but that merely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but that merely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or clarification, often implying that something is not as significant as it may seem. Example: "I appreciate your effort, but that merely scratches the surface of what needs to be done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

But that merely copies what nature already manages routinely.

The Economist

His touch was excessively strong but that merely meant that the ball ran to Grafite, who had a clear sight of goal from 16 yards... and boomed it over the bar! "Anyone else just a bit footballed out after last night's match?" wonders Gary Naylor, who is never, ever MBMed out.

The Guardian - Sport

But that merely codified a long held and accepted practice.

The New York Times - Sports

But that merely reflects the model catching up with reality.

The New Yorker

But that merely set up an all-too-familiar result.

The New York Times - Sports

But that merely scratches the surface of In Other Words.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

That was a better performance than equities, but one that merely matched the yield on three-month American Treasury bills.

The Economist

But any deal that merely tweaks the minutiae will only inflame grassroots doctors.

The Guardian - Opinion

But tenants said that merely started a game of musical apartments.

The New York Times

But wait, so do countries that merely bid for the Olympics.

The Economist

But, for their supporters, that merely underscored their long-range commitment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but that merely" to introduce a statement that qualifies or diminishes the significance of a previous statement. It's effective for setting realistic expectations or providing a contrasting perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "but that merely" excessively in contexts that demand simplicity. Simpler alternatives like "but that only" or "but that simply" might be more suitable for maintaining clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but that merely" functions as a conjunctive phrase, connecting two clauses while introducing a sense of contrast or limitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. It signifies that the second part of the statement diminishes or qualifies the impact of the first part.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but that merely" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed conjunctive phrase that introduces a contrast or qualification. As Ludwig AI points out, its primary function is to diminish the impact of a preceding statement. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse in overly formal writing, where simpler alternatives might be more effective. Related phrases include "but that only" and "but that simply". Use it to provide nuanced perspectives, but be mindful of the context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but that only

Replaces 'merely' with 'only', emphasizing the limited effect or scope.

but that simply

Uses 'simply' instead of 'merely', suggesting ease or lack of complexity in the result.

but that just

Replaces 'merely' with 'just', indicating a basic or minimal outcome.

but that barely

Substitutes 'merely' with 'barely', highlighting the minimal extent or degree.

but that scarcely

Employs 'scarcely' instead of 'merely', conveying a sense of insufficiency or lack.

but that hardly

Replaces 'merely' with 'hardly', emphasizing the slight or inadequate nature of the action.

but that at best

Expresses a best-case scenario that is still limited or not ideal.

but that does no more than

A more verbose construction, specifying the limited action performed.

but that serves only to

Highlights the function or purpose of the action, emphasizing its limitation.

but that amounts to nothing more than

Emphasizes the insignificance or lack of substantial effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "but that merely" to show that something doesn't fully solve a problem or isn't as impressive as it seems. For example, "They offered a discount, but that merely covered the shipping costs".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "but that merely"?

Alternatives include "but that only", "but that simply", or "but that just", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "but that merely"?

Yes, "but that merely" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. It introduces a contrast or clarification, often implying that something is not as significant as it might seem.

How formal is the phrase "but that merely"?

"But that merely" is suitable for formal and semi-formal contexts. In very casual settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred.