but merely

USAGE SUMMARY

"but merely" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express something in a weaker way, usually to make a contrast with what has just been said or written. For example, "He had been warned of the consequences, but merely shrugged his shoulders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I am not inquisitive but merely curious.

The New Yorker

Then consider a Greater Albania, not impossible, but merely unlikely.

The New York Times

These are not scientific observations, but merely personal anecdotes.

The New York Times

The Kremlin rebuked him, but merely for "foolishness".

The Economist

It does not ripen judgments, but merely multiplies them.

Independent

She didn't want to trap them, but merely join them.

The New Yorker

This makes them not hooker shoes, but merely French.

The New York Times

We thought 50 might be high, but merely nodded.

The New York Times

But merely recreating the CD in cyberspace will not work.

The New York Times

But merely creating a new ministry is not enough.

The New York Times

Such a test is not discriminatory, but merely discriminating.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but merely" to introduce a contrasting element that is weaker or less significant than the first. This helps to create a nuanced distinction in your writing and avoid overstating a point.

Common error

Avoid using "but merely" in sentences where a simple "but" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose and detract from clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but merely" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects two contrasting ideas, where the second idea serves to limit or qualify the first. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but merely" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a conjunctive adverbial. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to introduce a contrasting idea that diminishes the significance of the preceding statement. As shown in the examples, it is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. While effective for adding nuance, overuse can lead to verbosity, so it's best to use it judiciously. Alternatives like "but simply" or "but only" can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but simply

Replaces "merely" with "simply", emphasizing the straightforward nature of the alternative.

but only

Uses "only" to highlight the exclusivity of the alternative, conveying a sense of limitation.

but just

Employs "just" to downplay the significance of the alternative, suggesting it's not more than what it is.

but purely

Focuses on the unmixed or unadulterated nature of the alternative, emphasizing its singularity.

but solely

Highlights that the alternative is the exclusive or only factor involved.

but exclusively

Similar to "solely", emphasizing that the alternative is the only option or aspect.

but essentially

Indicates that the alternative represents the core or fundamental aspect.

but fundamentally

Like "essentially", but gives more emphasis on the basic and foundational aspect of the alternative.

but largely

Suggests that the alternative constitutes the main or predominant part, although other elements may be present.

but mainly

Similar to "largely", indicating that the alternative is the principal but not necessarily exclusive component.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "but merely" in a sentence?

Use "but merely" to introduce a contrasting element that is weaker or less significant than the first. For example, "The project wasn't a complete success, "but merely" a step in the right direction."

What are some alternatives to "but merely"?

You can use alternatives like "but simply", "but only", or "but just" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "but merely"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "but merely" can make your writing sound verbose. In some cases, a simple "but" might be more effective.

What is the difference between "but merely" and "but only"?

"But merely" suggests something is not as significant or complete as initially thought, while "but only" emphasizes exclusivity or limitation. The choice depends on whether you want to downplay or restrict.