be not merely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be not merely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something should not just be a superficial or simple version of what is being discussed. Example: "In our pursuit of knowledge, we must strive to be not merely passive learners, but active participants in our education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There may be not merely a glitch in the Matrix.

The New Yorker

You yearn to be not merely richer, but richer than your neighbours.

The Economist

Oh, that Childs, unlike Time, would cease to change and be not merely sanitary but Christlike.

The New Yorker

Customers' backstories show them to be not merely gung-ho, but traumatised.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We want our stories to be not merely persuasive, but true.

The New York Times - Books

But, while acting on vengeful feelings clearly needs to be discouraged, acknowledging them should be not merely permitted but encouraged.

The New Yorker

Jobs himself took over the latter project, insisting that the computer should be not merely great but "insanely great".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Musette, Theresa Tread well‐Carroll, happened to be not merely improbably hand some but musically and dramatically intelligent.

The New York Times

His delivery — crisp and conversational with a pugnacious undertone — turned out to be not merely adequate but instantly recognizable.

The New York Times - Arts

"The project of realism, the very name, shows it to be not merely hubristic, it's absurd, it's preposterous.

The Guardian - Books

Amazingly, they could know that Obama's proposed executive orders would be not merely bad policy but illegal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be not merely" to elevate the description of a subject, suggesting it possesses qualities beyond the ordinary or expected. For example, instead of saying 'The design is good', try 'The design is not merely good, but innovative'.

Common error

Avoid using "be not merely" in contexts where a simpler phrase would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious or overly formal. Choose contexts where emphasizing the distinction is truly necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be not merely" serves as an intensifier, emphasizing that something should surpass a basic or superficial level. Ludwig AI highlights this function through numerous examples across various contexts, reinforcing its role in elevating descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be not merely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that something transcends a basic or superficial state. As evidenced by Ludwig, it commonly appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, reflecting a formal register. When using "be not merely", aim to highlight qualities that exceed the ordinary. Be mindful of overusing the phrase in simple contexts, as Ludwig suggests. This can diminish its impact and make your writing appear overly formal. Consider alternatives like "be more than just" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be more than just

Emphasizes exceeding a basic condition, similar to "be not merely" but with a slightly different structure.

extend beyond simply

Focuses on surpassing a simple level, implying progression or advancement.

transcend the level of

Highlights rising above a standard or typical condition, suggesting superiority or exceptionality.

go further than only

Indicates exceeding a limited scope, implying a more comprehensive approach.

be not solely

Similar in meaning, but focuses on avoiding exclusivity rather than simplicity.

be in excess of only

Emphasizes surpassing a basic quantity or degree, implying abundance or superiority.

be beyond the pale of

Implies exceeding the acceptable boundary, but this alternative phrase is used when something is shocking or unacceptable.

do more than just

Focuses on actions that exceed a minimal effort, implying thoroughness or dedication.

outstrip the limits of

Highlights surpassing constraints or boundaries, suggesting innovation or exceptional ability.

move past the stage of

Indicates progression beyond an initial phase, implying development or maturity.

FAQs

How can I use "be not merely" in a sentence?

Use "be not merely" to indicate that something is more than just a basic or simple version of what is being discussed. For example, 'The goal should "be not merely" to survive, but to thrive'.

What are some alternatives to "be not merely"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be more than just", "extend beyond simply", or "transcend the level of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "be not merely"?

Yes, the phrase "be not merely" is grammatically correct and commonly used in formal writing to emphasize a distinction between basic and advanced states.

What is the difference between "be not merely" and "do not simply"?

"Be not merely" emphasizes a state of being that exceeds a basic level, while "do not simply" focuses on actions that should be more thorough or complex. The choice depends on whether you're describing a quality or an action.