even merely one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even merely one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the significance of a single item or instance, often in a context where one might expect more than one. Example: "Even merely one mistake can lead to significant consequences in this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And there is not even merely one kind of multiverse but four, described in detail!

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

No overarching themes (or even merely overstated ones) connected the works or the composers, and although he has brought new music on past visits, there were no experiments or novelties this time.

The New York Times - Arts

Even merely adding the one question asked in each state to Republican voters may provide interesting data.

The Washington Post

It was the Passover holidays, and this evening session was merely one feature of a week of lectures especially given for teachers, many of them from out of town, who seemed to attend these sessions in preference to other entertainment.

The New Yorker

For the Taiwanese, who are proud of their advanced economy and democracy, embedded in China's offer of "one country, two systems" is an utterly unacceptable assumption: that Beijing heads the true national government and that Taiwan -- even if granted remarkable autonomy -- is merely one of its provinces.

The New York Times

Which is why the LHC, eventually, may be relegated to being merely one in a stage of accelerators leading to an even larger one — 100 kilometers around.

TechCrunch

Toilets are merely one link in the chain – one piece of a necessary city-wide, county-wide or even country-wide system.

Stanford University

"Merely one," I said, and I knew that he would yell at me for some durable time, and perhaps even punch me.

The New Yorker

"This is merely one step".

The New York Times

Moore is merely one example.

The New Yorker

The difference was merely one of degree.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even merely one" to underscore the unexpected significance or impact of a single instance, especially when more might be anticipated. For example, "Even merely one negative review can damage a product's reputation."

Common error

Avoid using "even merely one" in situations where the emphasis is unnecessary or where simpler phrasing like "even one" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even merely one" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the significance of a single unit or instance. As Ludwig AI suggests, it underscores that even a minimal quantity can have a notable effect. It adds emphasis where a simple "one" might not suffice.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "even merely one" is used to emphasize that something unexpected can result from just a single instance. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently found in diverse sources like news media, academic papers, and general-interest websites. While similar phrases such as "even a single one" or "even just one" can be used, "even merely one" adds an additional layer of emphasis. Use it to underscore the surprising impact a single element can have, but avoid overuse in simple contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even a single one

Replaces "merely" with "single" for emphasis on just one item.

even just one

Substitutes "merely" with "just", conveying a similar sense of minimality.

even only one

Uses "only" in place of "merely" to highlight the singular nature.

even as little as one

Emphasizes the small quantity with "as little as".

even if only one

Highlights the conditional aspect with "even if".

even just a single one

Combines "just" and "single" for amplified emphasis.

even a solitary one

Replaces "merely" with "solitary" for a more evocative feel.

even a lone one

Uses "lone" instead of "merely" to stress isolation.

even a simple one

Highlights the simplicity of a single item.

even a basic one

Focuses on the fundamental nature of a single element.

FAQs

How can I use "even merely one" in a sentence?

Use "even merely one" to emphasize that a single instance of something is sufficient to cause a particular outcome. For example, "Even merely one mistake can lead to significant consequences in this project."

What phrases are similar to "even merely one"?

Alternatives include "even a single one", "even just one", or "even only one", all of which highlight the surprising importance of a single item or event.

Is it redundant to say "even merely one"?

While "merely" and "one" might seem somewhat redundant, the phrase "even merely one" can be used for emphasis when you want to stress that something unexpected can result from just a single instance. However, in some contexts, it can be replaced by "even one" without loss of meaning.

What is the difference between "even one" and "even merely one"?

"Even one" simply indicates a minimum quantity. "Even merely one" emphasizes that this single instance is surprisingly or unexpectedly significant. The inclusion of "merely" adds a layer of emphasis on the smallness of the quantity.