a mere suggestion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mere suggestion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not mandatory or is only a recommendation. Example: "While I appreciate your input, I want to clarify that this is just a mere suggestion and not a requirement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

It's more than a mere suggestion box.

Harvard Business Review

A mere suggestion of a hat, really.

The New York Times

Neither is it a mere suggestion.

The New Yorker

It's just a thought, a mere suggestion, nothing more.

The Guardian

But even a mere suggestion of possible risks seemed unacceptable to some panel advisers because the drug did not help people lose much weight.

The New York Times - Health

For Beckett's 1961 production of Waiting for Godot, Alberto Giacometti designed a tree that was made with wires and plaster: a mere suggestion of a real tree.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Whether or not there really is a nickname, the mere suggestion that one exists serves as a reminder that no manager can hope to survive when the only reason his players are behind him is because they are hoping to stab him in the back.

The Guardian - Sport

But Lee says such unwanted flatware advances can create problems with less-forgiving diners, who are quick to perceive a slight at the mere suggestion they need a fork in a chopstick house, as if the server has spotted a rube underneath all the finery.

The Washington Post

There was a time when the mere suggestion that a royal shindig might damage the country would be enough to garner an invitation to the Tower.

The Guardian - Business

The email suggests a fix to strengthen this "mere suggestion" into a requirement.

Huffington Post

Even if Meyer, Suozzi does not actually have the ear of the county executive or his chief deputy on issues that might affect a client, the mere suggestion that it could have their attention will probably bring in new business.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mere suggestion" to downplay the force or importance of a recommendation, especially when offering advice or ideas in sensitive situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a mere suggestion" when you actually intend to convey a strong recommendation or instruction. The phrase is designed to soften the impact, not to mask a command.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mere suggestion" functions as a noun phrase that serves to qualify or soften the impact of a proposal or idea. It indicates that the suggestion is not mandatory and is open to consideration, which is consistent with Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science & Research

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a mere suggestion" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a proposal or idea is not mandatory but rather a tentative offering. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news and media, academic writing, and general communication. The phrase serves to soften the impact of a recommendation, allowing for open consideration without pressure. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that you genuinely intend to convey a suggestion rather than a veiled command. Alternatives like "just a thought" or "a simple proposal" can be used depending on the context to make your tone non-compulsory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a thought

Emphasizes the casual and non-binding nature of the suggestion.

a simple proposal

Highlights the straightforward and uncomplicated aspect of the suggestion.

a tentative idea

Suggests the idea is preliminary and subject to change.

a passing comment

Underlines the brief and potentially insignificant nature of the suggestion.

a slight hint

Implies a subtle and indirect suggestion.

a casual recommendation

Highlights the informal and advisory nature of the suggestion.

a preliminary suggestion

Indicates an early-stage suggestion that may evolve.

a non-binding proposal

Clarifies that the suggestion carries no obligation.

an offhand remark

Suggests the suggestion was made without much consideration.

a gentle nudge

Implies a soft and encouraging suggestion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mere suggestion" to introduce an idea or proposal in a non-assertive way, for example, "This is "a mere suggestion", but have you considered outsourcing the project?"

What are some alternatives to "a mere suggestion"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "just a thought", "a simple proposal", or "a tentative idea".

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

It's appropriate to use "a mere suggestion" when you want to offer an idea without pressuring someone to accept it, especially in collaborative or advisory situations.

Is "a mere suggestion" the same as "just a suggestion"?

Yes, "a mere suggestion" and "just a suggestion" are largely interchangeable and convey the same meaning of a non-compulsory idea. The subtle difference is "a mere suggestion" can also be used in formal scenarios.