as merely

USAGE SUMMARY

"as merely" is a correct phrase and is usable in written English.
You can use it in order to contrast two ideas or to emphasize the insignificance of something. For example, "The mistake seemed minor, but it ended up being a huge issue, as merely forgetting to sign a form caused a significant delay in production."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others saw it as merely a rebranding.

The New York Times

As merely preservationists or aesthetic.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They see news as merely a commodity.

The Guardian - Opinion

He ridiculed that surge as merely "a show".

The New York Times

He treated math as merely one of life's pleasures.

The New Yorker

He was not regarded as merely the governor-general.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But most see this as merely an excuse.

The Economist

At first the pictures struck me as merely spectacular.

The New Yorker

In English, this can come across as merely sonorous.

The New Yorker

News reports have characterized her as merely taking his place.

The New York Times

But those memories should not be dismissed as merely sentimental.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as merely" to effectively downplay or reframe something that might otherwise be considered significant. This can be particularly useful in persuasive writing or when providing context to complex information.

Common error

Avoid using "as merely" to dismiss legitimate concerns or downplay important issues, as it can come across as condescending or dismissive. Instead, use it judiciously to provide perspective, not to invalidate others' viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as merely" functions as an adverbial modifier, limiting or diminishing the significance of the word or phrase it precedes. It indicates that something is being viewed in a restrictive or simplified way. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a perfectly valid phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as merely" functions as an adverbial modifier used to diminish or limit the significance of something. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is perfectly acceptable and correct in written English. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Academic, and Encyclopedia sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While grammatically sound, it’s important to be mindful of the potential for the phrase to come across as dismissive and avoid overusing it. Consider alternative phrases such as "as simply", "as just", or "as only" to fine-tune the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as simply

Focuses on ease or lack of complexity rather than insignificance.

as just

Emphasizes fairness or accuracy in a limited context.

as only

Highlights exclusivity or the sole aspect being considered.

as purely

Stresses the absence of any other elements or considerations.

as solely

Similar to 'as purely', emphasizing a single, exclusive aspect.

as basically

Indicates a simplified or fundamental understanding.

as essentially

Highlights the core or most important aspect.

as nominally

Suggests a matter of name or form only, without substance.

as superficially

Implies a lack of depth or thoroughness in consideration.

as technically

Refers to a precise or literal interpretation, often disregarding practical considerations.

FAQs

How can I use "as merely" in a sentence?

Use "as merely" to indicate that something is being considered in a limited or diminished way. For example, "The initial investment was seen "as merely" a starting point for a larger project".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "as merely"?

Similar phrases include "as simply", "as just", or "as only", each carrying a slightly different nuance of limitation or insignificance.

Is it always appropriate to use "as merely" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as merely" can sometimes sound dismissive or condescending depending on the context. Consider the tone and impact on your audience when using this phrase in formal writing.

What's the difference between "as merely" and "simply as"?

"As merely" emphasizes a limiting perspective, while "simply as" often highlights ease or lack of complication. For instance, "He saw it "as merely" a stepping stone" versus "He described the process "simply as" a series of steps".