are merely one example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are merely one example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that what you are referring to is just one instance among many possible examples. Example: "These findings are merely one example of the broader trends we are observing in the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Driverless cars are merely one example of the autonomous machines to which we will delegate ethical choices.

The Guardian - Opinion

The national schemes of work are merely one example of how the statutory national curriculum may be delivered in state schools.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Moore is merely one example.

The New Yorker

Instead, I hope that readers of this book will consider both the European peculiarities of my concerns and the general trends of which Europe is merely one example of many.

University of Pennsylvania

But the provision is merely one example of many special interest additions that have been attached to what Republican and Democratic lawmakers both consider a must-pass tax bill.

The New York Times

Re "Afghan Ban on Growing of Opium Is Unraveling" (news article, Oct. 22): The Taliban's control of the opium trade is merely one example of global crime organizations financing terrorist activities.

The New York Times

It is merely one example of the resonance of the Parody for many who have participated in it, who celebrated the chance to turn a winking eye back to the law school and bond with fellow students and even professors in the process.

Harvard University

I do not dismiss the ethical traps that remain – the misuse of police authority revealed recently in north London, where officers seized property including plasma TVs and smart cars for their own use – is merely one example of how easy it is for corruption to leak into the ranks.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is merely one example of what happens when feminists reject intersectionality.

Huffington Post

Michigan is merely one example of a nationwide problem with functional illiteracy and very low skill levels.

Huffington Post

The Kit Yamoyo is merely one example of how design can be harnessed to tackle significant public health problems.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are merely one example" to introduce a specific instance that supports a broader claim or generalization. This phrasing is particularly effective in academic and formal writing where clarity and precision are important.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "are merely one example" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is just one case" or "is only one example" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are merely one example" functions as a qualifier, introducing a specific instance to illustrate a broader point. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct. The examples provided showcase its role in highlighting something as just one case among many.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are merely one example" is a grammatically sound way to introduce a specific instance that illustrates a broader trend or point. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it's more suited to formal and professional contexts, where its precise and clarifying nature is most effective. Simpler alternatives, such as "is just one case", can be used in more informal settings. Remember to use this phrase to effectively contextualize examples and support your broader arguments with clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is just one instance

Replaces "are merely one example" with a more direct and simpler phrasing.

is simply one case

Substitutes "merely" with "simply" and "example" with "case", offering a less formal alternative.

is only one illustration

Emphasizes the illustrative nature of the example, making the phrasing slightly more descriptive.

represents just one facet

Highlights that the example is a facet or aspect of a larger whole, rather than just an instance.

is a single instance of

Focuses on the singularity of the example, stressing that it is just one occurrence.

is one manifestation among many

Indicates that the example is a specific form or appearance of something with many possible forms.

exemplifies a wider trend

Highlights the broader implications of the example, suggesting it is indicative of a trend.

is indicative of a larger pattern

Similar to 'exemplifies a wider trend', but focuses on recognizing recurring elements.

is a case in point

Offers a concise, idiomatic way of saying that the example proves or supports a statement.

serves as an illustration

Focuses on the purpose of the example as a way to clarify or explain something.

FAQs

How can I use "are merely one example" in a sentence?

You can use "are merely one example" to introduce a specific instance that supports a broader claim or generalization. For example: "These findings "are merely one example" of the broader trends we are observing in the data."

What can I say instead of "are merely one example"?

You can use alternatives like "is just one instance", "is simply one case", or "is only one illustration" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "are merely one example of many"?

While not strictly incorrect, including "of many" can be redundant since "are merely one example" already implies that there are other examples. Consider whether adding "of many" enhances clarity or is simply repetitive.

Which is more formal: "are merely one example" or "is just one example"?

"Are merely one example" tends to be more formal due to the use of "merely". "Is just one example" is a simpler and less formal alternative, suitable for more casual contexts.