but not merely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not merely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is more than just a simple or superficial aspect of a topic. Example: "This project is about innovation, but not merely for the sake of novelty; it aims to create real impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's disgusting but not merely disgusting.

The New York Times

Nixon should indeed have been aggressive about civil rights, but not merely to avoid a floor fight.

The New York Times

Critics, mostly but not merely male, spluttered that she was a danger to the state and a proof of the folly of sending girls to college.

The Economist

The food fabricator of the 1960s television show "Star Trek" remains an elusive dream, but not merely because of limits on human ingenuity.

The New York Times

Changes to business rates are urgently needed, but not merely because it fails to reflect the changes in local economic activity.

The Guardian

The comparative study of behaviour needs to be expanded and supported, but not merely to find more data enshrining humans as "special".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But Rangers are not merely another team.

The New York Times - Sports

But it is not merely symbolic.

The New Yorker

But it did not merely endure.

Independent

But Plath was not merely borrowing.

The New Yorker

But the issue is not merely academic.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not merely" to enhance precision by explicitly stating that an initial assessment falls short of the full picture.

Common error

Avoid using "but not merely" when a simpler conjunction like "but also" or "but rather" conveys the intended meaning more effectively. Redundancy can dilute the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not merely" functions as a conjunction phrase that introduces a qualification or expansion to a preceding statement. It indicates that something is not just a simple or superficial aspect but possesses additional depth or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but not merely" is a conjunction phrase used to add depth and complexity to a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts, it serves to prevent oversimplification by emphasizing that there is more to something than meets the eye. Alternatives like "but also" and "but rather" offer similar functions, but "but not merely" carries a unique nuance of correcting potential underestimations. When using this phrase, aim for precision and avoid redundancy to maintain a strong impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but rather

Introduces a contrastive element, presenting an alternative that is more accurate or complete.

but not simply

Similar in structure, this phrase also negates a simplistic view but emphasizes simplicity over superficiality.

but also

Focuses on adding another element or aspect rather than negating a limited interpretation.

but not exclusively

Indicates that while something might be true, it is not the only factor or possibility.

but as well

A more concise way to add another element to a statement.

but in addition

Explicitly states the additive nature of the information being presented.

but beyond that

Suggests exceeding initial expectations or limitations.

but furthermore

Emphasizes an additional point that supports or expands the previous one.

but more than that

Highlights a significant difference or greater importance compared to a basic level.

but on top of that

Highlights the layering of additional qualities or characteristics.

FAQs

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

Use "but not merely" to indicate that something is more than just its basic or superficial aspects. For instance, "The solution is effective, but not merely a temporary fix; it addresses the root cause."

What phrases can I use instead of "but not merely"?

You can use alternatives like "but also", "but rather", or "but in addition" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "but not merely" or "but not simply"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct but carry slightly different connotations. "But not merely" emphasizes that something is more complex or profound than initially perceived, while "but not simply" emphasizes that something is more straightforward than assumed. Choose the phrase that best fits your intended meaning.

What is the difference between "but not merely" and "but not only"?

"But not merely" suggests a deeper understanding or significance beyond the obvious, whereas "but not only" focuses on adding additional elements or factors. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize depth or breadth.