as a mere example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a mere example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that what follows is just one of many possible examples, often to emphasize the simplicity or insignificance of the example given. Example: "There are many ways to approach this problem; as a mere example, consider the method of trial and error."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

True, he was a member of a dying breed -- the old school of academic male poets -- but to disparage Matthews as a mere example of a lifestyle is to miss the great Horatian virtue he embodied: that of civility, which entailed the lost art of conversing.

The New York Times - Books

These can be framed in terms of Beetham's three dimensions of legitimacy and, subsequently, as a mere example, compared with the setup of the Overijssel case.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

As a mere example, decreasing of the equivalent thermal resistance Rb applied to a small edifice (surface ~ 150 m2, for which ~ 200 linear meters of borehole are needed) can entail a total borehole length reduction on the order of 30 40 m (ca. 15 20%).

Geothermal Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As such they are a mere example of the policy challenge that rests upon many states' shoulders to decide on whether or not change the mode of legal governance for establishing heat infrastructures from a bottom-up perspective.17.17

Energy, Sustainability and Society

as a simple example.

The New York Times

His use of these courts to pursue personal grievances, and particularly to treat delinquents as if mere examples of a whole class worthy of punishment, angered the rich, who were annoyed as well by his enormous wealth and ostentatious living.

Wikipedia

As Windelband already saw, the natural sciences view individual occurrences as mere examples of general laws.

SEP

It's easy to dismiss the wretched cheeseburger crust pizza as a mere food curio, a tragic example of the terrible things done to perfectly innocent ingredients by those operating at the bottom end of the market.

The Guardian

In this case single individuals (either people or objects) will be seen as mere examples of dynamics and characteristics pertaining to their group in a way that seems to resemble the generalizing procedure of natural science.

SEP

It was only to use them as mere examples of plus-sized women* who represent some kind of "problem" in entertainment that they have the audacity to both be fat (by her standards) and successful and in the public eye.

Huffington Post

For example, McDowell characterises hallucinatory experience as a "mere appearance" that such and such is the case, which seems to leave open whether a more positive account can potentially be given.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a mere example" when you want to subtly downplay the significance or complexity of the example you are about to provide. This can be useful when the point you are illustrating is broader than the specific instance.

Common error

Be cautious about overusing the word "mere", as it can sometimes imply that you are dismissing the importance of the example. Ensure that the context warrants this subtle devaluation, or opt for a more neutral phrase like "for example" to avoid unintended negative connotations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a mere example" functions as an introductory phrase, specifically used to signal that the following content is an instance meant to illustrate a point. It serves to introduce an example while often implying that it is not the only, or most significant, instance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a mere example" is a valid phrase used to introduce an illustrative instance, often implying its simplicity or limited scope. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is suitable for various writing contexts, including news and scientific publications, though care should be taken to avoid overusing "mere", which can come across as dismissive. Alternative phrases such as "for instance" or "just one example" can be used depending on the desired tone. While infrequent, its specific nuance makes it a valuable addition to a writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as just one example

This emphasizes the limited scope of the example being provided, closely mirroring the original phrase's intent.

to give a basic example

Emphasizes the simplicity and fundamental nature of the example.

for instance

This alternative provides a direct and simple way to introduce an example, lacking the qualification of 'mere'.

as a simple instance

Replaces 'example' with 'instance', keeping the emphasis on simplicity.

by way of illustration

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the illustrative nature of the example.

as an illustration

Similar to 'by way of illustration' but slightly less formal.

to illustrate

A more concise way to introduce an example, removing the emphasis on its simplicity.

as a case in point

Introduces the example as strong evidence supporting a claim.

for example

This is the most common and direct way to introduce an example, without any additional qualification.

consider this

A direct way to draw attention to an example, often used to prompt reflection.

FAQs

How can I use "as a mere example" in a sentence?

The phrase "as a mere example" introduces a specific instance to illustrate a broader point, often emphasizing its simplicity or relative insignificance. For instance, "There are numerous potential solutions; "as a mere example", consider the iterative approach".

What are some alternatives to "as a mere example"?

You can use alternatives like "for instance", "as just one example", or "to illustrate" depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

Is "as a mere example" too formal for casual writing?

While "as a mere example" is suitable for formal and academic writing, it might sound slightly stilted in casual contexts. In informal settings, consider using simpler phrases like "for example" or "just one example".

What's the difference between "as a mere example" and "for example"?

"For example" is a neutral way to introduce an instance. "As a mere example" adds the nuance that the instance is just one of many and perhaps not the most significant, implying simplicity or a limited scope. Use "for example" when you need a neutral instance, and "as a mere example" when you intend to de-emphasize its weight.