the solution, suggesting it is basic or insufficient. Ludwig confirms that is a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a mere solution" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English, typically employed to downplay the significance or effectiveness of a proposed solution. As indicated by Ludwig, it implies that the solution is simple, insufficient, or not fully addressing the underlying problem. While its usage is relatively rare, it is found across diverse contexts, notably in news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, writers should ensure that it accurately reflects the limited scope of the solution to avoid misrepresenting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple solution

Highlights the solution's lack of complexity.

a superficial solution

Emphasizes that the solution doesn't address the root cause.

a quick fix

Focuses on the speed and often temporary nature of the solution.

a band-aid solution

Suggests the solution is a temporary and inadequate fix.

an interim solution

Implies the solution is temporary and will be replaced by something better.

a stopgap measure

Indicates the solution is a temporary way to prevent something from getting worse.

a facile solution

Implies the solution is too simplistic and doesn't consider all aspects.

a cosmetic solution

Suggests the solution only improves the appearance without fixing the underlying problem.

a basic solution

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the solution.

a rudimentary solution

Highlights the solution's simplicity and lack of sophistication.

FAQs

What does "a mere solution" imply?

Using "a mere solution" suggests that the solution being discussed is basic, inadequate, or fails to fully address the underlying problem. It implies a sense of simplicity or insufficiency.

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

You can use "a mere solution" to express that something is not enough or that it is an oversimplified answer to a complex issue. For example, "The proposed tax cut is "a mere solution" to the country's economic woes."

What are some alternatives to "a mere solution"?

Alternatives to "a mere solution" include "a simple solution", "a superficial solution", or "a quick fix", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a mere solution"?

It's appropriate to use "a mere solution" when you want to express that a particular solution is inadequate or doesn't fully address a problem. Be careful not to use it when the solution is, in fact, effective or comprehensive.